Cobra Racing Team - Shelby Cobra & '53 Ford Pickup & Trailer

Robert Dowsett
I initially included this as it was the first use of the Ford small block "Windsor" V8 in a two seater open car built by AC Cars in the UK with . But the story is really about the Ford small block which was initially installed in full-sized Ford sedans. In 1964 a bored out 4.7L four-barrel carburettor version was an option on the 1965 Mustang. This was the original "pony car" and options differ as to whether the Mustang went beyond that category or whether it could be considered as a muscle car when the small block V8 was replaced by the Ford FE 428 V8 in the 428 Cobra Jet variant in 1968.
So the small block "Windsor" V8 was never dropped into a muscle car?
Well the 4.7L Windsor V8 made its way to Australia were it was introduced into the Ford Falcon GT - and that car heralded the dawn of the Australian muscle car. But that is another story.