First 50 miles in one day (FIRST DRIVE)

[RangerMac]

I took my BDR out for the first real drive today. The temperature in south central PA did not get over 30 degrees, but it was sunny. My wife was strapped in looking like an Eskimo complete with a blanket. The ride was rough, noisy, smelly (gas), and certainly cold....it was awsome!!!!! My teeth got cold due to the smile planted on my face ear to ear. I couldn't tell whether all the looks were "hey, that's a cobra", or "hey, that guy is an idiot because it's cold". Either way, I couldn't care less.

I didn't push her too hard since I am still under 65 total miles. I stayed under 70mph and under 4500rpms. OK, maybe I got into once or twice, but who could resist?

All in all it is exactly what I expected. I am so glad I got it, and I can't wait until Spring. That does not mean the end of my winter driving. I'll have her out several more times as long as there is no snow and salt.

To all that are contemplating the purchase - what are you waiting for? Merry Christmas.

[tauro]

This thread needs pics!!!

[PLDRIVE]

Congrats Rangermac on your new car!

Keep in mind U are running HP tires (Summer Tires), therefore; traction is greatly reduced at 30F and you could very easily find yourself facing the opposite direction from which you started.
Have fun but but be careful!

[maurice19]

Go for it, Ranger

Maurice

[RangerMac]

Sorry; I was so excited to get going, there were no pictures taken.

In regards to the tires, thanks for the advice. I really did take it easy today. It was nice just moving through the gears.

[Cashburn]

I give you credit... the polar bear drives are the ones you always remember. I've had a few where I put some of those "hot feet" pads in more places then my shoes.

Glad you are getting some enjoyment already. The wait must be torture.

[JBCOBRA]

Excellent!
A tad nippy today here in PA. LOL
Been there done that!
Have fun

[Or Birdman]

I also took mine out last week. Dry roads, nice and sunny, but low 30s. froze my hands off but loved it. Congrats on your 1st drive.

[Jamo]

I always read and enjoy a new Cobra owner's post about the first drive. Good for you and enjoy the beast.

[James Stern]

Had a drive in the same temps. By the time I was headed for home I noticed my knees were shaking. I thought it was from the lopy idle but it just turned out I was freezing my a$$ off. Enjoy yourself you have earned it.

[madmaxx]

Driving a cobra is about as much fun as you can have with your clothes on!!!!

[Tommy]

Whle I am not overly fond of driving in very cold weather, I can recall my experience much as you described. In my case, I had just had the engine rebuilt and I needed to break it in with a thousand miles or so before taking it to the track in the spring time. Twenty or so hours averaging 50 miles an hour did it. And most of those were spent bundled up with my cheeks tingling from the cold. It was great. I'm glad you and your wife are getting to enjoy your car in spite of the cold.

You now understand how I describe a ride in the Cobra to my friends. It is a total sensory experience. Every sense is fully engaged, and there are few times in our lives when that is the case.

[lamaluv]

You won't get over that urge to drive your Cobra in the cold even after 30,000 miles or should I say smiles. As long as you live where the winters are long and cold you just won't be able to help yourself. It may not happen as often and your wife may not allways go, but it will still happen.

[Tulsa cobra]

I had the heated seats and a heater installed and I routinely go out around 45-50 degree weather, in blue jeans, a medium windbreaker, and a ball cap. Gloves do help, but not a neccessary item, especially if it is sunny.

I have been told by my father-in-law multiple times that in a fiberglass body, driving with the temps below freezing can/will cause cracking in the paint. He used to have a few old 'vets that had that issue.

Is this urban legend/based on older paint. Or does this hold true.

Congratulations. I have actually put more miles in temps below 60 then above, I would strongly advise watching the right foot placements, I have noticed a difference in temps around there as far as traction is concerned.

[cubldr]

Thank heavens for windshields. Used to take my Harley (no fairing) out on 20 degree days.

First 15 minutes were exhilarating. After 15 minutes....BRAIN-FREEZE!

[JBCOBRA]

[Double Venom]

Must have been three years ago (?) when a customer of mine decided he and a friend were going to drive his 99% Drag Cobra we built from Cleveland to London! In November!

I told him he was nuts, it was already late afternoon and a full 2-1/2 hr. trip on good roads. Not to be deterred by the 20+' weather he and his friend started out....!

How was I to know he/they were snowmobile buffs!? Sure enough around 6 PM they pulled into the shop, BOTH wearing full 'Ski-Doo' Snowmobiles out- fits. The big lumberjack type mittens, scarves no less, Snowmobile BOOTS, AND Helmets! The only thing they weren't missing was the smiles! I swear it had to be thirty minutes in a warm shop before they could talk without vibrating.

They said it (the trip) took longer than expected so thy were only going to stay a short time and head back. Well one cup of hot coffee led to another, then some of Diane's world famous C.C. cookies. A few more cups of coffee to go with more cookies, Cobra talk of course and it was 11:PM!

Back on with the scarfs, Helmets, and Mittens. Fired up the new true 600HP machine and rumbled down the driveway-headed for another 2-1/2hr trip back to CLEVELAND-without sunlight now!

They made it, called me the next day and tried to explain the fun they had on both trips, especially The looks they got from people they passed while all the time being in Snowmobile suits with HELMETS! (Both these guys were at least in their mid 50's at the time )

Ahhh the memory's!

Well done rangerMac, you definitely are in good and special company!

[marklombard]

Why put it up for the winter? I have been driving in 30 degree weather and just got a seat heater for $22 from Amazon that plugs into the 12 volt accessory outlet. Soon as I get my FFR back together this week with revalved shocks from Bilstein and heavier springs front and rear I will be looking forward to a toasty New Years ride with the Capital Area Cobra Club!

[Drake]

Best thing I ever did for cold weather driving was to hook up my electric vest from my motorcycling days.Has a rheostat to control heat. It really is decadent it's so nice.

[JLip]

RangerMac! Now you have me excited! My motor is finished and took the plunge on a new roller. Can't wait until it arrives! Have fun! Jim / Pittsburgh, PA