Nicest Cobra body shape

[nuge]

I'm new to this forum, 289 or 427.

[Bill D]

What is the nicest Cobra shape that you like is what is important. Not what others prefer

[AL427SBF]

Originally Posted by Bill D

What is the nicest Cobra shape that you like is what is important. Not what others prefer

Yep, good advice. You'll also find that on this forum both versions seem to garner the same respect, it's a personal decision. If you are neutral on it, dig into the history of each (if not familiar), maybe info there will strike a chord one way or the other. If an accurate reproduction is in the mix, 2 things I would consider -

Small Block vs. Big Block
Roll Bar Configurations & Passenger(s)

If you just want to know which one is more popular among the enthusiasts, start a poll. I would be curious to see what the numbers say but think I know how that would play out.

[nuge]

Great info thanks guys. Does Mr Bruce have a website too, I found the FFR website.

[tkb289]

nuge,

First off … welcome!

Good question and the guys above summed it up well.

One observation … back in the 60's about 70% of Cobras were 289 cars and the other 30% were 427s. Now about 50 years later and with thousands of Continuation / Replica / Tribute / Kit Cars out there. I would guess the vast majority (80 to 90%) are 427s. Given those numbers, one might conclude the 427 is the nicest shape, because that's what sells.

That being said, there does seem to be a renewed interest in the 289 cars, and there are more offerings in this part of the market than there were just a few years ago.

Since you asked, I think the 289 is the nicest Cobra shape. I am sure many here will respectfully disagree … and that's part of the fun. Truth is, they are both nice!

[Bill D]

Originally Posted by nuge

Great info thanks guys. Does Mr Bruce have a website too, I found the FFR website.

No. He only makes bodies, not kits or chassis.

[nuge]

Thanks TKB, do you think the slabside 289 is the nicest Cobra shape? Thanks Bill, how do I contact Mr Bruce?

[tkb289]

Originally Posted by nuge

Thanks TKB, do you think the slabside 289 is the nicest Cobra shape? .....

nuge,

Body wise for a 289 … to me it’s a toss up between the full on FIA and the slab side. Hard to go wrong with either one. Actually my car is a bit of both, so there you go.

The real question is which one do you like?

As you navigate through Club Cobra, start taking notes on Cobras you like and sooner or later you will settle in on the look you like, be it 289 or 427 … or both. Cobra Country is another place to look at a lot of Cobras.

[fordracing65]

Funny how most say a 289, yet they all own 427's, you see which one looks best...

[nuge]

I do think the FIA 289 looks better than the slabside.

[mdross1]

Welcome,as you have read so far these great cars have to appeal to you in your own way.
For example: Back in the 60's I will always remember reading an article in a car magazine about the big block Cobra running 0 to a 100mph back to 0 in 12.7 seconds. To a teenager you bet I wanted to know more. That car of course was the 427 powered Cobra from that day forward that vision was etched in my grey matter.

[Tenrocca]

Originally Posted by Bill D

No. He only makes bodies, not kits or chassis.

That is incorrect. Im pretty sure Mr Bruce can and does make chassis.

[Snake2998]

I know this doesn't answer your question but I would guess that int the order of beauty you would get:

Form the point of view of the "ignorant" masses (i.e. non Cobra owners who don't even know what it is when they see it) the order in terms of beauty would be 427 first, FIA second, Slabside third.

Whereas from the point of view of the cognoscenti - each individual will have their own opinion.

So the answer is - if you want general recognition from the kerb side go for a 427, but if you want recognition from fellow club members go for what's fashionable in your club at the moment. And if it's just for your own sake, only you will know.

Edit added: To my mind the Cobra is all about race tracks and over the top power and brutality so the 427 does it for me followed by the FIA. The Slabside reminds me visualy too much of the original AC or MGA or Healy with narrow wheels, cloth caps and pipes (the tobacco type) from a more genteel era. Not that there's anything wrong with that

[SunDude]

Originally Posted by nuge

I'm new to this forum and was wondering what you guys think is the nicest cobra shape, 289 or 427?

Either way you really can't go wrong.

289 street (COB6055)


289 competition (CSX2557)


427 street (CSX3360)


427 competition (CSX3045)

[G-Pete]

Originally Posted by nuge

I do think the FIA 289 looks better than the slabside.

But it WILL cost you at least twice the $'s to make a decent 289FIA than a "regular" 427 s/c.

[john chesnut]

Mr Bruce's phone number. 412-897-2793. Have fun.

[mptech]

I like EVERY one of those pictures!

just curious, how many of the 289 Street cars were RHD vs. LHD? Love the wire wheels!

[Tenrocca]

Originally Posted by G-Pete

But it WILL cost you at least twice the $'s to make a decent 289FIA than a "regular" 427 s/c.

Really? Can you explain where you think all the extra costs are.

Cheers

[G-Pete]

Body, Roll bar, Brake cooling scoops, Wheels, Tires, Frame, Trunk inserts...and ton of more details....last but not least: experience.

[BevanWright]

I like a racer the best