Newbie to this site :)
 

Hi everybody,

My name is Michael, and I simply love Cobras. It has been my dreamcar since I saw it on a poster back in 1989.

The only problem is that I live in Denmark, Europe. Due to the rules here, it is not legal to build a kitcar of any kind - if it is build as a tube chassis.

This is a problem, because it means that there are almost no Cobras in Denmark. The only Cobras that are here, is not streetlegal.

However, there is 1 option. That is to build a Danish version of a Cobra. It will be build as a VW Beach Buggy, and yes, it also means the engine will be an aircooled engine in the back. But by building this, it is now possible to get it streetlegal. And I want a Cobra that I am able to drive... :)

So this is the option I have choosen. It have taken me 6 years of seaching to find a fiberglass body. I have also found a 2 liter engine from a VW Bus, that I will rebuild to fit this project and some old school Chevy wheels that I will use.

This project is a major one. Since the body is made for a tube frame, than NOTHING fits for the VW pan. I have to build my own frame for the pan. I have to shortn the pan. Pedals, gear shifter, handbrake and seats have to be moved way back. Steering linkage, has to be extended. Everything is something that nobody (in Denmark at least) have tried before. But it is a cool project, that will end up as my dreamcar :)

I know it will never be a real Cobra, but it is the best I can do, with the rules here in Denmark.

In any case, I am looking forward to letting you all know, how the project is coming along.

Michael Bechmann
Denmark, Europe

Wow, sounds like a wild project! Best of luck.

But did you ever consider some of the Cobra replica manufacturers which offer monocoque chassis? Maybe these would meet Danish standards.

Here's one example, from BDM Motorsports in Australia. I know there are some others, but just can't remember them off the top of my head. Maybe others can add names/links until I have a chance to check my files.

hi michael,

i'm from istanbul and we've similar problem here to register special project car with space frame chassis.

but, it's hard but possible to register if chassis and running gear from an donor car with documents used.

i suggest you to use gm s10 (front engine, rwd) as donor instead of vw bug.

you may take a look to my scratch built project @ sub-forum
http://www.clubcobra.com/forums/scratch-builders-forum/79118-im-going-start-manufacturing-bodyshell-but-slabside-fia.html

regards,
ozgur

I did search for monocoque chassis as well, but they are also not allowed in Denmark. The rules are VERY stricht. They could be approved, but they would have to be produced at a factury and they needed to go through the safety procedures as well. So it is impossible for private people to build anything like that. IF I wanted to go through that, it would cust me around 200.000$ to get those qualifications. That is insane :)

The only reason why it is possible to build it on a VW Bug pan, is because VW back in the 60s actually went through all the steps. They paid for all the tests and safety procedures. After that, they gave the approved papers to everybody for free. That is the reason why it can only be a VW Bug that I use. I just need to print out the papers, and bring them along when I get my Cobra MOT.

Btw, both your cars look awesome. Totally cool all the way. :)

can you builld one with a ls chevy motor?

Bill

Nope. I cant build one at all, here. It is the chassis type, that is the problem.