Never Thought This day Would Come

lamaluv · #1 (**permalink**) 08-29-2013, 11:04 AM

I have been forced to make the decision that some of you have already made and others will have to make someday. I am selling ERA EXP002. My arthritis won't let me open track and my knees are making it difficult to get in and out of the car. I can't sit in the car for long periods any more so long trips are out. She is getting used less each year. It still brings enjoyment to just look at her in the garage but these cars were made to be driven. I have labored over this for the past year and finally placed my ad on Cobra Country today.

For those of you that followed our trip across the US in 2010 to visit all the prior owners, I have finally finished the history of the car. If you go to my ad on Cobra Country there is a link to the cars history in the ad.

After waiting for years to get my Cobra and owning her for 9 years this has been a very difficult decision. I will really miss her and only hope that her next owner will use and enjoy her as much as we have.

KirkV · #2 (**permalink**) 08-29-2013, 11:45 AM

Bummer, hate to see it happen.

Paul F · #3 (**permalink**) 08-29-2013, 12:00 PM

That's a sad day. One I'm not looking forward to. Well, you have 9 years of great memories.

ERA Chas · #4 (**permalink**) 08-29-2013, 01:23 PM

Fully understand and commiserate. Had mine just shy of 3 decades (little later chassis than yours but in the 100's) and am lost without it.
But my chassis is no longer up to taking care of its chassis.
You'll get a quick response from CC and Curt will help-I did.
ERAs are timeless when done right.

lippy · #5 (**permalink**) 08-29-2013, 01:41 PM

Most people just think about it but never do it. You did it (experienced the car).

tcrist · #6 (**permalink**) 08-29-2013, 03:38 PM

Been there and did that earlier this year for close to the same reasons. Really want it back or another one but still could not for the same reasons. Just have to let the urges subside. Doing more stuff on the "bucket list" now.

Spend time & go places with your family (that is the important part) while you still can move around and it does not hurt so darn bad.

lamaluv · #7 (**permalink**) 08-29-2013, 08:27 PM

Those of you who have been through this know how I am feeling right now. It will only get worse when I see her loaded up for the last time and she is really gone. I now know exactly what my grandfather meant when he said " getting old is not for sissies."

Ron61 · #8 (**permalink**) 08-30-2013, 03:19 AM

Sorry that you had to go through this. One of the worst times I have had in recent years was when I drove mine on the trailer for the new owner. The most miserable 40 foot drive I ever made. That was several years ago and I still miss it.

Ron

BAsque1 · #9 (**permalink**) 08-30-2013, 05:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lamaluv

Those of you who have been through this know how I am feeling right now. It will only get worse when I see her loaded up for the last time and she is really gone. I now know exactly what my grandfather meant when he said " getting old is not for sissies."

My Cobra lover Brother:
I feel for you and hope that your health does not keep you from enjoying the rest of your life with quality. Take care, I don't want to think about that time when I face it.
Regards
Lou

MOTORHEAD · #10 (**permalink**) 08-30-2013, 06:11 AM

Don't go cold turkey ! Feed the Ford fever with an early Mustang, GT 350 or such. Should be able to drive that into your 80's and beyond, and still participate in the Cobra cruises, etc.
Best of luck,
Ted

danc30 · #11 (**permalink**) 08-30-2013, 06:20 AM

A link to the ad would be helpful

Bartruff1 · #12 (**permalink**) 08-30-2013, 06:34 AM

I don't intend for it to come...when I am at the home and the kids have taken the keys from me...I hope to still be able to go out and sit in it and make engine noises and shift the gears ....just like I did in my dad's 50 Buick when I was 11...

The good news is that you had the experience and no one can take that from you.

I swear every time I take someone for a ride (as I did yesterday with a young man from Germany) they are very excited to have actually ridden in one and can't take enough pictures and text their car friends. Early on, I even had people point to their Cobra Burn with pride...now I keep them safe.

.

mdross1 · #13 (**permalink**) 08-30-2013, 06:57 AM

We have had our car for 20 yrs this year and are thinking the same thing,not because of illness but we are avid motorcyclists,into antique John Deere tractors,and have a summer home.The short Northeast seasons leaves little to no time to drive our beautiful Cobra.Recently retired so we will see what happens in another year then decide.
Good Luck selling your car.

750hp · #14 (**permalink**) 08-30-2013, 07:56 AM

Beautiful old car with a fascinating history. Sorry to hear that you can't get the same use out of the car as in years gone by. Good luck with the sale.
Here's the link...
E.R.A. 427SC Cobra EXP002, Guards Red, For Sale

lamaluv · #15 (**permalink**) 08-30-2013, 08:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by danc30

A link to the ad would be helpful

The link is shown above thanks to Craig.

D Dubya · #16 (**permalink**) 08-30-2013, 11:12 AM

Sorry for your loss. Maybe a comfy Shelby Mustang with tons of hp might be a good sub?

4into4 · #17 (**permalink**) 08-30-2013, 03:33 PM

Someone will end up with a great Cobra. I've seen Dick's car several times and had the pleasure of being a passenger in it on the track. It's tight, solid and sticks to the road like glue. The track we were on has a long straight and the acceleration was incredible! One of the nicest and fastest Cobras I've ever been in. Wish I had the money and garage space!

lamaluv · #18 (**permalink**) 08-30-2013, 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4into4

Someone will end up with a great Cobra. I've seen Dick's car several times and had the pleasure of being a passenger in it on the track. It's tight, solid and sticks to the road like glue. The track we were on has a long straight and the acceleration was incredible! One of the nicest and fastest Cobras I've ever been in. Wish I had the money and garage space!

Yes we did have some fun at Inde Motor Sport in Wilcox didn't we. The Arizona Cobra Club is a great group. I think that in my "History of the Red Headed Mistress there is a picture of us in the car at the track.

Dick

lamaluv · #19 (**permalink**) 09-01-2013, 07:30 AM

Thanks for all the condolences and suggestions. Not sure that a more civilized car, even with tons of HP is the answer. Sort of like a retired NFL player being told that he can always play a game of pick up flag football on weekends.

My wife tells me that winters on the beach in Florida will help and that might work until I see the first Cobra go by.

4into4 · #20 (**permalink**) 09-01-2013, 07:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lamaluv

Yes we did have some fun at Inde Motor Sport in Wilcox didn't we. The Arizona Cobra Club is a great group. I think that in my "History of the Red Headed Mistress there is a picture of us in the car at the track.

Dick

I never did see a photo of the day at INDE in reading the car's history (great story by the way) but I found this photo of you, my brother (LMH) and myself from that day. I was so impressed with how well your car stuck on 15" Yokohama street tires!