As we expected, the first ever KIT CAR Performance Day was a huge success. We tested several manufacturers' cars in four disciplines: slalom, skidpad, 0-60-mph acceleration, and 60-0-mph braking. Shell Valley in Platte Center, Nebraska, produces both the Midstates Classic Cobra 427 SC replica and the Shell Valley Cobra 427 SC, in addition to a '29 Ford roadster, a Cheetah roadster reproduction, and a Jaguar C Type replica. Thanks to a large presence of Shell Valley and Midstates Classic Cobra owners in California, Shell Valley was able to field several of its cars at the defunct El Toro Marine Base, where AMCI tests new cars and where KIT CAR performed some fun right-foot scrutiny on replicars.
Is Wayne posing for our photographer...
Is Wayne posing for our photographer or concentrating on the skidpad?
Wayne Wells trailered his jet black Midstates Classic 427 SC down from Lemoore, California, to be a part of the Knott's AHA show and our inaugural event. We let the manufacturers/car owners drive their cars or have one of our resident hotshoes pilot the machines to achieve the fastest times. Both Source Interlink Media's Nick Licata and Jason Scudellari recently passed the Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving with flying colors, so either one of them could have achieved excellent results in Wayne's Cobra. But Wayne wanted to have the thrill since he'd never done it before. This being Wayne's first time, his results were average. It's somewhat surprising that he didn't do that well behind the wheel in the performance testing since he raced for many years in Handford, California, in the Street Stock class for enduro dirt track racing. In fact, he removed the 429ci Ford big-block V-8 and Ford 9-inch from his '73 T-bird racecar, rebuilt both, and put them in the Cobra.
Rather than purchase the roadster as a kit, Wayne first bought the bare frame from Midstates Classic. A few years later, he obtained the body. Through the years he collected the best possible components he could, either new or used, and restored the used parts. From start to finish on the project, some nine years elapsed. Wayne may not have completed the build quickly, but he did a superlative job. To say his car is a black beauty is an understatement. As proof of how nice the roadster is, his peers at the Knott's AHA show awarded it First place in the $40,000 to $50,0000 Cobra Class. Indeed, his Cobra's so nice, maybe that's why he didn't drive it all out at Performance Day. Hmmm, we may be onto something here.
 Wayne pulled the '70 429ci...  Wayne pulled the '70 429ci Ford big-block V-8 out of his dirt track race car, rebuilt it, and installed the mill in the Cobra after polishing every bit of engine accessory brightwork to the max. |  Wayne's Cobra has Smiths gauges,...  Wayne's Cobra has Smiths gauges, just like the original Cobras from the '60s. The late Dick Smith, the famous Cobra racer from the '60s, autographed the dash. Mr. Smith achieved the record top speed racing a Cobra 427 SC-an incredible 198 mph! |  Purchased from Midstates/Shell...  Purchased from Midstates/Shell Valley, the seats were trimmed in black leather. |
 According to Wayne, installing...  According to Wayne, installing the Midstates/Shell Valley rollbar was one of the most challenging tasks in the build. Wayne's hard work was well worth it. The bar and the car look exceptional. |  Wayne's much more adept at...  Wayne's much more adept at sliding around in the dirt in enduro racing than he is negotiating the slalom. | |
Vehicle Manufacturer
Name: Midstates Classic/Shell Valley
Phone: (888) 246-0900
Web site: www.shellvalley.com
Car Owner: Wayne R. Wells of Lemoore, California
Pricing
Price of Kit: not purchased as a kit (bought components over time)
Price as Tested: $40,000
Chassis
Frame: Midstates/Shell Valley-powdercoated gloss black
Wheelbase: 90"
Rearend: Ford 9", 3.5:1 final-drive ratio, Currie Billet 31-spline axles
Rear Suspension: Four-link with Panhard bar and Aldan coiloversFront Suspension: Mustang II with Aldan coiloversRear Brakes: GM discFront Brakes: Stock Ford discMaster Cylinder: Tilton NASCARSteering: Rack-and-pinionFront Wheel Make & Size: PS Engineering with Trigo knockoff adapters, 15x8"Rear Wheel Make & Size: PS Engineering with Trigo knockoff adapters, 15x10"Front Tire Make & Size: Cooper Cobra P235/60R15Rear Tire Make & Size: Hoosier Street TD P275/60D15
Body
Paint Brand/Type: Basecoat/clearcoat
Painter: Donnie Fregunds, Fregunds Auto Body, Handford, CA
Windshield/Glass: Midstates/Shell Valley
Rollbar: Midstates/Shell Valley
Bumpers: Midstates
Lights: MidstatesMirrors: MidstatesEmblems and Trim: MidstatesFuel System: Carter electric fuel pumpFuel Tank: 21-gallon custom aluminum tank by owner
Interior
Gauges: Smiths with reverse speedometer
Wiring: Ron Francis wiring harness
Steering Wheel: Moto-Lita 15"
Seating: Midstates/Shell Valley
Upholstery: Black
Material: Leather, nylon carpet
Drivetrain
Engine Brand: 1970 429ci
Engine Type: Ford big-block V-8
Water Pump: Edelbrock polished aluminum
Radiator: AFCO polished aluminum
Air Cleaner: Custom with K&N element
Ignition: MSD
Headers: Custom by ownerExhaust System: Side pipes by Midstates/Shell ValleyTransmission Type: Ford Top Loader four-speedDriveshaft: Custom by owner, machined from Ford F-600 truck driveshaftEngine Builder: OwnerShifter and linkage: Custom-made by Bill Heeley, MDBattery: Optima with polished aluminum caseEngines Brackets: Marc
Performance
Acceleration
0-60 mph: 6.16 seconds
Braking
Minimum stopping distance From 60 mph: 197.05 feet
Handling
Lateral acceleration: .69 g (rookie driver)
Balance: Oversteer
Slalom Speed (420-foot slalom): 36.2 mph
Lateral seat support: Good
Test Conditions
Temperature: 75 degrees Fahrenheit
Humidity: 30 percent
Elevation: 52 feet above sea level
Location: El Toro Marine Base, El Toro, California