Looking at buying my first Cobra! Need opinions

[AdamInKC]

I am looking to get my first Cobra and being new at this, I wanted to get feedback on a particular car I found. I have found this car and the price is $27,000 so take that into account before trashing the car I do not want to spend over $30,000. Please let me know the good, bad and ugly about this car and this particular kit.

This replica is titled as a 1966 AC Cobra and is based on a Classic Roadsters package. This kit features a longer wheelbase with more interior room than the Cobra. The owner says that this is a much more comfortable and enjoyable ride. The complete original assembly manual is also included.

This car was originally constructed in Texas in 1999 and was completely redone by its second owner in 2009, receiving new paint, interior, suspension, and many other parts. It is straight as can be, having never been wrecked or in any type of accident. The paint and fiberglass work is of very high quality, and the black paint looks outstanding.

Under the hood is a blueprinted 5.0L motor (build sheet included) assembled for this car in 2005. Highlights include forged pistons, a Crane 272H camshaft, 58cc heads, roller tip rockers, Edelbrock Performer intake, and 600 cfm Holley carburetor with electric choke.

The motor is backed by a Tremec 5-speed transmission and Ford 8.8" rear end. The suspension has new coilover assemblies all around, and the car also has disc brakes front and rear. Cornering is excellent, as is stopping power. Wheels are simulated knockoffs from American Racing with Shelby center pieces and new Firestone Firehawk tires. Note too how nicely the wheels and tires fit in the wheel wells; not like so many other Cobras.

The interior is in excellent condition as well. Aside from all the new materials, there are 4-point harnesses and a full set of Auto Meter gauges including a vacuum gauge. Additional features in this Cobra include a tilt column and self-cancelling turn signals. It has a push button starter, windshield wipers and emergency brake are fully functional. The doors are remarkably smooth to open and close; very nice! And not to be missed is the glove box door with an original Carroll Shelby signature.

[AL427SBF]

Don't think you can go wrong for $27K, needs a good "spirited" test drive if not already done - long enough to verify handling, performance and operating temp stability. I would also inspect undercarriage and motor compartment thoroughly, having a mechanic with you not a bad idea. HP/Torque and Weight? - something I would want to know. Looks nice, if all pans out I would go for it.

[tcrist]

Be sure to check the registration constraints in your state. If it is already registered in your particular state, the that would make it a lot easier.

Either way it sounds and looks like a nice car. The price seems a bit too low for a well sorted replica. But as it is a non standard size and shape, I could be wrong.

[bobcowan]

Depends on what you're planning to do with it. The Classic chassis is essentially a flat platform, with interior tub and body bolted to it. The mid body hoop is bolted on. What that means is there is not a lot of stiffness to the chassis. If you're planning on autocross or road racing, the chassis won't perform as well as others.

But for a fun street car, the Classic is an excellent choice. The extra interior room is nice if you have long legs. I'm only 5'9". I couldn't easily get in or out of the car without moving the seat back and forth.

The extra wheel base is also nice. You get a slightly better ride on rough roads, And with a lot of power, it's less likely to do strange things. But, AFAIK, there's no easy way to get IRS.

Interestingly enough, the steering column comes from a Chevette. Difficult to find. Most of the places i called said they didn't know a Chevette ever came with a tilt column.

[tcrist]

Go to the Classic Roadsters forum here on CC and ask what can be done to the frame to stiffen it up. If you get an answer from DV, take it as gospel. DV is the CR guru.

[Bryan Anderson]

I know that you said 30k was your budget, But I would like you to consider a New B&B all new parts,9" rear end tubular front end, QA1 adjustable coil over shock, 4 wheel disc brakes, new crate 302 5 speed trans, painted any color, no used parts on this car 32,000 please go to *B&B Manufacturing - :::: - Feel the Thunder - :::: - Hotrods from Kit to Turn Key - :::: to see some of our cars and options.

thanks
Bryan
B&B

[rpatton3]

Looks good to my untrained eye. Parts should be easy to find for mechanical parts.

[Slick61]

a few questions first... how many have you looked at? Does this one tick all the boxes on your wish list?

I know when I was looking, the more I looked at, the more I knew what I wanted out of a replica. A few test rides in various manufacturer's cars can be very enlightening...

Granted, you will probably have to make some compromises here & there... be it color, engine, chassis setup, etc. But don't rush out & buy the first one you look at... take your time & think about what you want... and what you want out of the car. You may lose a few in the process, but you'll be less likely to have any buyer's remorse when you make a thoroughly-considered decision. Impulse buying can be hazardous to the wallet!

Good luck however you proceed!

[BBQCYCLEWERKES]

The right and left front door contour at the windshield area looks very diff. from side to side. Is this an optical illusion in the photos? The CR Cobra I had was identical from side to side on the door shape. Also the CR doors have metal bracing built into the doors and better door locks which give it a real smooth opening/closing effect. Doors are thicker then my Backdraft Cobra doors also.

[AdamInKC]

Originally Posted by BBQCYCLEWERKES

The right and left front door contour at the windshield area looks very diff. from side to side. Is this an optical illusion in the photos? The CR Cobra I had was identical from side to side on the door shape. Also the CR doors have metal bracing built into the doors and better door locks which give it a real smooth opening/closing effect. Doors are thicker then my Backdraft Cobra doors also.

They look the same to me...

[blown871]

Good read for me as well.
I too have gotten the 'bug' for one of these cars.. after 30 years.. and want to learn all I can prior to a purchase.

Great feedback to learn from.

Question: (and this is just my observation and .. personal view) Do some of these kits..have different fitment styles? What I am getting at is the way the body sits around the wheel/tire area. (yes I do realize different rim/tire combos affect this). In the pictures above I see a good deal of wheel well 'opening' around the rear area...

[LMH]

What's the wheelbase of CR cars? Looks long.
Larry

[byron w]

Hello Adam,

If you are in or near KansasCity, MO, check out the attached web site and feel free to contact anyone in the club. There is a list of Officers on the web page as well as other links. We would all like to welcome you to the Cobrafamily and the club if you like.

Byron W. Points Keeper, MACC

Mid-America Cobra Club

[Don]

Originally Posted by tcrist

Be sure to check the registration constraints in your state. If it is already registered in your particular state, the that would make it a lot easier.

Either way it sounds and looks like a nice car. The price seems a bit too low for a well sorted replica. But as it is a non standard size and shape, I could be wrong.

Agree......, verify the DMV registration/inspection requirements for a " kit car " , including whether separate Bill of Sales are required for the drive train etc. components., along with the possibility of emission testing. Another consideration is the Model year and make/model on the Title and Registration. In CT, all kit cars become a Composite.

[BBQCYCLEWERKES]

Originally Posted by AdamInKC

They look the same to me...

Must be an optical illusion. The first large picture of the cobra has a diff. looking front door edge at the windshield as compared to the other side. At least on my computer. Your 2 pics show the same contour though. Maybe these old eyes of mine are giving out too. Other then that, its a fairly nice looking CR Cobra.