1991 Ford Kelly Python 2 Seater. Number 9 out of only 12 produced.
Not a Kit Car.. Built by Kelly Motors in Ft Collins Colorado.
5.0 Liter V8 Engine - Automatic Transmission - Cold A/C.. Power Steering & Disc Brakes.
The Python’s origins date back to the 1960s when Ford needed a successor to the AC Cobra after AC Cars could no longer provide aluminum bodies for Shelby. Ford designers Eugene Bordinat and Mckinley Thompson were tasked with creating a new competitor to cars like the Corvette. This led to the “Bordinat Cobra” prototype, but it never reached production due to Ford and Shelby parting ways.
In 1981, Alvin A. Kelly of Kelly Motors Ltd. came across one of these prototype bodies and decided to revive the design. With the help of original designer Thompson and the approval of Bordinat, Kelly constructed four prototypes and planned for larger-scale production. The car was renamed the “Python” to maintain the Cobra heritage.
Built on a reinforced
3rd gen Foxbody Mustang frame, the Python featured a shortened wheelbase for improved weight distribution. It used Mustang components, including its interior, a 5.0-liter V8 engine producing 225 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque, and the drivetrain, along with additional parts sourced from other Ford models. Although Kelly planned to sell the Python through Ford dealerships, his company collapsed, leaving only about 12 cars produced, with just seven known to exist today.
A, The Python is based on the 3rd gen Foxbody Mustang with the suspension redesigned by Lotus. This is not a kit car.
B, Kelly chose the name “Python” presumably to stay in line with the original “Cobra” name. These cars used a strengthened Mustang frame with a shortened wheelbase to achieve a 55/45 weight distribution, and the suspension was entirely optimized by Lotus to improve handling.
C, The Python came with a full Mustang interior, engine, and drivetrain. To save on costs, many items from the Ford parts bin were used, such as pop-up headlights from the Probe and tail lights from the Thunderbird.
D, The plan was to sell these cars through Ford dealers, allowing buyers to option their Python with any dealer upgrades that were available for the Mustang.
E, While production plans were fairly ambitious, with a goal of 5,000 units, only a dozen were ever built at the factory in Fort Collins, Colorado. Just seven are known to still exist.
F, The chassis was completely different as well, using a Fox-body Mustang frame reinforced with a subframe and modified to move the weight balance farther aft for better handling. Sold through Ford dealers as a turnkey car (not as a kit) with a full warranty, the cars came equipped with a standard Mustang drivetrain and equipment. Options offered by Ford for Mustangs were available,
Titled as a 1994 Kit Convertible in Colorado. Showing 41,305 miles, Clean Autocheck, Plaque on dash depicting Kelly Python #009...
This Python has an excellent white exterior paint. A very nice original black soft top w/ boot.. Beautiful Cobra R style gloss black Alloy wheels w/ Continental 245/45ZR17 radials. Headlights work fine..
Beautiful original cloth bucket seat interior. Console, Cruise, P Windows, 5.0 floor mats, stereo, 2 Seater..
These ultra rare Mustang / Kelly Pythons are seldom seen as there are only 7 in existence.
This #009 Python Runs & Drives Excellent!! Headers added by Kelly. Dual exhaust w/ Flowmaster mufflers & Cats..
Chrome tips out the rear.. The undercarriage is isnely clean, NO RUST.. Tags & inspection marks galore. 4 Koni rear shocks.
I could type all day explaining the quality of this needle in a haystack of automobile history. Please ask questions, I'm pretty sure no experts will emerge. Enjoy the Ride!! 508-269-8878
