Contemporary Classic Motorcar History - Page 3

Michael4yah · #41 (**permalink**) 02-09-2010, 02:14 PM

GREAT THREAD, Can the Contemporary's owners chime in here and tell me where their frame #s are, My frame was powder coated and before I go digging around in there I could use some directions. Maybe measurements? Thanks Michael

mickmate · #42 (**permalink**) 02-09-2010, 02:22 PM

Take the drivers side front wheel off and look hard at the 4" tube. Some early ones don't have it but most will have the date it was made with a number after it saying which car it was that day stamped into the 4" tube by the lower control arm mounts.

You can see this car was made 12/11/81 and was the second (-2) frame made that day. This is the early numbering system.

Michael4yah · #43 (**permalink**) 02-09-2010, 02:31 PM

Thanks Nick. I'll look. When your looking at the Contemporary bodies do you see any changes from the torsion bar years to the coil overs?

mickmate · #44 (**permalink**) 02-09-2010, 02:53 PM

Bodies are the same I believe.

mlplunkett · #45 (**permalink**) 04-09-2010, 10:15 AM

I'm emailing back and forth with a guy who claims to have a partially completed car that is being made up from leftover Contemporary stock that he got from John Karelius. He spoke as if John was the owner of Contemporary when it shut down. Is this guy scamming me?

cobrarkc · #46 (**permalink**) 04-09-2010, 10:29 AM

He may have been a dealer for Contemporary

Black Mamba · #47 (**permalink**) 04-09-2010, 10:51 AM

I did a quick search and it looks like John is now a real estate agent in Palm Springs so you can probably get in touch with him through Windemere.

I also found this old post:

Contemporary Cobra- CCX-3-3643: Blue with White LeMans stripes. NOS 427 Side Oiler, Toploader, 3.54:1 Jag rear, rare Tunnel Wedge intake, 600 miles. Signed by Carroll Shelby. This car was professionally built by John Karelius of Cobra Specialties of California in 1991 as the Contemporary Motor Car display vehicle from 1991-1993. Sold to previous owner in 1993 for $85,000.00. The attention to detail on this car is extraordinary. If you are looking for one of the finest Cobra cars on the market, this is it. $58,000.00. Call for extensive details. 614-847-0900. or e-mail me @ jldunkle@yahoo.com

Hope that helps

mickmate · #48 (**permalink**) 04-09-2010, 11:29 AM

http://www.clubcobra.com/forums/cobras-sale/20065-contemporary-cobra-ccx-3-3643-a.html#post170223

Justin O'Rourke · #49 (**permalink**) 04-09-2010, 04:38 PM

Hi; If any Contemporary Cobra owners need exhaust systems, contact me. We were the supplier to Contemporary and we still have ALL of the jigs to produce them. Regards.

Black Mamba · #50 (**permalink**) 04-09-2010, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Justin O'Rourke

Hi; If any Contemporary Cobra owners need exhaust systems, contact me. We were the supplier to Contemporary and we still have ALL of the jigs to produce them. Regards.

Can you help me figure out what's rattling in mine?

Justin O'Rourke · #51 (**permalink**) 04-09-2010, 06:37 PM

Probably a piece on your muffler has separated from the rest.

mickmate · #52 (**permalink**) 04-09-2010, 07:53 PM

The difference in thermal expansion between the inside and outside sometimes cracks them apart.

gugisair · #53 (**permalink**) 02-11-2013, 12:04 PM

hi
maybe you can help me to get a documentation about my ccx-3-3800. specialy about the engine. as you can read above, the european laws with emissions, are getting more and more mad, with their restrictions. the car has a title in austria, but I have changed, the front and rear adjustable shocks (spax) as original, ( I have got them from england) and now I have to get a complete new title. If I can verfy that the car is more then 40years old it is not a problem. the original title I have shows '66 and for the frame and the front and rear axle > this is jag e-type (xke) but the engine is the goal.

Danr55 · #54 (**permalink**) 02-11-2013, 12:35 PM

If you need a car that's 40 years old, you may have an issue. 40 years would be 1973 and I don't believe that Contemporary went into business until 1976. I had CCX 3209 and it was built in 1987 I believe.
Dan

Viking99 · #55 (**permalink**) 02-11-2013, 08:23 PM

My CCX 3524 was registered with my local DMV in 1990.

gugisair · #56 (**permalink**) 02-12-2013, 11:03 AM

the idea to fix the problem is, to know how old the parts are. who knows when they are assebled. the front and rear hub carrier are from the 6cyl. jag e-type was built from 61/71
the rear axle, the brakes, steering column.....
the interior shows smith gauges
how old can be a 4speed toploader gearbox. is there a serial # to find it out.
is there a possibility to find out how old the FE engine is (topoiler/sideoiler) without disassembling the engine. the crank/cam.... are inside the engine. so no one can figure out what kind of parts are inside.
and double pumper holleys you can buy a long long time.
contemporary is out of buissenes so the parts count

avanti-176 · #57 (**permalink**) 02-12-2013, 11:32 AM

there should be a number cast into the passenger side of the block that reads something along the lines of...
C6ME-A or close to that......

C6 = 1966 if it is C5 then 1965...C4, 1964...you get the idea.

zimmy · #58 (**permalink**) 02-12-2013, 01:54 PM

Peter's original Cobra was just sold in auction for slightly over $2 Million. I am sure he wishes he had kept it!

Blue Cobra · #59 (**permalink**) 04-23-2013, 12:31 PM

I just got off the phone with Peter Bayer. Peter is still in Mamaroneck NY. Unfortunately he was busy at work and as such I assumed a bit short with answers when I started asking about his legacy. I sure would have enjoyed talking to him longer, as I'm sure he still has lots of factoids on our cars that we will never know but would love to know.

I was sure to let him know that like myself, there are many other CCX owners out there that would love to give him huge kudos' for what he started back in the late 1970's, and how his cars had such a positive impact on and in our lives--and the legacy of the Cobra roadsters.

BC