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Bean · #1 (**permalink**) 11-11-2013, 04:52 PM

Just posted below on the Club Cobra Introduction forum and was advised to post here also for better chance of obtaining info.

Hello Everyone,

Greetings from Canada's East Coast.

I have been hanging in the shadows here for some time because, although I bought a Cobra in August, I haven't driven or even laid eyes on the car yet and was hoping to do so before introducing myself. Looks like that is not going to happen any time soon so will jump in now hoping to get some info. from members in the Arntz/Butler Forum. The car is a Butler (BR 1185029) first registered in 1986- I believe in CA. I purchased the car from seller in ON who bought it last spring from a 20+ year owner in FL. I wonder if there is anyone who may know who built the car or if there is some way I may be able to find out as I would like info. re. motor mods etc.

Previously I’ve been into motorcycles. Getting older and fearful that a day may soon come when I don’t feel so comfortable on two wheels. Hoping that this car will make that day a little easier to take.

Talking to friends since I bought the car I have been surprised by how many of them categorize Cobras as muscle cars. The emphasis seems to be on acceleration times and horsepower here also. I always thought of them as street legal race cars (ie..road course, the way Carroll raced them, not drag strip).

Bean

750hp · #2 (**permalink**) 11-12-2013, 05:33 AM

Hi Bean. Your car looks nice in the photos I've seen. The person you bought it from bought it from a gent in Saint-Sauveur, Quebec on 18 April this year. He is the same guy that owned it in Florida. I guess you bought it from Woodbridge on 30 June.

Your seller flipped the Cobra for a quick and tidy profit, so I wouldn't expect him to have much interest in the history of the car. If you haven't done so already, you could contact the long term owner here;
4mydakar on eBay
He's the guy who would have done the rebuild 15 years ago, so should be your best bet for vehicle specs.

Don't feel obliged to remove the Chevy engine. Lots of Arntz and Butler Cobras were Chevy powered, including mine

Bartruff1 · #3 (**permalink**) 11-12-2013, 05:49 AM

Having ridden motorcycles (Dirt and Road) for more than 50 years and all over the west from Alaska to Central American, I also thought it was time for something a little more comfortable and safer and it has worked out for me.

I "ride" it on the same kinds of roads and in the same kind of weather and for about the same distances in a day and it is almost as much fun.

I don't think you can ever be cured from riding a motorbike....but it helps.

trularin · #4 (**permalink**) 11-12-2013, 08:24 AM

Then again, if you feel inclined to put a Ford engine into a Ford car, please do as you wish.

Tru

Bean · #5 (**permalink**) 11-12-2013, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 750hp

Hi Bean. Your car looks nice in the photos I've seen. The person you bought it from bought it from a gent in Saint-Sauveur, Quebec on 18 April this year. He is the same guy that owned it in Florida. I guess you bought it from Woodbridge on 30 June.

Your seller flipped the Cobra for a quick and tidy profit, so I wouldn't expect him to have much interest in the history of the car.

Thanks 750hp! How is it that you know more about this car, living on the other side of the world, than I do? Gotta love this forum!

Bean · #6 (**permalink**) 11-12-2013, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bartruff1

Having ridden motorcycles (Dirt and Road) for more than 50 years and all over the west from Alaska to Central American, I also thought it was time for something a little more comfortable and safer and it has worked out for me.

I "ride" it on the same kinds of roads and in the same kind of weather and for about the same distances in a day and it is almost as much fun.

I don't think you can ever be cured from riding a motorbike....but it helps.

Thanks Bartruff1. This is nice to know.

Bean · #7 (**permalink**) 11-12-2013, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trularin

Then again, if you feel inclined to put a Ford engine into a Ford car, please do as you wish.

Tru

Watch it Tru or I'll drop a hopped-up Hemi into it and blow everybody away!

Kobura · #8 (**permalink**) 11-12-2013, 08:47 PM

Having ridden motorcycles for over 40 years, driving my Cobra over the some of the same mountain roads is a gratifying and somewhat melancholy experience. There is nothing that I have ridden/driven that has the exhilaration of riding a motorcycle. The Cobra has some of the open air feeling and some of the ability to carve around the curves in the road as a bike, but it has none of the feeling of being an integral part of the vehicle. I suppose, in that sense, it is an appropriate segue for a motorcyclist entering his retirement years. I decided that I had 'cheated death' long enough while riding a bike and got a Cobra so that I could enjoy more years of my retirement with a safer toy.

Donunder · #9 (**permalink**) 11-12-2013, 11:01 PM

Guys this transition from motorcycle to car seems to cause widespread disillusionment, but at least a Cobra almost gives you the same buzz --- almost.

I can't bring myself to sell my trusty old VStrom because as you know, there's no greater feeling than when a ride comes together, when the weather's perfect, the traffic's light (or non-existent), the road is challenging and rewarding, there are no traffic cops in sight, and you're having a day when you're riding to the absolute best of your ability. Pure magic!

I just turned 70 and my wife reminded me that some time ago I promised (I really don't recall this at all!) that I'd sell the Strom when 70 came up. But we're having a national VStrom get-together next Easter so perhaps I can negotiate an extension until then.

My son Craig (750hp) has a Ducati Monster S4RS in his garage too. Much sportier but then he's a lot younger. Perhaps, if the Strom has to go, I could impose on him for an occasional blat around the nearby mountains!!

trularin · #10 (**permalink**) 11-13-2013, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bean

Watch it Tru or I'll drop a hopped-up Hemi into it and blow everybody away!

Haha, in your dreams.

Craig has a nice 698 cube machine that moves very well. However, Colin's is a BBC with a blower - I think he has 7 sec times.

Hmm...maybe his is still for sale.

Tru

Bean · #11 (**permalink**) 11-13-2013, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trularin

Haha, in your dreams.

Craig has a nice 698 cube machine that moves very well. However, Colin's is a BBC with a blower - I think he has 7 sec times.

Hmm...maybe his is still for sale.

Tru

What? You're coming back at me with actual numbers? You thought I was serious? You didn't get it? I guess I shouldn't be so surprised. Anal types rarely do.