What's Real??

captain · #1 (**permalink**) 06-19-2003, 07:35 PM

What if AC in England produced a new aluminum Cobra from the original tooling and added a CSX number [they assigned them originally]. Then you install a side oiler and toploader. Would that be the REAL REAL ONE? What would be the value?
How would it compare to one built in Poland? or South Africa? or even in a prison in Las Vegas?

petek · #2 (**permalink**) 06-19-2003, 07:38 PM

Big block or small block?

captain · #3 (**permalink**) 06-19-2003, 07:39 PM

427 sideoiler

Bud Man · #4 (**permalink**) 06-19-2003, 08:33 PM

Back in 1995-96, AC Cars UK did do a run of "continuation cars" that were virtually identical to the 60's S/C Cobra. Made on the original body bucks by hand, in alloy slightly thicker than original, they differed in a few areas of detail from the Kirkham/Shelby aluminum cars. They were imported to the US by David Wagner as "gliders" (rollers) and completed by their owners. All in the US were fitted with Sideoilers and Toploaders, as original. I have seen several (one in glider stage) and all are beautiful.

Interestingly, these cars were originally going to be assigned CSX numbers, but this was changed and all went out as "COX" prefixed cars, due to (understandably) issues with SAI. As I recall, a glider (complete less drivetrain and paint) went out (in 1996) at about $55,000 USD. I believe you can still purchase one thru AC, but when I last checked (2000) the price was around $100,000 USD (!) for a roller.

Made on the original bucks by the continuation of the original company, by the original methods, quite possibly by some of the original craftsmen. Lacking only the SAI "lineage", this is or was unquestionably the closest replica of the original 60's product you can or could buy...period.

Bud

JEKYLHYDE

Excaliber · #5 (**permalink**) 06-19-2003, 09:09 PM

Hmmmm,,,,,,,interesting up-date on that topic. I can see your point about the "accuracy" of it all. So close, but not quite there. That CSX number and the "touch" of Shelby carries a LOT of weight. Good, bad or whatever, it do make a big difference.

Kind of silly when you think about it "real" hard, makes me chuckle. I bet those AC cars are really nice!

Ernie

Bill E · #6 (**permalink**) 06-19-2003, 11:07 PM

Ok so is this one real?http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...ayphotohosting

KobraKarl · #7 (**permalink**) 06-19-2003, 11:19 PM

is it me ??, or is there something goofy with that shifter and location?

KK

Monster · #8 (**permalink**) 06-20-2003, 01:23 AM

Karl,
Did you also notice that the speedo registers clockwise? Also, it's interesting that a "COB" car is left-hand drive, I thought these were designed for Europe and were right-hand drive cars.

hmmmm, I guess that why they noted in the eBay listing it was "considered an Odd Ball within the Shelby registry "

Mike "monster"

shaps · #9 (**permalink**) 06-20-2003, 04:37 AM

http://www.clubcobra.com/forums/show...738#post360738

Well informed discussions regarding the COB car on Ebay.

captain · #10 (**permalink**) 06-20-2003, 07:11 AM

Excal,
Considering SUPERFORMANCE now owns AC, they may choose to use the CSX #s and get even with you know who.
For $25 old Shell will sign anything.

Excaliber · #11 (**permalink**) 06-20-2003, 10:08 AM

I'm not sure they can USE a CSX number without a major legal battle on their hands, and I doubt they would win. COX may be as good as it will get for them......

I don't mind Shelby signing stuff, but if I were him, I would be much more discerning about which "Cobras" I signed. I have seen some Cobras signed by him that clearly DON'T deserve that recognition, others that clearly do even though they are replicas.

I wonder if I would want him to sign my Excalibur for instance? I love that car, I think it's great for ME. At the same time I don't kid myself, it's far down on the list of "accurate" replicas.

I know and like to study what IS accurate, thats the "baseline" I use to compare others. I totally accept the others as bringing something "different" to the party and I can celebrate that in good faith. I recently won first place at a car show, "peoples choice" award!! I was really stoked and got a nice trophy! If I had been the judge, I would have voted for an SPF over mine (glad there weren't any there, lol).

Ernie

REAL 1 · #12 (**permalink**) 06-20-2003, 10:53 AM

As to cars produced today, if it ain't a Shelby it ain't a Cobra. Period.

Next question.

Bud Man · #13 (**permalink**) 06-20-2003, 11:25 AM

Question:

You mean if it's not a Ford Mustang, its not a Cobra, right?

It's a nice day. Think I take a spin in my replica AC MkIII.

Bud

captain · #14 (**permalink**) 06-20-2003, 12:34 PM

Real 1,
Keep begging the issue. Someone might believe you.

REAL 1 · #15 (**permalink**) 06-20-2003, 01:01 PM

They don't have to believe me. They just have to open their eyes and look at the facts.

Chaplin · #16 (**permalink**) 06-20-2003, 01:10 PM

Real 1 is right (again). If it's not a shelby, it's not a cobra. It may look, sound and drive like a cobra, but technically (and legally) it's not a cobra.

captain · #17 (**permalink**) 06-20-2003, 01:27 PM

if you believe the "badge" makes it real then put a badge in a showcase. If the car is what matters then made at AC in England with original tooling rather than Poland or South Africa with only "minor" changes should matter. Choose to ignore that fact shows personal interest over truth.

REAL 1 · #18 (**permalink**) 06-20-2003, 02:26 PM

So I guess if they were made in Poland back in the 60's then they would be REAL Cobras today???

Why is the original tooling necessary? Same tools. So what. If the bucks are identical and the specs are identical the cars turn out identical. One thing for sure. Whether its England or Poland the same people working the tools and aluminum in the 60s are gone.

Its not where the fabricator is. Its the design, specification and for whom they are made. In fact, as to the 427 the buck and chasis were made to Shelby's design and specs not AC's. As long as its his same "receipe" and made for CS I don't care who's cook'in it, its a COBRA!

Its just that simple.

Mike: Let me know if you need any help with the final install. I'll swim over.

Chaplin · #19 (**permalink**) 06-20-2003, 02:56 PM

Captain-
In this case the badge does make it real. Would a cobra have been a cobra (and everything that entails) without the involvement of Shelby? I dare said it would not. Not to say an AC is not a nice car in its own right, but you must give credit where credit is due. Without shelby, the AC would just be another nice little British sports car, but it wouldn't have been a Cobra.

Evan-
Depending on how things go, install may happen Sunday- but that is probably optimistic. More likely it will be next weekend, but I am shooting for Sunday.
Car is being delivered tomorrow morning though. I just hope I can push it into the garage before it fills up with water

I'll give you a call at some point over the weekend and up date you on the progress.

SSS · #20 (**permalink**) 06-20-2003, 03:12 PM

Why are people pissing and moaning on this board when they could be out driving a car that looks like and sounds like and feels like a Cobra? It might even have badges on it that say "Cobra". Heck, it might even legally have badges on it that say "Cobra".