Thanks for the interesting replies everybody. I'm presently in a state of extreme frustration: it's been raining for the past two weeks, to the extent that we've experienced the wettest December in 150 years in the south-east part of Queensland, and today is the first really fine day in what seems like eternity.
Great Cobra weather you say? A perfect opportunity to get to know the newest member of the family?
Wrong!! My left knee has been playing up for some time now, the result of worn cartilage and ligament damage sustained in a bingle I had on my bike in March which hasn't settled down of its own accord. So yesterday I had an arthroscopy and now I'm bandaged up like a mummy with my left leg immobilised and unable to drive anywhere. Bugger!!!!
Having owned a couple of Healeys in my younger days, a 100/6 and a 3000 Mk2, I became interested in their background and their racing and rally history, and so it was gratifying to read Duane's remarks about the correct features of my car as they pertain to how the factory Arntz cars were produced back inthe 70s. Rest assured Duane these will be retained! And we're also on the lookout for the correct wheels if you happen to see any....
Russ and Arthur: Yep, glad I trusted your advice about the cockpit. If anything you understated its size. It's huge! I guess every now and then in this life you just have to screw up your eyes and take that jump. I definitely landed on my feet with you two guys. Thanks again! We'll no doubt be in contact regularly over the years discussing things Arntz and Butler.
And Les, don't worry, it'll be on a leash if you-know-who wants to borrow it. His is still taking up space in my barbq area looking quite forlorn, but I think that with the arrival of the Arntz there is a certain rekindling of desire to resurrect it. Not in its original form however, that unfortunately can never happen again, but in some state of build that will not raise the ire of the Transport Dept like it did before. Happy memories. What an animal it was! I think that as soon as Scotty attends to compliance (that word again!) work on Craig's Chevelle, there may be some move on the Cobra.
Enough of this typing --- I have to go and look at her again!