Who manufactured this cobra.

novakc · #1 (**permalink**) 03-16-2021, 10:27 AM

I've spent many months going through the different forums trying answer this question with no luck. The previous two owners didn't have any information on the cars history. I believe this is a early build (late 70's early 80's) because of the mustang II front cross member, rear suspension, lower A arm sway bar mounts and some other dated parts. It was either finished or rebuilt in the late 90's. It also has a forward leaning radiator . 90" wheel base. photos in my album. Any help would be appreciated.

Buzz · #2 (**permalink**) 03-16-2021, 11:53 AM

Pretty accurate looking narrow-hip body style which was not uncommon with some early replicas. Most manufacturers later modified their rear fenders as the SC look became de rigeur throughout the industry. I don't know of any older mainstream replica manufacturers who used a live axle, leaf sprung rear suspension. Arntz, Unique, Contemporary, etc. all used the Jaguar IRS. Factory Five Racing (FFR) uses live axles in their base kits, but that is definitely not an early FFR body or chassis. FFR wasn't around before 1995 or so anyway.

Fiberfab/CMC (later became Streetbeasts) used a live axle, Mustang based suspension, but that is not a CMC/Streetbeasts body. If I had to hazard an initial guess; especially based on the the cuts and cobbling in the way the body is mated to the frame, I would say that you may have a hybrid one off using a purchased fiberglass replica body on a modified/home built chassis.

I could be wrong so if I get a chance, I'll have a closer look to see if any details on the body or frame jump out at me and ring a bell.

Buzz · #3 (**permalink**) 03-16-2021, 12:54 PM

I went back and looked at the body details again. I'd decided it wasn't a CMC body because it doesn't have the funny rounded hood scoop or the deep, molded in vertical lip around the hood opening and the rear cockpit areas. However - the placement of the fuel filler, the interior of the trunk and the shape of the rear fenders do indicate that it is very likely a Fiberfab. There are some Fiberfab chassis cues as well, but the fuel tank and rear suspension areas definitely look modified.

Search for pictures of Fiberfab and CMC Cobras for further confirmation. Wiki info here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiberfab

EDIT: hers's a link to a pretty comprehensive gallery of a Fiberfab Cobra:
https://www.grautogallery.com/vehicl...5-shelby-cobra

cycleguy55 · #4 (**permalink**) 03-16-2021, 08:45 PM

That's the first Cobra I've seen with a leaf spring live axle.

snakeeyes · #5 (**permalink**) 03-17-2021, 10:39 AM

Just a quick guess from looking at the body is NAF (North American Fiberglass).

Buzz · #6 (**permalink**) 03-17-2021, 11:16 AM

I thought about NAF - they certainly were around in the early days and they did originally have a narrow-hip style rear fender before switching to the SC look. There are some similarities in the frame and body and NAF did use live axle rear ends.
What put me off from NAF was the interior of the trunk and the placement of the fuel filler; but then some very early bodies did have the filler off center in the body ahead of the trunk opening similar to this car, so you could very well be right. I'll take another look later on.

snakeeyes · #7 (**permalink**) 03-17-2021, 11:20 AM

Buzz, I defer to you and your knowledge of the details! I tend to have a memory for the body shapes of different kits and my gut said "NAF" as soon as I saw the first photo, but it wouldn't be the first time I was wrong (today, LOL). As you said they did offer a live axle, so that would keep them in the running at any rate.