Howdy everyone, long time British car enthusiast here, years of experience wrenching on old cars.
Of course, fantasies of owning an early 289 cobra replica have plagued me for years. But I've always quickly pushed them down due to cost and lack of space to build one.
But I've come across an interesting project. A 27 year long project built entirely from scratch. The owner claims he created molds from a friend's original cobra and then proceeded to build the body out of layered weave and resin and he claims it's very close to an early version cobra(289)?
The car is powered by a bone stock 70's 302 with 3 speed auto. It has mustang ll front suspension with solid rear axle.
The car has only been driven 75 miles since it's been completed although it still needs windshield wipers to be installed to make it street legal here.
The frame was custom built by a shop in Ontario, Canada.
Lot's of original cobra chrome work, seats and he has an original ac ace soft top that he bought new and never used.
The owner is terminally ill and is letting the car go, has had several offers to sell the car, but is adamant that it goes to someone who will keep the car close to what it is now and has turned away many a prospective owner who wants to big block it. Understandably he's very attached to it and the number of years it took to complete.
I'm really interested in this car because of the story behind it.
But in reality, would a solid axle car like this drive like a pig? Depending on how the frame has been put together(I think it's just a simple ladder frame, no skeleton/birdcage affair) would this car be a death trap? It's sounds like it's basically a bigger version of a lotus elan(all fibreglass with no real structure other than a backbone style frame and flimsy support for the firewall and windshield).
The owner says the fibreglass is thicker than that of a factory 5 car.
I'm hoping to see the car this week.
Here are the only pictures I have of the car.
http://picasaweb.google.com/91jm1na/MyPictures#
I understand that without a bunch of details and pictures that opinions and advice might be vague, but 'd appreciate the input anyway. if the owner decides I'm the right guy for the car it will not be expensive to purchase.
Again, he's really concerned that it goes to the right person to cherish it for what it is.
thanks!