Tony
Yes the 289 was available; 289 was first cast in Dec 1962.
The first Tiger 260 engine group was T15KL = Aug 8, 1963.
Rootes history states that Lord Rootes called Henry Ford to acquire
V8 engines for the Tiger. The timeframe here is a bit vague possibly May
1963. Yes 289 engines were available but it is a new, untested engine as
far as Rootes was concerned and most likely there would be a big premium,
$$, to get them. I'm guessing here but Ford was probably using all the 289
engines for there own vehicles. I'm also guessing that Ford was still in
the process of ramping up the production and assembly line for the 289.
Like I said I'm guessing here but my thoughts are that Rootes
considered the 260 engine a tried and tested engine. The price per 260
assembly was probably lower than the 289; cost is a big factor with a new
car venture plus Ford probably had 260 engine assemblies in stock ready to
be shipped anywhere, now.
I don't think Shelby had much influence at Rootes other than race
engines and that influence probably waned very quickly after the Shelby
built 260 engines failed at LeMans. As for Cobra parts being the same as a
Tiger; I believe the same vendors were used for several parts so the parts
could be off the same mold.
My 2c worth.
Ron Fraser
Tony Somebody wrote:
> I have absolutely no proof, other than a gut feeling BUT the 289 was
> available for fitment in the first Tigers. My gut tells me CS had a
> part in helping Rootes get 260 engines from Ford. he had to be aware
> the Tiger was going to be a serious contender for outrunniing the
> first Cobras that also received power from a 260 engine.I have no
> opinion of what claim we have to Mr. shelby, especially calling the
> Tiger a shelby Tiger- it just didnt exist. I have attended Shelby
> events at the Brown cnty.anual Shelby event. His name is not on our
> cars but we are set aside with our own group at the event and we are
> accepted by them or we acceppt them if you will. At one time I thought
> that some of the shelby tiger parts might also be used on the Cobra
> but it is evident now that sellers are just using shelby to put the
> parts on more screens and if the Cobra used the same part as a tiger
> it was very few. If we could lay claim to being a real member of the
> Shelby family it could only increase the value of our cars BUT I only
> see the bastard stepson relationship. Im sure when ask that CS is
> happy to claim the Tiger but Im not sure it is a valid claim. TtT
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