Hi there from the UK

[Lloyd Barnes]

Hi everyone. Just introducing myself.

UK based, have just finished up my second build. First one was a Dax cobra, and I daren't tell you what engine was in it but lets just say not a Ford! Ran it on the drag strip a few times, got to 12.34 @ 114

Decided I'd like to build something as a closer copy of the original, so the second kit is called a Crendon. Small volume (mine is no 54) UK kit thats designed to be a pretty accurate fibreglass copy.

Have a 427 sideoiler in the car, knock on wheels and a few other bits and pieces to make it a decently accurate looking car.

Lloyd

[Buzz]

Hi - beautiful Cobra! Crendon built a really nice, accurate looking replica. Can you share a bit more about the build and driving impressions?
Also, it'd be interesting to hear some comparisons to the Dax. Did yours have the camber-compensating front suspension?

[Lloyd Barnes]

Hi Buzz,

Yes the Dax had the camber compensating suspension on the front, de dion rear. It was a very different experience to the Crendon. A lot of grip but it did seem to let go much more suddenly, or perhaps that was my lack of talent!?

The Crendon is much more predictable. A big difference is the wheels, 15” on the Crendon, 18 on the Dax, so softer handling. However I think the Crendon suspension works well, the Dax maybe is trying to be a little too clever? JMHO Also the Dax was a small block, the Crendon a big block so probably a little more nose heavy.

Both great cars but the Crendon is by far my favourite. Most Crendon’s come with the body fitted so they can be a quicker build than the Dax. Mine didn’t but that’s how I prefer it. I get as much of a kick out of the build as driving them.

I like the sound of driving one around St Lucia! Lucky guy.

[Grubby]

Your car is beautiful.

I have an ERA with a Side Oiler, and it is actually heavier in the rear. The engines are placed so far back in original Cobras and well designed kits that the big block isn't nose heavy.

Front weight is 1370 pounds and rear is 1481 pounds with me and a half tank of fuel.

John

[Lloyd Barnes]

Hi John,

Thank you.

Interesting. I’ve not weighed it front/rear. Be curious to see what it’s like balance wise. Don’t think you could get the engine any further back. The rear plugs are enough of a bear to change already.

I really tried with the cobra jet heads and dual quad setup that came with the motor (bought it as a rusty crate of parts) but in the end swapped them out for edelbrock heads and single quad manifold so it’s lightened up a bit.

Seems to handle pretty well. That 427 does pull! Causes a scene or two here in the UK where US V8s are a pretty rare thing!

[CobraBoy]

Hey Lloyd from another UK-based Cobra lover. Your Crendon is a credit to you!

I'd love almost any Cobra kit, but as the years have passed, I tend towards those that are closer to the original cars - Crendon very much, ERA, etc. For cost reasons, however, I am likely to opt for one of the more budget-friendly kits and I am seriously keen on Factory Five Racing, when the time comes. Engine-wise, I'd love a FE side-oiler, but again for cost reasons am likely to opt for a stroked 427 ci Windsor.

Are you located in Wales? There are some lovely roads there.

Paul

[Lloyd Barnes]

Hi Paul

Thats the great thing about building your own, you can choose how it ends up looking. Lots of ways to make any of the kits look more original if thats your aim.

Yep, just across the border in mid Wales nr Welshpool. Some amazing roads here if you can avoid the eager local camera vans! Trouble is in a cobra they can hear you coming for miles