Late 80's Kit Mfgrs.

[steve perkins]

Guys,

I'm trying to get an idea of who the major cobra kit manufactures were in the late 80's.

I just came across a 'barn find'.

To make a long story short, i've only seen a distant photo of the kit. My Buddy alerted me to it, as it's his late Father in Laws that he purchased around 1988. From what i'm told, the body looks decent, and the chassis is definately purpose-built, not anything homemade. The car is unassembled, with not much to go on. I'm told it has the front suspension mounted, and there's a windshield but not much else.

I'm either going to get it and re-sell it, or turn it into an autocross/track car.

I've wanted to build a cobra for about 10 years, but i'm afraid this might be too outdated to feasibly attempt a legitimate build.

I'm not asking for anyone to try to identify what I have, just maybe a list of builders that you all can pull from memory.

Regards,
Steve

[elmariachi]

This is a wasted exercise because there were literally dozens of cars on the street, not counting all the kits sold but not built in the years before. There were plenty of builders back then who would have built a chassis and body that would still be well worth building today if the pieces weren't damaged. Contemporary is one example.

[patrickt]

Obviously if the fella has some paperwork, that would be your best bet on figuring out exactly what it is... and speaking of paperwork, in some states it can be pretty difficult to license a Cobra kit that has lost its MSO from the manufacturer. Some states, not so bad; so, do a little homework in that regard before you write a check.

[steve perkins]

I didn't realize there were that many kit dealers back then. I was guessing there was just a few to choose from.
As far as the MSO, i highly doubt there is any paperwork. I would settle for a stamp on the chassis. This is why i'm seriously considering a track only build. Im in CA, so trying to legitimately register the car would be a real *****.
Also, I would be getting the car for almost nothing (seriously!).

As i get more info, i will gladly post it up.

Thanks,
Steve

[mdross1]

Back in the early 90's when building my car picked up a book with most of the kit car Co's it was 200+ pages.Doubt you find a stamp or tag on frame mine for example had none.

[elmariachi]

Photos of the frame, especially the front engine bay and chassis area can yield a lot of info. Guys here have been building these cars for 30 years and a lot of them are in California, so pics might tell a lot. I love barn finds, that's where my side oiler had been living when I found it.

Good luck and welcome to the forum.

[FWB]

definitely post a few pics, chances are someone may know of the car already. or have seen it in the distant past. who knows you may get a buyer that way if you eventually sell it.

Fred

[steve perkins]

I know pics would help. Sorry to stir the pot without much to go on. I plan to see the car 'live' sometime this weekend. I'm waiting on the actual owner to let us in the garage.

If (and when) I get pics, I'll post up.

Thanks Guys.

-Steve

[rustyBob]

if you build it or just resell it get all the info you can and ask for any original paperwork as it may help to resell the car..the more you know the more you may get for it...

[mreid]

I love these "who made this cobra" threads. It is a lot of fun looking at the different approaches taken to frame design, body shape, and component selection and then trying to figure out the manufacturer. Please post pictures as soon as possible! I'll bet you jokers $10,000 I get it first!

[mrmustang]

Originally Posted by mreid

I'll bet you jokers $10,000 I get it first!

I'm almost tempted to take you up on that bet

[mreid]

You dont count.

[joyridin']

It may not even be worth making it into a race only car. That is a lot of work for a car that has been sitting for so long.