All posts by Francis Mitterrand

Auctions

1965 Shelby Cobra Replica is up for auction

Between 1962 and 1967, the American company AC Cars produced a sports car, the Shelby Cobra, which over time gained the status of a legend. One example, a 1965 Shelby Cobra Replica, used in the movie “Bad Boys” is for sale.

Bad Boys is a series of action comedy films starring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence. This car is one of two replicas used for the film and owned by South Beach Classic, a collector car dealership and vehicle rental business for the film, modeling and music industries.

The car was originally finished in red, but within 48 hours it was repainted in Midnight Blue to meet the needs of the movie. It was used in the scene where the French kingpin, Antoine Fouchet was chased by cops Will Smith and Martin Lawrence down the Opa-Locka airport runway. After the shooting, this Cobra Replica was placed in dry storage for 27 years.

At first glance, few would notice that it is not original. This Shelby Cobra is slightly larger than the original. It has a slightly more spacious black interior equipped with a Nardi Torino steering wheel, a Hurst shift lever and an instrument panel placed in the middle of the dashboard.

It is powered by a 351 CI V-8 engine rebuilt in 2023, paired with an FMX automatic transmission.

The car comes with an agreement with Columbia Pictures, signed by their transportation coordinator Larry Crenshaw, copy of one check and the original statement from Columbia Pictures, original Certificate of Insurance from Columbia Pictures, showing certificate holder with reference to the Bad Boys movie, date and insurance amounts, copy of registration made out to Columbia Pictures, and original 1099 form issued from Columbia Pictures to South Beach Classics.

The auction will be held on January 18, 2025.

Source: Mecum

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1965 Shelby Cobra Replica is up for auction
News

Tesla’s Cybercab can be operated via a controller

In early October, Tesla unveiled its self-driving car, the Cybercab, without traditional controls and without any driver control. Now, sources at the Petersen Museum, where the Cybercab is on display until next year, have revealed that the car can be controlled via a controller.

According to AutoEvolution, the Tesla Cybercab comes with a small Xbox-like controller that plugs into the car and is used for steering and pedals. A recently released video shows the car climbing a ramp while a person sits in the front seat, who is believed to be using the controller. Sources have confirmed that the controller was indeed used at the museum, but that it is also possible to control the car wirelessly from outside the vehicle.

Currently, Tesla is looking for an operator to use their Cybercab cars, but many believe that this will not happen in the next three years. The cars will be controlled remotely in order to address safety and navigation issues that robotaxi vehicles will not be able to handle on their own.

One of the problems that the American company needs to solve in the coming period is the maintenance of these vehicles, and some companies have given up on providing this service due to high costs. Also, some markets are currently unavailable for Cybercab due to strict regulations, so Texas is considered an ideal place to start.

Source: Tesla, via Instagram

Tuning

Ferrari Purosangue V12 is louder than ever

Since Ferrari launched its first SUV, the Purosangue, many tuners have based their projects on this model. One of the latest is Novitec and its equipment kit that takes the Ferrari SUV to the next level.

Novitec has equipped the Purosangue with a new set of sport springs, which lower the car by 25 to 30 mm. The springs are compatible with the factory lift system, and can also be paired with aluminum spacers for a wider track and a more aggressive stance. There is also a set of gold NF11 forged wheels, and NF9 and NF10 wheel sets are also available in any color.

Under the hood is still a naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12 engine with 715 hp (526 kW) and 528 lb-ft (716 Nm) of torque, paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch gearbox whose performance is 35 percent higher, transmitting up to 1,200 Nm in dynamic torque during gear shifts. Buyers can choose between a racing exhaust system without flap-regulation and a racing exhaust system with flap-regulation, sport metal catalysts and stainless steel tailpipes, which can make the sound of the V12 engine one of the loudest on the planet. This will attract the attention of many, but many will also want to hear it again.

It should also be noted that Novitec has not prepared any body components, at least not yet. They will arrive in a few weeks.

Source: Novitec

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Ferrari Puresangue V12 is louder than ever