A Cobra for the "taller" driver

[PHC1]

What is the most "spacious" replica out there (if a Cobra can actually be called spacious! )

Is a Backdraft cobra for example noticeably more roomy for a taller guy since it rides on a 2" longer wheelbase? I also noticed the steering column seems to sit up higher near the top of the dash. If I am 6'2", should I focus on Backdraft replica because of the extra room or is the difference negligible?

[patrickt]

6' 2" is only "tall" to really short people. Any of the better named cars on here can easily fit a 6' 2" frame.

[Murky781]

5' 13" here and PLENTY of room in an ERA.

[Got the Bug]

Best bet is to get out there and look at and sit in several different models. It's not easy, but find a dealer that will let you take a test drive. I drove three before I bought my Superformance, so it's not impossible. Find some local owners who will give you a ride.

[FWB]

the kellisons and the west coast cobras have the largest interior. length and width

[crASH]

I'm 6'3" 225lbs and fit okay in an SPF. With seat mods that Dennis Olthoff and others can do, it would be even more comfortable.

The LoneStar is stretched four inches. I am told they have a lot of room in the cockpit.

[PSB]

My Hunter has significantly more room than any other Cobra I've sat in. Extra 6" really makes a difference. I've got a tilt column also .

Pete

[Cashburn]

Owner on left Tall, next guy 6'2", and I'm the twerp in the back at almost 6'. This was Ken's first BDR, replaced with of course his second BDR which he asked us to move the seat up a little...



Whenever someone says they won't fit I tell them about Dave:



Or another dozen owners over 6'4". I've learned it's all perception and how much they really want the car.

[Lew Ledyard]

6'4" and fit fine in my Kirkham.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by Lew Ledyard

6'4" and fit fine in my Kirkham.

... and I'm the poster child for tall ERA customers.



Ripped from here: 289FIA Frequently Asked Questions

[Donunder]

Note also that if you're 6'2" and 140 lbs with size 7 shoes, you'll fit in a lot easier than if you're 200 lbs with size 12s. Reach to the steering wheel and gear lever is never the problem, it's leg room.

I'm 6'4" 220 size 13s and I "fit" into my Arntz with its 91" wheelbase and floor mounted pedals extended as far forward as they will go. Am I comfortable? Not really. Cruising is fine but a lot of clutch and brake work around town is a bit of work. Foot and knee room is at a premium.

Am I happy driving it though? You bet! I've tried many other club members' cars and there's no way I could drive any of them safely. The seat's back and down as far as it will go and I'm investigating a lowered floor with pendant pedals to try to increase space for my feet.

As others have said, you have to try these cars on for size. Simply going on your height is not any indication of whether you'll fit into any car, nor equally importantly whether you'll be able to drive it safely. If you can't get from the throttle to the brake quickly, without going through some sort of contortionist exercise, then you're not safe.

[mreid]

I'm 6'4' and 225, I fit in my Kirkham with the dropped footbox, floor mounted pedals, seat pushed all the way back, and steering wheel raised. It's not as comfortable as my suv, but I still love it!

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by mreid

I'm 6'4' and 225...

RodKnock says you need to drop 30 lbs. We'll attack the abdominals starting Monday. Heavy workouts, morning and evening. You'll enjoy your Cobra more.

[Mother]

I am 280 pounds, and 6 foot 2. Boss Replica Motors in Burlington Ontario Canada is making a custom 427 Cobra for me. The interior drivers side is wider, and the foot box is longer and deeper then the units presently available in the states. Even the foot box is wider than Back draft or FF, or Super Performance. The only concern is that the units are expensive, but the custom kits are available at less cost.

One noticeable difference is that the whole chassis is the ground like an O.E.M. car on a BRM. All other units use a (+/-) wire for electrics. This adds many wiring problems, as the unit ages.

[Wbulk]

Pacific Roadster builds a car for bigger guys. I believe it is still a 90" Wheel base.
Pacific Roadster, cobra kit, Wide Body,Cobra Replica,Kit Car,Hot Rod - YouTube

[Bannon]

6'1" 195. 33 inseam (TMI???) I actually pull the seat a little forward a little in my SPF and have actually considered pedal extensions since I like to have my knees bent a bit when the clutch is to the floor. Unlike a Miata, most people rarely put up the top so headroom is much less of an issue.
There is a guy somewhere here on CC that is 7ft 1in and had a cut out for his right knee. Where there is a love of the cobra there definitely is a way.

[lovehamr]

I'm a big fat basturd at 6'2" 280 who tried on quite a few different makes, including an SPF with "big boy" mods (seemed to be mostly the seat back straight up and back against rear fire wall with a smaller steering wheel; not comfortable at all) in southern OH and was getting a little despondent about finding a Cobra that I could drive comfortably. Then Dave (mentioned by Jay above) let me try on his BDR at the London Cobra Show back in 06. Shortly after, I ordered my BDR and recieved #687. I have the seat bolted directly to the floor/frame with no sliders and all the way to the rear. Now I have good leg room and my helmeted head is below the level of the roll bar. All without custom dropped foot boxes, weird angled seat backs, or banging my knee into the door hinge etc. Call me happy with my BDR. Just for comparison, that's me driving with my 6'4" son riding shotgun and the passenger seat still on sliders.

[PHC1]

Thanks for the input guys, great info here! Good to know there are options out there that really work for us over the 6ft mark crowd.

[BAsque1]

Being one of those pleasantly plump @ 260 and 6'1" (290 when I got the Cobra) I own a West Coast 6" longer and 4" wider with plenty of room in the cockpit, built right for us. IMHO.
Cheers
Basque1(Lou)

[Dwight]

Lawrence is a big guy, 6' 3" or something like that. He build his FFR and modified it a little to fit him. He does have a removable steering wheel.

Dwight