Here's the first thing I saw when I stepped out the door Saturday morning...
Once again, it rained on the morning of a Cobra luncheon. It wasn't raining then, but it had poured earlier. After a quick stop at an ATM, I drove to the Waffle House in Kennesaw, had a waffle, and awaited my ride. Jeff Neely arrived around 8:00 AM with his stunning ERA...
Separated at birth? No, I think not.
I followed Jeff to his home and dropped off the Honda. We ran down I-75 to 285, then off the exit for Perimeter Mall. Two guys riding in a no-top roadster with threatening skies overhead certainly drew a few stares from fellow motorists, but we actually managed to avoid rain for the day.
We arrived at the mall to find Jason Patrick's Unique and David Crace's ERA (FIA car) already there. Clyde Hill, a newcomer to this forum, was also there with his son in their BMW M-something (M5?). We chatted, had some coffee and food, and finally decided that we were the only ones who had braved the weather that day.
I should insert a special thanks here to the mall security guard who was keeping a close eye on the cars while we ate and drank in the coffee shop. I chatted with him a bit before we departed. A true car guy.
The three Cobras fired up and filled the air with the music that only Cobras can sing. The stares came from far and wide as three Cobras followed one another down Peachtree industrial to the donut shop. At first, we were the only cars there. But soon, Chip Bearing and Tom "T-Bone" Heller arrived in their Unique and ERA respectively.
L-R: Jeff's ERA, Chip's Unique, and Jason's Unique
Jason's Unique
T-Bone's ERA
I'm embarassed to say that I failed to capture any pictures of Chip's car, David's Car, or John's Car (he arrived later... keep reading).
Jeff took Clyde out for a pin in his ERA and later allowed Clyde to take his son for a spin in the car. I think he's hooked.
Tony arrived in a stunning red Sunbeam Tiger (and I thought the engine bay on the Cobra was stuffed). His car looked fantastic and everyone was surprised to learn that the paint was from an older restoration (it looked new). Jason was having some problems with starting his car for some reason (unplugged voltage regulator), so we spent a while offering ideas for that (never noticing the regulator). John Woerheide called and asked where we were. After talking with Jason for a bit, John decided to bring his mechanic along with him. They were only there briefly, but didn't see the unplugged voltage regulator, either.
David, Chip and T-Bone had to take off so Jason, Jeff, and I rode to a nearby Fuddrucker's for a burger. Greg Buck met us at the Fuddrucker's in his stunning FFR. Eventually, it was time to go. Jason took off in his own direction and Greg and Jeff followed each other to Kennesaw.
By this time, the sun was out in full song and it was perfect Cobra weather. The two shiny Cobras played leapfrog down the highway, much to the delight of several fellow motorists and certainly to the delight of one motorcyclist.
All-too-soon, we were back at Jeff's place and it was time for me to depart. But not before getting another few shots of the Cobra in the sun...
Jeff and I were standing near the car chatting a bit when this young man pulls up in a white Honda Prelude with his window rolled down. He stopped, pointed at the Cobra and said, "THAT is a BEAUTIFUL car."
I tried to remember if my Honda had ever recieved such a complement. Surely it has. Maybe I've just forgotten.
Overall, it was a fun day and I once again felt invisible as I drove home in the Honda. After riding a Cobra all morning, it felt like driving around with a cloaking device turned on.
I trust everyone made it home safely and had fun as well.
Keith
P.S. I met 3 additional Cobra owners at the Hot Rod run in Canton on Saturday night. They are
very interested in joining us for our next luncheon. I got info from them and hopefully, they'll be joining us in June!