[plumbcrazy1]

Hi everyone! I was 36 in March when I put my beast on the road and turned 37 in May just in time to really enjoy the weather. I have to say that I didn't even know what a cobra was until I met my husband in 1989. He had fallen in love with the car some years before. We married and we went to New York to test drive a kit...I'm not even sure who it was..all I know is that I saw it and it seemed big to me ( I thought it was MG size...what do i know?)We left the dealership and hit the highway and it was all I could do not to pee my pants. I hadn't experienced that thrill of fear and excitement mix since my first rollercoaster ride.....this was SO much better. He ordered his kit from LA Exotics in 93 and it took 5 years to finish. I must (sadly) admit that I was not always an enthusiastic partner in this venture. There were times I wished that the garage would blow up. I wanted to buy a house first, the kids needed this or that...you have all heard or experienced the same stuff at on point or another. Anyway, the year before the car was completed I came to the conclusion that I was being a boob and decided to put my efforts in a positive direction (can't beat them, join them...) I squirreled away enough money to ensure that the engine was completed for Christmas and he had his first ride in his car as his gift. Being in cahootz with the builder on this deal was difficult but worth it in the end. It made me feel like "part" of it and my love actually started with the giving of that gift and the acceptance of his dream. The following summer when the car was completely done and street legal etc. we drove it everywhere. I was hooked! Nothing like the wind in my hair and the lopey rumble under my butt....makes you feel like the guy in the movie Titanic "I'm the king (queen) of the world!" I don't think I'll ever outgrow that feeling. Two years ago we separated and the car was his and went with him. Car shows and the kids are what keeps us in touch and 6 months after he left I purchased my own kit. With the same builder that did his, I built mine. Had my tiny little hands in every asspect of that beast. I'll never have girl hands again.... Gave me an even greater appreciation than I thought possible. We are still separated today but we did go on vacation together this summer and I hope we can find our way back. We had always thought we'd be a 2 cobra family...we have 2 kids...no one ever wants to stay home.....we have been out driving together in our cars, both with and without the kids. What a wonderful, exhilarating thing to do with someone you love. With alot of hard work and a big old smile from God, maybe the one thing that was once a sore spot will be the one thing that helps pull us together. I really would like to see 2 cobras in the garage this time next year. (I'll be 38 and he'll be 37 then)

Your stories have all been inspiring and from the heart. Thanks for allowing me to share...didn't think I'd tell all that but there it is.

Dawn