Were They Ever Just Cars?

[Harpoon PV2]

The few friends that I have had, who owned small block Cobra's in the late 60s through the early 80's drove them every day. Of course, they all lived in either Southern California or Arizona! I have read about several who lived in the East or Mid West and drove them daily, rain or snow. Something tells me, that was fine when they were still single, and even when they were young newlyweds, when he was still the most! Once the shine wore off of him, and his Cobra, it was trade in time! Still, I envy them! Cheers, Dennis

[1795]

People that were buying these cars new back then were used to owning cars without good heat or means of keeping inclement weather out. If you owned any British car from the 50's to early 60's it was not weather proof! I agree with the prior post that, they were not a perfect fit for a growing family, but neither were MGB's and a variety of other popular cars. For some people, they may have stretched their finances to buy a cobra and did't have the money left for a second car.

[HealeyRick]

Originally Posted by 1795

People that were buying these cars new back then were used to owning cars without good heat or means of keeping inclement weather out. If you owned any British car from the 50's to early 60's it was not weather proof! I agree with the prior post that, they were not a perfect fit for a growing family, but neither were MGB's and a variety of other popular cars. For some people, they may have stretched their finances to buy a cobra and did't have the money left for a second car.

Those of us who drove British roadsters in colder climates in the '50s and '60s longed for better weather protection. One of my favorite ads is this Healey one, mostly because even with wind-up windows and a convertible top, they still leaked, had crappy heaters that couldn't de-ice the windshield and were generally uncomfortable and drafty rides in the winter. I imagine a Cobra was just as bad.

[Harpoon PV2]

I can never understand why the British, with all their rain, had so much trouble making things water proof? Back in the 70s, a buddy of mine was on leave, so he rode his Triumph Bonneville from San Diego to San Francisco. On the way back, he hit a major down poor. The next day he decided to do a general tune up. When he took the points cover off, water flooded out, he had been riding with the points completely submerged. Funny thing, as you have probably guised, he said it never ran better! Cheers, Dennis