Is Cobra an Arntz, Butler or something else?

[jr289]

http://palmsprings.craigslist.org/ctd/4065291056.html Listing just removed at 12:55 as I was typing this sorry. I can post photos tomorrow.

Looking into this car. Was listed for sale on Club Cobra last year or so as an "Arntz." Have tried contacting member from old listing. Anyone know this car?

Stated it was built in 2000 which would mean it was an old kit or maybe a newer Butler? IDK

Chevy engine, and high mounted steering wheel indicate Arntz as well as single side chrome exhaust (not 4 into 1). General overall body shape seems to be Arntz. Gas cap position wound not be consistent with some Arntz nor would center position of gear shift lever (not offset close to driver).

These are my novice observations would like to hear others and hopefully learn more about this specific car. Made general post earlier hoping to find someone that could take a look at it and drive it for me. Probably a long shot.

[jr289]

Trying this again:

AC Cobra 6.0 1965 Replica

[lal Naja]

Hard to tell from these photos what it is.

Need a couple of engine bay photos, trunk, underside showing frame, front and back suspension, close-up of door hinges,

Good luck with this.

Arthur

[joyridin']

If I had to guess, it isn't an Arntz or Butler. The dash and door hinges do not look like they are from either of these. The wheels do not look to be wide enough either. Most Butlers and Arntz had 12" in the rear and 10" in front. The rear bumper mounting does not look correct nor do the door panels or sidepipes. Also most that I have seen do not have a rear wheel lip. This kind of looks like it has one.

I could be wrong as there were quite a few changes over the years they were produced..especially Arntz models, but they seem to have a few things in common and this has none of them.

I would pass on it from that rollbar alone. What were they building? A Jungle Gym on top of the car?

[jr289]

[ATTACH][/ATTACH]The roll bar is really hurting this car as well as the dash and wheels in my opinion. I will try and post additional photos. I hear what joyridin' is saying but there are still several identifiers that make me believe this is an Arntz and others that lead me to believe it isn't.

Also wanted to add that the rear is a Jaguar and the front is reported to be TR3 but that seems incorrect. The current owner had posted on this forum years ago about inquiring as to modifications for the front suspension.

[joyridin']

The engine compartment looks like an Arntz. The engine sits back really far, those hinges look correct, and the fiberglass looks right. The front suspension is probably the original MG style like they all had, and it would have a Jag rear.

[jr289]

I agree, check out other photos I put in a new thread on "ALL COBRA TALK" thought I might get more exposure in that forum.

[joyridin']

Well...did you buy it?

[jr289]

Still waiting to hear from owner. Dealer suppose to have him contact me. My pm to him has gone unanswered. I don't believe he is active on here anymore. Would like to hear others valuation of this car. I received some photos of pedals. Look decently spaced with small amount of space, like a little ledge for left foot. Pedals are hung and not floor mounted. Does that indicate Arntz too?

[Tom Howland]

Arntz and Butler pedals come up through the floor unless someone change them.

[jr289]

Was wondering I read that contemporary cobras could come either way so I didn't know. I guess nothing is too standard on these builds. So Tom do you think it is an Arntz, given the other obvious Arntz cues? I haven't had anyone suggest any other manufacturer?

[Tom Howland]

I'll tell you the differences between mine and the one you are looking at. But, the one you are looking at could have been changed to reflect personal preference. I know because I have changed mine.
I have exposed hood hinges. I have rear fender lips. I have 2 rear round tail lights on each side. My rear bumper hangers are 1/4 x 2" flat bars, not a round tube on each side. My roll bar is a single hoop with a rear facing brace. Side pipes are different. Dashboard, steering column, shifter, parking brake are different. I have a hood scoop. Our seats look the same. The panel in back of the seats looks to be in the same location. Gas filler cap looks the same. Knockoffs and cover discs look the same before I changed all that. The hood hinges are exactly the same. The fiberglass cover over the front suspension is the same. The hole through that cover on the left side where the metal radiator pipe goes through is exactly the same.
I think it is an Arntz. The few items that are exact point to that conclusion. Look through my picture gallery to see the differences and similarities.

[jr289]

Is it possible to lower steering wheel column on dash so it is more in line with original angle and not mounted so high on the dash? Obviously it will restrict legs more when alighting.

[tcrist]

Depends on how the column is hung in place.

I guess it can be done no matter what. It just depends on how much work is involved.

[joyridin']

I could drop mine 2 " easily. Move a few wires, enlarge a hole, extend the intermediate steering shaft, change the upper mounting slightly, and away you go. The intermediate shaft would be the only item that would cost money if you needed to replace the whole thing or just a piece.

That being said, my pedals are mounted on the floor like most others on here. You mentioned yours are hanging. That could change things a lot.