How did you guys choose which Cobra to go with?

stickanddice · #1 (**permalink**) 05-24-2002, 02:00 PM

Hi guys,

I've been looking on and off at getting a Cobra for waaay too long, and I find the process to be very difficult. Just when I was ready to plunk down some money my wife coerced me into buying a house. And we all know that the real estate here isn't exactly cheap! But enough of that. On to the real issues.

How did you guys choose one?

I am somebody who needs to drive something before it is purchased. With so many configurations out there, this is next to impossible with a Cobra. I've emailed the manufacturer and they always give me an enthusiastic "Come on over and we'll let you drive one around!" Typical of the friendly Cobra community, which is one of the main reasons I want to purchase a replica Cobra, instead of another vintage automobile (this coming from an automotive Italophile). Yet, none of the manufacturers are close enough for me to free up time and take them up on their offer.

Even when I get there, won't the car drive differently depending on their engine configurations etc? Every options list I've browsed online is intimidatingly long!

I'm looking for a high quality product, but I would like to do some of the building myself. Given how this is my first foray into the hobby I don't want a pricey kit, so nix the Superformance and Kirkham. I've heard great things about Unique... I know the common answer is to click on the Search CC link in the menu bar and run a search, but there is so much information that is returned that it is difficult to filter through to the important bits. Also, most of the answers are tailored for the specific forum member who started the thread. Consequently, any manufacturers I should stay away from? A trend I've noticed is that people who live in proximity to the manufacturer usually have nicer things to say than people from far away. So, from a Bay Area perspective, who are the players out there? Aside from the expensive builders that is (one day I'll be able to afford an aluminium bodied replica, just not now).

Am I best off buying a used one and tinkering with it? Or is it more rewarding to build your own car yourself? Any horror stories about buying a used replica car?

Any thoughts in general?

mikiec · #2 (**permalink**) 05-24-2002, 02:15 PM

Let's see...

Place many photos on the dartboard. Step back 15 paces, put on the bilndfold and let loose the dart.

Seriously,....As you know there is a tremendous amount of info out there.

many decisions, money, what type of driving, how close to the original....

I believe the BACC has a breakfast meeting every Saturday. I'm sure one of them will chime in and tell you where. You will be able to see various cars and discuss with the owners why?

Mike

GUMBALL · #3 (**permalink**) 05-24-2002, 02:17 PM

Stick,

First things first. Have you been to a Saturday morning breakfast yet? The Bay Area Cobra Club meets in Pleasanton EVERY Saturday morning at 7:30 am. Usually 5-20 Cobras in the lot and VERY knowledgeable/nice gentleman to answer your questions in person.

Next........

Most of us have been in your shoes. Yes, the decisions are endless and you have nothing tangible to compare. Many have spent years researching. Others have spent longer and are STILL researching.

I could write a book for you here but much more could be accomplished in person or over the phone. Feel free to give me a call when you have a half hour or more to spend discussing the finer points.

Regards,

John

P.S. I will email my number to you.

Great Asp · #4 (**permalink**) 05-24-2002, 02:38 PM

Ride in all of them. Simple advice.

Then check yer wallet......

I rode in as many as I could before deciding, and talked to the people who owned the cars.

Great Asp

Doug Axelrod · #5 (**permalink**) 05-24-2002, 02:45 PM

Go to the Spring Fling in London, Ohio--Seriously!

You can find the thread on this website. You will see hundreds of cobras in all makes, engines, and conditions. The people will answer your questions on why they did what and what they would do differently if they had it to do over again (great question with amazing answers, by the way.)

This website and Colman's book also go a long way, and for you, if you want to do assembly yourself, a visit to the manufacturers is important and has swayed many people.

So I'm serious, a flight and a long weekend are a small investment for what you are getting into and you'll make a lot of friends, even get some rides.

Enjoy!

stickanddice · #6 (**permalink**) 05-24-2002, 02:47 PM

I'm a lazy guy who lives in Foster City, 7:30 AM?!! Wow you guys are early birds! In all seriousness, I'll try my best to make it up there sometime in the very near future. I have a late model Corvette and a Porsche, so maybe I'll show up in the Porsche in case I get lynched for owning a Chevy!

I'm looking for something I could literally drive everyday, but still remains very faithful to the original in looks and mechanics. I know it sounds silly, but I've used a 1963 Ferrari 250 GTE as a daily driver, so anything's possible! Temperemental machine, but if you know how to take care of it, it'll last you forever.

As long as I don't cook in the summer, freeze in the winter, and get wet in the spring and fall, I'm game! Don't care if the car is loud, has little trunk space, no stereo, etc. I am out looking at a visceral experience, and I'm told to look no further than the Cobra, so here I am!

The looks are also very important. One of my father's friends owns a genuine mid 60's Cobra and I don't know if there were many different body styles, but a lot of the Cobra replicas out there don't seem to match up to well. I want to go to vintage events with him, and although I won't advertise mine as the real deal, I don't want to get laughed out of the tent either! It might not be too late for this years Historics and overall car nut dream coming in August!

Rick 427 Cobra · #7 (**permalink**) 05-24-2002, 09:14 PM

Foster City isn't far. Novato, now thats far, but HE drove his Corvette, not the Cobra. Poor old red, sitting there all alone. We will not mention names.
Seriously,
catch a ride with Joe Kennedy (Palo Alto) some morning. Answer up Joe. LOTS of people come from the south bay or further.
Rick

stickanddice · #8 (**permalink**) 05-25-2002, 01:44 AM

Where in Ptown will you guys be meeting this Sunday? I'll be there!

stickanddice · #9 (**permalink**) 05-27-2002, 01:23 AM

OK, OK, I'm stupid.

For some inexplicable reason I thought it was Sunday when it was clearly written that you guys meet on Saturday.

Maybe next week?

Rick 427 Cobra · #10 (**permalink**) 05-27-2002, 08:15 PM

The faithful still meet every Saturday At 7:30 am. Take the 680 east to Dublin, exit at Dougherty/Hopyard Rd(just past the 580 crossing),
north across the freeway and west on Dublin blvd to 6999 (on the north side)
Come on down, ask for Rick or Tony and we'll show you around. This weekend is great. Got the Goodguys across the street on Saturday and Sears Point on Sunday. No "honey do's" anywhere!
Rick