[WYT VNM]

I was 16 years old when Cobras hit the dealers; I saw pictures and heard stories from the older "gearheads", and a tremendous impression was made on me. In 1968 I was at college, and some slightly chubby guy with thick glasses unloaded a Cobra from a trailer in the dorm parking lot; his Dad had sent it I guess. It looked like (must have been) a real one, because it was rough. Oh, the sound when it started. I learned about the sin of Coveting that day, and jealousy crept into my heart big time. As I got older I gravitated towards Fords. Beginning with a '63 Falcon, I started my "shadetree" activities by dropping in a 289 and automatic. Later I went through a handfull of performance Mustangs including a '71 Boss 351. Although I got seriously involved in dirt bike racing, I never, ever got the "vision" of a Cobra out of my dreams.

Even later (10 years or so) I knew that I was not complete, and that I SHOULD build a Cobra.

HERE'S THE TURNING POINT! Kids grown and gone, my wife says, "since you like motorcycles so much, let's get a touring bike with a trailer for fun trips". That was my opening, because I KNEW she wanted a convertible car. I said, "that's a great idea sweety. But do you know how uncomfortable a bike can be on a trip? How about let's MAKE OUR OWN CONVERTIBLE instead?"

It worked!!!! Then I showed her a photo and took her to see Cobra's at Pigeon Forge........she was HOOKED!!!! Ordered; built; met new friends who HELPED; nothing but fun since.

I am complete, blessed, and not feeling guilty about the irrational spending!!! Just wish I knew who the guy was who got the Cobra at school.