I visited Premier Cobras

[mattr762]

I visited Premier Cobras in Kansas City this weekend. I took plenty of pictures seen here.

Here is my review of Premier Cobras:
The People – I meet with Bob Lockett and Chuck Nickloy. They are both really super nice and were very patient with all my newbie questions. They took the time to explain everything to me. During my 5 hours there I felt totally comfortable and would to go back to visit them.

What I saw – There were plenty of Cobras to look at. And one thing I though was great was seeing a Premier, Kirkham, Pegasus and a Shelby side by side. There were several aluminum bodies for me to see, they had Premier powered coated frames for me to inspect, and anything else you can think of. Being able to see what is under the cobra skin is just amazing. I used to think what was under the skin was no big deal, but I've changed my tune. There was a (name removed) Cobra there that really scared me. Its quality, fit and finish was no where near a Premier and it just felt a lot cheaper. I know, I know, there is a Cobra for every budget and you get what you pay for but from what I’ve seen so far it would be smarter to save your money a little longer and buy a better replica.

The Car – Premier’s replica is top notch quality. It’s definitely up there with Kirkham and Shelby and a step up from Superformance and BackDraft from what I’ve seen. I’m not dogging the later two, I would own either one, but fit and finish was excellent instead of just good on the Premier. The frame looks original at first glance but after studying it a little you might notice the front and back of the frames are beefed up quite a bit for safety. The Power coat on the frame looked great and very shiny. I’m no welding expert but they look solid to me. The Premier body feels thick and the inside of the wheel wells have a nice lip to them.

Comfort – They have developed a new “original styled” seat that is very, very comfortable. Another comfort feature is the foot wells. They dropped them about 3 inches (lower) so your legs don’t stick straight out. It would be obvious on a finished car from the outside if you ordered it without side pipes, but the dropped floor is well hidden as long as you get side pipes.

The Ride – I rode in 2 Premier Cobras while I was there. The silver 289 Kirkham hybrid was insane and very load at WOT! It has a Supercharged 4.6L producing 550hp. Anyone having more HP than that is just asking for a one-way trip to the graveyard. Having that much HP in a 2200lbs car is just crazy! FUN, but crazy! Needless to say, I’d be happy with 300-400hp. The other Premier Cobra I rode in was a mild 428 that had a nice rumble. The soft top and side windows were on which I think made a big difference in sound. It was not loud at all. This car was not complete so there were still some minor flaws on it that need some attention, but overall still a great ride.

Bob started up a CSX4000 for me and it sounded awesome. They rebuild the engine and at idle you could hear every cylinder fire. Very, very nice rumble.

I think my visit there did more harm than good though. I realize I need to increase my budget and I still have no idea what engine I want. Also the more I look at Cobras the more original I want it to look.

Sorry for the long post, I just had a lot I had to get out of my head.

Matt

[Mark Roe]

Matt--

Sounds like you had a good trip in seeing different models and build quality--that's good.

BUT, don't say that 300/400 HP will be good enough--it won't.
As soon as you get used to driving that monster and your at 350 HP, you'll want more--believe me.

So, keep looking as you described, form an opinion, and buy up. Also shoot for 450/500++ HP

Just my .02

Mark

[blykins]

Funny how the Pegasus engine bay looks exactly like a Shell Valley engine bay....hmmmm.....

[blykins]

Hey, does the automatic transmission fluid bottle come with the car, or is that tacked on the sticker price?

[rdorman]

Never heard of them

Rick

[mattr762]

Never heard of them

Yes, that is one of the problems they will have to overcome I believe. They have been around for 5 years, but they pretty much stuck to restoring and building other people cars. Now that they are starting to build their own car I think you'll start to hear more about them.

Hey, does the automatic transmission fluid bottle come with the car

Interesting find! I didn't notice that until you pointed it out. Hopefully we will get an explanation for that.

[computerworks]

Originally posted by mattr762


Hopefully we will get an explanation for that.

..looks like it's tywrapped up there tightly.
Seen that done that with oil containers and plastic soda bottles as make-shift catch cans at the track.

[Chuck Nickloy]

Hi Ron, thats a bullseye.

We are a bit green when it comes to the track. The oil can is a makeshift catch can for any overflow from the cooling system.
R & G 2003.

[viper-168]

I have had the pleasure of knowing Chuck for the past few years through our car club here in Kansas City (Mid-America Cobra Club), and have found him to be an honest and very talented individual. He has worked on several of our members’ cars, including mine; I have never heard anyone speak anything other than praise for his work. In my opinion, the Premier cars that he builds are nothing short of awesome, the quality and workmanship is top notch. I have ridden in some of his cars and been very impressed with both power and handling. In my opinion if someone is looking for a nice Cobra they should seriously look at the Premier.

Mark

[Brian Stevenson]

I own a PMS (Premiere Motor Sports) car. I got it year from first of November last year. Thus, just over a year. I have over 4700 miles on the car and just love it. Chuck and the guys allowed me to participate in building the car from mostly a spectator stand point. As well, they were most helpful when it came to advise for the build. The workmanship on the cars is very impressive.

No reason to take anything from any other car, but I do not feel at all bashful showing this car with any other manufacturer's cars. It is first rate.

A buddy of mine also owns a PMS car. You can see and read about it in the august edition of Kit Car Mag. It is the yellow one on the front cover. Our cars were being built at the same time.

I looked at several other kits before deciding on the PMS car, for me, it provided me the look and feel I wanted.

With nearly 5,000 miles in the first year, I can also tell you the cars will hold together. If you have any questions about the PMS cars or the folks there, feel free to contact me personally.

Brian

[Fake Snake]

No question, they are a quality manufacturer. The ability to look at the variety of cars and to compare quality was very valuable. It really helps you define your own needs for your Cobra if you still are on the fence about some items.
I expected to take several months going around and looking at all the manufacturers, but it did not take any time at all to see this was a manufacturer with a repeatable, high level of quality.
I've only had mine since the beginning of November and have only logged 600 miles, but I'm sure I made a great choice. I can't wait for spring! The only thing I might reconsider is the engine choice: That supercharged 4.6 DOHC in the 289FIA is sweeeet.

[JWheaton]

That acronym PMS -- doesn't do it for me. I experienced that for 3 months after I put my deposit down for my car. She finally lightened up though when she got a ring.

Now back to topic -- It looks like an very nice car.

[Chaplin]

PMS Car. I guess that's her car.

edit: JW, great minds . . .

[Chuck Nickloy]

Ya know, . . . I was afraid of that

Chuck

[bobl]

CC Members....

It's really PM as in PREMIER Motorsports....or Prime Minister....or Pretty Macho.... or anything but what you're thinking!!

Chuck....

Don't say I didnt tell you so!

LOLOL..... now folks, here's the deal. Our spec turnkey cars are all dreamed up and powered by Chuck's vision of what insane performance should be. And let me be the first to tell you that he is out there on the cutting edge fringe.

You have to admire a guy who pushes the performance envelope in his mind and then funds the R&D out of his own back pocket. This guy puts his money where his dreams are.

I'm VERY priviledged to call this man friend, Cobra enthusiast, and business partner. He's a guy with whom I have been able to merge my company and, indeed, some SERIOUS dollars are involved, on really nothing more than a handshake and a nod of the head. It's not often you meet someone of such integrity and grace. That said, why do people insist on relating us with the PMS initials?

HAS TO BE THE ATTITUDE OF THE CAR WHEN YOU NAIL IT!!! PMS ain't got nothin' on us, baby!! As I said on another thread.... get your foot way down in a PREMIER car powered by a 'Chuck motor' and it can be fun, or exhilerating, or breathtaking, or TERRIFYING. Just depends on how big your cajones are.

But.... gentle souls.... PM, please.