1 of 12: 1991 Ford Kelly Python

The Kelly Python is a rare Fox-platform sports car with an interesting story, though it’s ultimately a sad tale, as one man’s dreams never saw fulfillment beyond the production of just 12 units.  The Python was the brainchild of a man named Alvin Kelly, who happened to run across a prototype plastic-bodied car built by Ford in the sixties to present to Carroll Shelby as a replacement for the AC Cobra, known as the Bordinat Cobra.  After Shelby and Ford went their separate ways, the idea was nixed, but Kelly saw potential and set out to create a more modern version.  This 1991 Kelly Python here on eBay is in Hopedale, Massachusetts, and is one of only seven known to have survived.  It’s priced at $22,000, or best offer, and we’d like to thank reader Russell C. for his unusual tip here!

Alvin Kelly used the Bordinat body to create a mold, resulting in the Python, which could easily be mistaken for a kit car.  That’s not the case here, as these were completed and intended as turnkey, ready-to-drive automobiles.  Apparently, Kelly was also a true entrepreneur, initially hoping to produce about 5,000 examples, but reaching only a dozen before his company failed.  This one seems to be a very nicely preserved example, with the panels displaying excellent fit and finish, but I might have suggested to Kelly that he consider creating some unique taillights instead of borrowing units from a Thunderbird.  However, that’s my only styling complaint, as I’m finding the rest of the exterior somewhat appealing.

All Pythons used Ford’s 5.0 V8, and this one features headers and Flowmaster mufflers, with the owner reporting that the car runs and drives excellently.  Fortunately, Kelly’s vision of a good performer didn’t stop with his engine choice, as the chassis was also improved from the standard Mustang offering.  A subframe was added for strengthening, and the undercarriage was modified to improve the handling by moving more weight toward the back.  The seller describes the platform here as insanely clean and rust-free, and the supplied photos appear to back up this claim, as they show what seem to be very solid components down below.

Up front, the interior is just about all Mustang, but it’s cool that Kelly included a small plaque on the dashboard bearing each car’s production number, with this one being #009.  Unlike the standard Mustang, these are two-seaters, and the strong condition inside is compelling evidence that the 41,305 miles showing on the odometer are probably actual.  This Ford Kelly Python seems like a fun cruiser and a good performer for just over twenty grand, and I’m thinking this one will likely find a buyer rather quickly.  What are your thoughts here?