First post on the CC forum!! Now talk me into buying a cobra!!

Backdraft73 · #1 (**permalink**) 12-13-2010, 01:48 PM

This is my first day on the cobra forum, I have been in love with these cars my whole life (as I am sure most of you are) and I got a chance to spend a weekend at Texas World Speedway and watch James and the guys with backdraft racing. Needless to say I was hooked after seeing a cobra blazing down the track at 120 mph and hearing that incredible roar!!

Now in my heart I have been a corvette guy for many years and planned to buy my first one in 2011, but now I am having serious second thoughts. I have my Tundra for work and so this would be a second car for me, mostly weekend but I would like to drive it during the week. With the cobra I will have to cover it at work and there is of course the weather issues. With the vette I simply put up the top. The vette has a/c and heat, radio, top, and all the creature comforts, but nothing looks or sounds like that cobra, so talk me in or out of buying one.

Thanks for your time!! BJ

HI Cobra · #2 (**permalink**) 12-13-2010, 02:09 PM

Sorry - that is a choice YOU have to make. You have been nipped - now do your research and make an informed decision. This is a great place to get all the information you can use.

Now - go for it!

blykins · #3 (**permalink**) 12-13-2010, 02:10 PM

Buy a Cobra....

And buy an engine/drivetrain from me...

lnfletcher · #4 (**permalink**) 12-13-2010, 02:24 PM

Simple, go drive one and we will not have to "talk" you into anything!
(Plus, Cobra owners are not near as snobby!)

(You see vettes EVERYWHERE!)

lamaluv · #5 (**permalink**) 12-13-2010, 02:26 PM

If you really need to be convinced by us you probably don't want the Cobra bad enough.

CHANMADD · #6 (**permalink**) 12-13-2010, 02:28 PM

The Cobra softtops are pretty good today and why do have to cover your car? I have always (24 yrs) just used and parked my Cobra....like any other car. I have had the odd kid stand on the sidepipes at shows and the like but never while parked......unless I just did'nt see.

Ron AZ · #7 (**permalink**) 12-13-2010, 02:55 PM

Backdraft 73...

I would never try to talk you into buying anything.. I, like you and most everyone on this site, loves the Shelby Cobra.

I had a replica for over 3 years and loved having and driving it. I believe you have to be a very devoted Cobra owner, for its not a car you generally drive to work everyday or drive it to a mall and park it while you go shopping or to a movie. I found it was a car that I loved to drive around town and take it to local car shows.

I read that Backdraft had some end of year specials and you can get one with a Keith Craft 427 for about $48,900.

I sold mine because I found I didn't drive it as much as I felt I needed to and I also found it to be restrictive in when and where I could drive or take it.

I will tell you it was hard to wipe the smile off my face when I drove the Cobra, it was so much fun.
Good Luck.....

charles roybal · #8 (**permalink**) 12-13-2010, 02:59 PM

Go get one. And attended the Texas Cobra meet in San Marcos this comming March.

azfordman · #9 (**permalink**) 12-13-2010, 03:01 PM

It all depends upon what you want out of the car.... Are you a car guy or a hot rod guy? If you are at all concerned about the weather, comfort, noise, radio, a/c, ect....go for the Corvette, a BMW, Porsche, or whatever. A Cobra is about a raw as you can get, but it is the most fun you can have in a vehicle, IMHO. FWIW, I am 6' 5" and around 280 #'s... I had to pull out the drivers seat to fit in my car. Comfortable? No. Worth it? 110% Yes! Any questions just ask. Mark

madmaxx · #10 (**permalink**) 12-13-2010, 03:04 PM

Sounds like the vette is the right choice. All you mentioned about the cobra was the sound and craftmanship. Cobras are 100% toys, if you are not head over heels in love you will probably not keep it. You either love them or hate them there is no in between.

vanoochka · #11 (**permalink**) 12-13-2010, 03:06 PM

There's nothing rational about the decision to own a Cobra. If you need to be talked into buying one, you should get the 'vette.

Clayboy · #12 (**permalink**) 12-13-2010, 03:13 PM

Lamaluv has it spot on...! We're all big boys, it's your call.

Backdraft73 · #13 (**permalink**) 12-13-2010, 03:19 PM

All very good points, you truly have to have a passion for these cars because they are so raw. I love the open air, the smell of un-catted exhaust fumes, big cam, and of course the raw horsepower. But then the analytical side of my brian kicks in and says what "Ron AZ" said about worrying about where you drive it, and is it going to rain, or will it get cold, and then I only drive it on a nice Saturday. I want to drive it at least 3 days a week! I am not a garage queen kind of guy, I am going to go track events, car shows, and just cruzing. I know that I can do all of these things in a vette too, but nothing compares to these cars!!

zrayr · #14 (**permalink**) 12-13-2010, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lnfletcher

Simple, go drive one and we will not have to "talk" you into anything!
(Plus, Cobra owners are not near as snobby!)

(You see vettes EVERYWHERE!)

isn't it the truth. I don't understand why the snobbishness since they are so common. But there it is anyway. Heck, even the xke owners don't have the too -good-to be-bothered-with-you attitude as bad as the corvette crowd.
Z.

coosawjack · #15 (**permalink**) 12-13-2010, 03:26 PM

I'll make you a deal on mine with an enclosed trailer......Come on over and get it!!

I'd even throw in my '04 Ram 1500 if you need a tow vehicle!!

PM me or email at coosawjack@embarqmail.com for more info!!

SP01715 · #16 (**permalink**) 12-13-2010, 03:28 PM

I would buy the Vette if you plan on using it as a part time daily driver. I love my SPF, but I would not use it as a DD.

john chesnut · #17 (**permalink**) 12-13-2010, 03:35 PM

They are completely different cars. The new Corvettes offer current suspension, brake, engine and transmission technology. Plus they are real cars with creature comforts. But, they don't stir the soul. The Cobra shape and driving experience is soul stirring. It's the same emotionally as riding a great motorcycle. You are one with the car and with the enviroment. the Vette insulates you from the enviroment.

I like both cars. That's why I built my own Cobra replica with all C5 Corvette parts. It has the shape and the driving experience of the Cobra, with the reliability, servicabilty, and incredible performance the new generation of parts can offer. I love them all.

snakebitekit · #18 (**permalink**) 12-13-2010, 03:36 PM

If I have to explain it you wouldn't understand.

STL Mark · #19 (**permalink**) 12-13-2010, 03:37 PM

I had a Vette. Great car. Reliable, comfortable, plenty of power, sporty, nice looking - AND BORING. Hit the throttle, take 'er up to 130 or so, change the radio station, adjust the AC, tilt the steering - YAWN. But don't forget to wave at the other Vettes.

Take a Cobra up to 130 - watch your passenger search for something to grab on to. Shift gears over 100 and it's a life threatening situation. And don't even think of taking your eye off the road. You'll need ear plugs, and your arm will get tired of waving at passing cars, bikes, cops, neighbors, kids in ricers, Vette pilots, and girls. Everyday is a parade and you are the star. Fire up the car in your garage and your pulse will immediately increase - as well as you next door neighbors. Pop the hood at the gas station and you're a 1 man car show. Everybody in town knows you - you're the Cobra guy. Pull up to any stoplight with any muscle car, exotic, etc. in the other lane and know - you got this one.

SP01715 · #20 (**permalink**) 12-13-2010, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by STL Mark

I had a Vette. Great car. Reliable, comfortable, plenty of power, sporty, nice looking - AND BORING. Hit the throttle, take 'er up to 130 or so, change the radio station, adjust the AC, tilt the steering - YAWN. But don't forget to wave at the other Vettes.

Take a Cobra up to 130 - watch your passenger search for something to grab on to. Shift gears over 100 and it's a life threatening situation. And don't even think of taking your eye off the road. You'll need ear plugs, and your arm will get tired of waving at passing cars, bikes, cops, neighbors, kids in ricers, Vette pilots, and girls. Everyday is a parade and you are the star. Fire up the car in your garage and your pulse will immediately increase - as well as you next door neighbors. Pop the hood at the gas station and you're a 1 man car show. Everybody in town knows you - you're the Cobra guy. Pull up to any stoplight with any muscle car, exotic, etc. in the other lane and know - you got this one.

Great description of both...