Why Do Cobra Owners Sell So Fast?

[twin turbo]

Why do people sell so fast: expectations vs reality!

I set mine up to replace riding crotch rockets. It still satisfies my "need for speed" after all these years.

Having said that, I suspect that if I had a typical normally aspirated build, I would have become bored and sold long ago. I'm not usually good at long term relationships, lol. Cheers.

[86fxst]

"My only regret is that I did not do this sooner, at 55 I just feel like the sharpness and my ability will start deteriorating . What a bummer.
Can I Buy Back In Please, Please" - RET COP




55!? I'm almost66 and I got my first replica in March!

[lippy]

Originally Posted by twin turbo

I suspect that if I had a typical normally aspirated build, I would have become bored and sold long ago.

I sure hope my (planned) 600-700HP normally aspirated Cobra won't bore me. That would be a disappointment.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by snakebiteforu

On the cover was a 1965 427 Shelby Cobra sitting along side of a 427 Corvette. (Does anyone remember the issue?).

I remember it. The pic you are thinking of, though, was not on the cover. It was farther back in the rag. On the cover, of all things, was an Olds Toronado. It was the November, 1965 issue of Car and Driver and the pic you so fondly remember is this:

[twin turbo]

Originally Posted by lippy

I sure hope my (planned) 600-700HP normally aspirated Cobra won't bore me. That would be a disappointment.

Lippy, the problem I've had with normally aspirated builds is driveability is affected when you try to make big hp. Turbos allow me stock driveability with great gas mileage. I know it's not for everyone, too quiet for some (92 decibels at WOT), but it works for me. If I want to make more power, I just turn a dial. Cheers.

[Bernica]

Lippy, you won't be bored?

I think "Dr Hal" Coppel's article says it all quite well about these cars. What to love, what to hate. The article is here on this site somewhere.

Much good advice in this thread as well that should be read (and re-read) by anyone thinking about kicking out that "entry fee" for one of these cars.

If your only desire is to hop in and go fast, then stick with the 'Vette, the GT-R etc. There are many more civilized options

My 2c

[twobjshelbys]

427's are monsters, and for what? If you're looking for the look and want a car to drive on the street you should give serious consideration to a 289 series FIA car. They have the same look - wide hips, etc. but are much tamer for the street.

Some day I'll be back with that configuration...

[Bernica]

Found Dr Hal's article mentioned above. I crack up everytime I read it because it is so true!

Hal Copple's Cobra Tribute - gatewaycobraclub.com Forums

[awfink55]

Love Hal Copple's Tribute, so true. New to Cobra's after many years of desiring. I knew exactly what I was getting into with my car. I don't need heated seats, stereo, power steering and AC, I have a late model Corvette for that. My car is the raw power and speed sensation I want at times. Take a long topdown ride with "The Boss", drive the Corvette. Want to haul 2X4's and sheetrock, drive the SUV. Want to scare the crap out your friends and neighbors kids or enjoy the raw power, drive the Cobra........

[CSX3183]

The stats were from Car and Driver, the photos were from Car Review, either the 1/85 or 11/85 issue, that is/was my car, CSX 3183. The car was on the cover on one of those issues, and inside on both.

Originally Posted by patrickt

I remember it. The pic you are thinking of, though, was not on the cover. It was farther back in the rag. On the cover, of all things, was an Olds Toronado. It was the November, 1965 issue of Car and Driver and the pic you so fondly remember is this:

[patrickt]

Ahhhh, he's thinking this one then:

[patrickt]

... and if anyone is overcome with a wave of sentimentality, Jim's Megamazines has it for twenty bucks, thank you very much. Car Review - Jan, 1985

[RET_COP]

Drivability WILL be effected---and guarantee, will not bore you

[decooney]

Cobra Braggin',

Is there a particular reason this question was posted under the Superformance forum?

[Danr55]

Sometimes, the car turns out to be just too much for an individual. I've known at least two of those in the last three years. One man punched it and lost control and almost crapped his pants. The second man just could not handle the power. The are, afterall, custom built race cars with even the smaller, tamer engines creating quite a stir when you stick your foot in it.

[WardL]

Just tonight I discussed "What if I sold my Cobra?" with my wife. I bought my Cobra used with 1,700 miles and wondered why so many Cobras are for sale so soon. I expect to have 11,000 miles on my Cobra by the end of summer after 3.5 years of ownership. I've autocrossed and been on a race track at 130 MPH with my Cobra. Why would I sell? I explained there was no reason to sell to buy a different specialty car because anything else would not measure up. Hey, I could always buy another Cobra! If I'm not driving the Cobra, I'm selling. In the Pacific Northwest from October to April, you aren't driving your Cobra. I agree with what has been said, guys that don't build (and buy a roller) decide they want every special feature in their new baby. After a year they either realize their wife won't go or they don't know how to press gently on the gas and when they jam their foot on the gas they almost die. A near death experience in a Cobra is all too frequent. My Cobra is the reason I retired at 60, thank you very much! Since I am not a bow-tie guy I'll never have a Corvette. The best explanation for short ownership is "Corvette" person buys a beast. As said earlier, buy used and enjoy it. If it don't work out, sell and you might break even. Let's see you do that in a Corvette! For sure, don't miss the opportunity to own a Cobra! You will NEVER regret it!

[Magicalab]

Because the next one is better than the last and gets better each time!

[krkucin]

The Cobra was my dream car for over 20 years. After years and years of research and more dreaming, and finally having the financial ability to get one, I went with an SPF. I have had the car for just over a year now, and it sits in the garage getting wax applied to it more than it is out on the road. If the weather is not perfect, it doesn't leave the garage. This leaves a lot of money tied up in the garage with few days for having any fun. If you still have your heart set on a nice SPF, I have a perfect one I'll sell you. Message me if your interested.

[dallas_]

Originally Posted by krkucin

I have had the car for just over a year now, and it sits in the garage getting wax applied to it more than it is out on the road. If the weather is not perfect, it doesn't leave the garage. This leaves a lot of money tied up in the garage with few days for having any fun.

Great answer. The dream is better than the reality for a lot of folks.

[PSB]

I'm thinking about selling mine, so I can build one of these:



Pete