What's Recognized as the Most Authoritative Cobra Reference?

[A-Snake]

Originally Posted by 1ntCobra

They have spent years figuring out what is correct. They would prefer that you spend your money at their shops to get an accurate restoration.


It seems to me that the SAAC concours (sp?) car judges know what is correct and could compile that information and perhaps include it in the SAAC registry. But I guess they don't have an interest in doing that either.

Don't take for granted that all restoration shops know what is or is not correct

And for that matter, all the detail information on Cobras may not be known by judges either.

Bryon,
I'm afraid there is no "rosetta stone". But if you have a specific question, try asking it here.

[richsd]

Originally Posted by 1ntCobra

In one of the last few SAAC magazines, this topic came up. It seems that the Cobra and Shelby Mustang restorers would prefer not to give up their information for free. They have spent years figuring out what is correct. They would prefer that you spend your money at their shops to get an accurate restoration.

It seems to me that the SAAC concours (sp?) car judges know what is correct and could compile that information and perhaps include it in the SAAC registry. But I guess they don't have an interest in doing that either.

You are probably right that some could do this. One of the guys I was referring to (the main guy that coordinated my car) was a SAAC judge for many years and has brought many cars to SAAC for judging. It would be pretty cool if guys like him would assemble this information as you suggest. At least with him it is not the money, it is primarily the time. He has more than enough to do with current projects and also an interest level thing.

A Snake is right with his points. Not all restoration shops know what is correct. Even if they do good quality work they may not do what is "correct". And yes, no Rosetta Stone. There was no exact standard for production of Cobras anyway. These cars were not built in a production manner as many other cars so there were many differences across cars so there is not one perfect answer to many aspects of the car anyway. The quest for correctness is certainly part of the fun so keep looking for it.

[Excaliber]

I'm currenty restoring an Austin Healey 3000 for a friend (well, customer if you would). I keep fondling the ash tray, knowing it's the same one used in the street Cobras. Sure would love to have that little piece on my car...

[427sharpe]

A bypassed fact is that there may be no single 'correct' item or standard because the cars were such low volume and built by what bits were available. A good look at a generator shod slabside would confirm this because the side panels were 'adapted' by what looks like a small sledge hammer. How would you judge this pocket on the panel as correct or not? And lets not forget that SAAC is an enthusiast organization, made up by guys who love the cars buy may be liable to human error as are we all. How long did SAAC say there were 6 OE 1966 GT350 convertibles? For Cobras, I say the rosetta stone is Ron (computerworks)! Of course, I would give Ned a close second!!

[computerworks]

Whoa...we have to give Ned his due...he has a few years on me in this game...right, Uncle Ned?

Listen, thanks for the references, but there sure are a handful of additional resident experts here who have decades of hands-on Cobra experience and an eye for details and originality.

We are fortunate to have Nedsel, the Cobra Registrar for SAAC, as an active member. He's got the grail on each car's history.

SAAC has done a stellar job of creating a system for documenting the finite number of these cars...their lineage and ownership history, each car's changes and mods over the years.
This has done more than most realize for the value of these cars. The Registry and earlier SAAC publications have good narratives on the different 'flavors.' Remember that the last publication was 1997...so a lot has been discovered in 10 years. too.

As far as parts detail and construction, you have to look beyond SAAC's publications. True, there is not one "master catalog" that spells it all out.

It takes a lot of first-person work, scrutiny of vintage pictures and what has been written in the dozens of Cobra books over the years.
Listen...I have done this for a long time...and I don't mind saying it seems like I learn something new every week.

The Mills books are more technical than some of the others. You will find though, like most, they thinly cover the big-block cars.
But there are inaccuracies and ambiguities in them all.
The best advice for BDHE has been given already... when you can't find the obvious answer, try asking the question here.

A few guys here are tech experts on the CSX2000 cars, way beyond what you'll find in print. Some of us have dug into the 427 cars deeper than any published work.

Not paper and ink, but the Forum is a good reference point.

[LMH]

What IS the most widely recognized source of published information for the original cobras

Answer: Ron! (computerworks)
Larry

[Excaliber]

As Ron noted, and I think it's worth reiterating, we are very very fortunate to have Nedsel grace this forum.

Thanks Ned, I always look forward to your words of wisdom and your interesting sense of humor is par excellence.

[BMK]

Excaliber

I'll keep an eye out for one of the ash trays. Similiar ones are found in many of the English Morris cars here.



Don't get caught taking the one from the Healey. You know how rough car owners can cut up...

I bring it over personally to you if I find one...