Road & Track test - Replicas vs. Real 427SC?

REDSC400 · #1 (**permalink**) 09-13-2003, 02:01 PM

I was just reading an interview article in an old copy of _Super Ford_ magazine (V9 #7) August 1984. The article is an interview of Cobra restorer Mike McCluskey in Torrance, CA. Wally Wyss does the interview. Here is an interesting quote:

"Wyss: Tony Hogg (former editior of Road & Track) wrote in an article in Road and Track in which he tested a couple of replica 427 Cobras against his personal real 427 Cobra and I think he really liked the cars (replicas).

McCluskey: I drove them both - the Contemporary Classic and the ERA, and I think the ERA was the best (of all three)."

Does anyone know what issue of Road & Track they are talking about? Year and Month? It must be some time between 1980 and 1984 I would imagine.

Please let me know which issue that was as I would love to get my hands on that article.

Thanks,
Art in CT

CRZN427 · #2 (**permalink**) 09-14-2003, 12:56 AM

When I built my first Cobra in '94 I bought a couple books from Motorbooks International, marketed by Brooklands Books. One of them is "Cobras and Replicas 1962 - 1983". It has a reprint article from "Road & Track, August 1983" that has the information you mention.

Scanning through it, the point Hogg seems to be making is that getting the "most complete" kit is better, one of the kits tested offered three stages of build.

Another interesting point he made was that Shelby actually had some praise for the replicas, at that time.

If it isn't wrong to do so, and you can't find a copy, I might photo and post the article.

RICK LAKE · #3 (**permalink**) 09-14-2003, 10:26 AM

REDSC400 Hi Art Super Ford did a article in the Nov 94 on the top kit cars at that time It might be the same article done in R&T. Contemporary, ERA, Hi Tech , Unique, Mike McClusky Ltd. It was a nice correctly written article. If you can find the Early kit car magizine from the 80's, The mag took the gloves off and gave the straight truth on the kits at that time. Of course they can't do this in todays real world. The Lawyers would have a field day.

The best cars will continue to be built and the rest will be history. Have a good day Rick Lake

REDSC400 · #4 (**permalink**) 09-15-2003, 05:05 AM

Hi CRZN47:
I have the more recent version of that book entitled:

Cobras and Cobra Replicas "Gold Portfolio" 1962 - 1989

This is by Brookland Books, however, it does not have the R&T August 1983 article by Hogg. Bumma. They must have removed that article for some reason??

Can anyone scan that article and email it to me?
thanks.
Art in CT

Quote:

Originally posted by CRZN427

When I built my first Cobra in '94 I bought a couple books from Motorbooks International, marketed by Brooklands Books. One of them is "Cobras and Replicas 1962 - 1983". It has a reprint article from "Road & Track, August 1983" that has the information you mention.

Bob Putnam · #5 (**permalink**) 09-15-2003, 05:29 AM

I couldn't find the magazine in our pile-o-mags.

If anyone has it, I would appreciate a scan! Preferably at 300dpi.

I'm not asking for much.

I would re-format it as HTML and post it in the History section of erareplicas.com.

mrmustang · #6 (**permalink**) 09-15-2003, 05:58 AM

Bob,

I'll check my own "box-O-magazines" this afternoon, I should have a copy of this one. Any other request from "the vaults" while I'm digging............

Bill S.

GeorgiaSnake · #7 (**permalink**) 09-15-2003, 06:26 AM

Car and Driver did a similar test I think. TC are you awake ? I think that is the issue I gave you.

Randy

CORVAIRWILD · #8 (**permalink**) 01-10-2012, 08:34 AM

I have this magazine, and CLEARLY remember reading it way back when, then a few years ago I stumbled into he Sacramento Auto Museum, and there's the Cobra!!!

I'll look thru my stack of R&T, from late 40's up, and scan and post the article

Mark IV · #9 (**permalink**) 01-10-2012, 09:55 AM

Had the issue until my last move. One of the cars was tested without a hood as it didn't clear the induction system and the build was a last minute thing (like they all aren't!). Don't recall if it was the ERA or the Conremporary that was hoodless.

And 'ol CS was "flattered" thaat people were replicating his "ox cart spring" cars......

D111 · #10 (**permalink**) 01-10-2012, 10:06 AM

I believe there is no doubt that there are replicas that are better in any way.

Quicker, faster, better handling, more comfortable, and more reliable.

Let's face it the originals were basically for the most part composites or kits 'handmade ',I don't think I have seen any two original identical.

the word original or genuine has become so abused even by Shelby himself.

It's like the only way to get a straight answer now is to ask is it a genuine AC cobra from the 60s

Rick Parker · #11 (**permalink**) 01-10-2012, 11:36 AM

Is this the article that pictured the 3 Cobras, one without a "Bonnet" because of the 2 x 4's on a hi riser, all driving next to each other on a track? Who was driving the cars? Tony? Sorry MarkIV typing at the same time.

Car & Driver, Road & Track and one other Rag (?) all printed compilations of past articles on Cobras and had them for sale in a nice glossy paperback book about 3/8" thick. They have also been renamed for the most part and re-marketed through the years. Some of the pictures are good refrence for authenticity. My favorite is the September 1963 Motor Trend for an early 289 with the subsequent road test at Riverside.

PANAVIA · #12 (**permalink**) 01-10-2012, 12:42 PM

I remember seeing that article when I was a kid - I swear I had a copy here somewhere.

Blas · #13 (**permalink**) 01-10-2012, 05:09 PM

I have it... August 1983. two red cars and a blue car. Send me an email address... With "magazine" in the subject line...
I got so many R&T magazines it would make you cry...

mdross1 · #14 (**permalink**) 01-12-2012, 03:55 AM

Funny when the first articles were published on the 427 Cobra,I wore out my welcome showing it to so many of my freinds and litterally wore out the paper the article was written on and certain it was from a R&T mag.

750hp · #15 (**permalink**) 01-12-2012, 06:29 AM

I know that you're interested in how the ERA compared in that article, but there's another genuine vs kit (Arntz) article in Sports Car Graphic from 1981 that's also worth reading. It's stored on the FF forum;
Sports Car Graphic - Summer 1981, Shelby 427 vs Arntz Replica, Online FFR Magazine.

cobrarkc · #16 (**permalink**) 01-12-2012, 08:07 AM

If anyone wants to buy the acticle this guy has been trying to sell it for a while.
CARROLL SHELBY COBRA vs. ERA vs. CONTEMPORARY CLASSIC | eBay

Bxx1 · #17 (**permalink**) 01-12-2012, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CORVAIRWILD

I have this magazine, and CLEARLY remember reading it way back when, then a few years ago I stumbled into he Sacramento Auto Museum, and there's the Cobra!!!

I'll look thru my stack of R&T, from late 40's up, and scan and post the article

The Cobra you mentioned at the California Auto Museum is Tony Hogg's Cobra. It was there when I last visited about 1 yr. ago.