[Clois Harlan]

As a teenager I went with my dad to pick out our new family car in 1966. On our trek to find the right sedan we went into a dealer in downtown Tulsa called Doenges Bros Ford. When we walked into the showroom there it was; a 1965 Selby Cobra. It was love from first sight for me. A memory and a promise I kept to myself until my children were grown, educated, and married.

Finally, in 1999 I bought my first Cobra and with the help of all of those on this site (past and present) I managed to get it built in record time. Picked up as a Stage III roller on January 8, 2000 I had the car completely assembled, engine built, painted, titled, and taged by mid April 2000. I thought I was one stud muffin back then and mine was the most original of all the kit cars out there. Truth is it was a nice replica of an original and I was very proud of my efforts.

Thank you Carroll Shelby for planting the seed so many years ago of Cobra ownership albeit a replica of your creation. I still have my first Cobra and it has had several transformations (from a 302 with a Edelbrock 650 and a T5 tranny to a 427/ 550 hp with a Quick Fuel 950 Carb and a toploader and a set of racing Hoosier slicks). I love my Cobra and plan on keeping it and passing it on to someone else someday. My Cobra has opened so many doors for me professionally and personally. Friendships I have made over the past 13 years have proved to be some of the most enduring and worthy I have ever had. There is a bond that is made from Cobra ownership that is enhanced once you venture out on a track with your Cobra. Cobra owners that also track their cobra's will literally give you the shirt off their back if you need it to get your Cobra going.

Thanks again Mr. Shelby for enhancing my life and causing my wife so much frustration (my wife finally understands and it only took about 8 years).

Clois Harlan