Buying my first Cobra

[plharley331@aol]

Looking a Cobra tomorrow, like many I always dreamed of owning one and now is my chance, but I don't want to be blinded with excitement and not focus on what to look for. I was told that it is a LA Exotic built in 1979 with a 351 and a 5 speed with 11K miles.

Looks and sounds good from what was sent to me but what are some of the obvious things that I should be looking for? Standard mechanic's I am good with and of course stress cracks to be aware and weird noises of but is there anything else I should be looking for? The owner is an older gentleman that has had the car for a while but doesn't have a lot of information on the build but has all the paperwork to see. It has a state of Ill issues VIN tag that matches the title, is there anything else that I should be concerned with as far as the paperwork?

Looks like tires could be old if not original so Ill check the dates codes but I am concerned on the side pipes, no heat shields plus they look like they stick out father than I would expect.

This is a trade plus cash on my end, so I am comfortable on what I will have into the Cobra, if we reach a deal.

Thank you for your input in advance... PL

[Tommy]

Be very cautious driving with those old tires. Not only might they delaminate, but the traction is likely to be very poor, and that is very bad in a Cobra. . . As for the inspection, I'd treat it like any other old car or hot rod. I wouldn't be surprised to find old seals had started to leak.

You didn't ask, but I'll add this bit of advice. If you buy this car, unless you've driven high powered cars with few safety devices (e.g., no antilock brakes), be very careful as you get used to the car. It's easy to lose traction (and control) when adding power, removing power, braking and cornering if you get aggressive. Cobras don't handle like regular cars. Good luck. The pics of the car are very nice.

[mrmustang]

Have the car inspected by a competent mechanic, there are quality built cobras, and not so quality built cobras. Don't get fooled by a shiny paint job, and some chrome under the hood.

Read the FAQ linked in my sig.


Most of all, enjoy the hunt.


Bill S

[plharley331@aol]

Bill, thank you, a lot of good information here.

[plharley331@aol]

Tommy, thanks. I had similar tires on the back of a 600 hp Grand National and quickly learned to respect that car.