DRB Cobras

mikes427 · #1 (**permalink**) 10-09-2002, 05:24 PM

Hey there everyone,
DRB Cobras what are they like? Good rep? Pricewise Resonable? Looking at starting one and wanted to know the pro's/con's reputation of them.

Mr.Fixit · #2 (**permalink**) 10-09-2002, 05:42 PM

Never heard of them, where are they made?

mikes427 · #3 (**permalink**) 10-09-2002, 05:46 PM

Queensland, Australia

Aussie Mike · #4 (**permalink**) 10-09-2002, 06:27 PM

Hi Mike,

DRB I guess are Australias answer to Factory 5. They are the most prolific Cobra manufacturer down under having built hundreds of cars. They are also similar in that they have the same single donor philosophy and use LH torana runing gear (a good idea IMHO). They run a live axle set up utilising the torana diff and rear suspension arms. Because of the choice of running gear a DRB can be built for quite a reasonable price.

They are also making a newer kit that uses Jaguar front and rear suspension.

I've seen one sitting next to a Classic Revival Cobra and their body shape is quite different, they apear to be flatter across the top, narower in the body and not as deep in the body. I don't think the mold was taken from a real car, it looks more like someones interpretation of the Cobra shape.

There are some very nice DRBs around an they have won a lot of trophys at car shows (this may be because there are a lot of them).

I didn't chose the DRB because it didn't have the engineering I wanted in my car but there are plenty of people buying them so they can't be too bad.

Some of the Queensland guys on here will have a better idea what they are like. We don't get too many of them down here in Melbourne.

Cheers

750hp · #5 (**permalink**) 10-10-2002, 06:08 AM

Mike - AussieMike's got it in one. There are a million of them up here, ranging from $20,000 to $140,000 in build price.....

I personally prefer the Harrison kit for a number of reasons. They have the option of using the R32 Nissan GTR IRS, with fabricated tubular A-Arms. The body shape looks much nicer than the DRB in my opinion, and they're about the same price....

If I was buying a Cobra today, I'd have Scott (OZVENOM) build me a twin turbo Lexus V8 Harrison Cobra, and it would have cost me a lot less money than trying to make my old pushrod Ford motor powerful!!!

Ahh well, you live and learn

wicked fast · #6 (**permalink**) 10-10-2002, 07:40 AM

If you are looking for the next project,

check out the DRB GT-40 replica.

It uses the 302 with Porsche G50 transaxle and Corvette suspension.

The Aussies hillclimb and race the snot out of these cars !!!

It would/will be my choice for a 40.

Cheers,
Bill Cook

Aussie Mike · #7 (**permalink**) 10-10-2002, 07:13 PM

J had a day trip to Queensland a couple of weeks back. I had some spare time and went down to DRB's work shop to check out their GT40. I have to say I was very impressed and it's a serious contender for my next project. Quality of workmanship was good and the finished car they had out the front was magnificent.

The front suspension is all C4 Corvette forged alloy (Very nice looking, especially when polished). The rear up rights are cast especally for the GT40 and the control arms are all fabricated. I believe the rear hubs and brakes are from the Corvette.

The DRB Chassis is an all steel space frame and paneled in steel with the panels welded into the chassis. Unlike the Roaring Forties car which uses stainless panelling riveted to the spaceframe. The RF GT chassis probably looks better with the stainless paneling but I think the DRB GT would be a lot less work to build.

I was impressed with the quality of the body and it didn't look like it would need a lot of work to get it ready for paint.

The only problem is I'm a bit too long to fit in one comfortably

I'd have to look at lowering the seat as low as possible and maybe adding a Gurney bubble.

Cheers

mikes427 · #8 (**permalink**) 10-10-2002, 11:39 PM

Thanks for all the info guys will keep looking into it.

Excaliber · #9 (**permalink**) 10-11-2002, 02:09 AM

LH torana? Gurney bubble? DRB? What the heck? You guys got this yank all confused.

Maybe if I read this up side down (you know, down under), it would make sense? LOL

Ernie

750hp · #10 (**permalink**) 10-11-2002, 03:29 AM

Excalibur......
A Holden Torana is a 1970's model that came in 2 or 4 door, with 4, 6 or 8cyl motors. V8s had a successful racing history.....

A Gurney Bubble was a bulge in the roof of the GT40 to fit none other than.... Dan Gurney

DRB is a locally (Queensland, Australia) produced Cobra kit...

Oh, and while you're reading upside down.... 55378008

Aussie Mike · #11 (**permalink**) 10-11-2002, 03:45 AM

750HP,

Your showing your age, Had a pocket calculator in the late 70's early 80's did you. BOOBLESS in deed!

How about 710 77345.

Quite partial to the old Torana. I had a GTR XU-1 replica years ago, tripples, bathurst cam and lots of other goodies. Used to hit 120MPH before throwing it into the right hand sweeper at the end of the main straight at Calder.

Here is a site with some interesting history on the XU-1

http://holden.itgo.com/torana/gtrxu1.html

Cheers

Excaliber · #12 (**permalink**) 10-11-2002, 10:30 AM

Cool,,,,,so "Aussie talk" does make sense, lol.

That Holden Torana looks way small for a V8, no wonder they were racers!

Ernie