I'm 36, and just acquired a previously owned ERA 427 a few weeks ago.

I have been a roadster nut all my life with the Shelby Cobra naturally perched at the top of my wish list. In the past I have owned a Triumph Spitfire and a Mazda Miata, both affordable, fun to drive, however as pitifully inadequate in fulfilling the Cobra lust as methadone is to a smack junkie.

Like most folks, the dream of owning "The Car" always took a back seat to more pragmatic considerations. As someone so aptly stated on this thread, we have a way of forgetting our dreams and mine was pushed back to the corner of my thoughts, resurrected on odd occasions when a rare Cobra sighting would stir me to proclaim; "HEY Honey, LOOK!, there goes my dream car!". To which my wife would comment to the effect; “that’s nice dear, are you going to help me plant Azaleas this weekend?”. POOF!, just that fast, as quick as the striped predator itself, the dream retreated back into its cubby hole, replaced by the more pedestrian issues of life.

Starting a few months ago, I began contemplating the trade in of my 95 Buick Riviera. The only new car that had a suitable combination of style, performance and price was the C5 Corvette. With lackluster support from my wife, I plunked down a $750 deposit and ordered a 6 speed coupe.

On the eve of the vette’s delivery, I was net surfing for car reviews when the search engine popped up an obscure hit on a Car and Driver review of the 1963 Shelby Cobra. I immediately changed the search parameters from 1999 Corvette to 427 Shelby Cobra. The dream, again finding its way into my conscious thoughts. After hopping through a few links I find myself in the Cobra Country’s for sale by owner page.

I began to re-think my position. I was going to get squat for my trade-in, and put down $45 “Large” for a new vette. Thus I began to rationalize . Even the most exotic car, driven daily, soon becomes just transportation and in time the vette would be no different. Practical? Please. And what’s wrong with the Riv? It’s a great car, capable of racking up 200k miles without a whimper or complaint. All of a sudden, the dream inched closer to attainability. And wonder of wonders, THE WIFE REALLY LIKED THE IDEA!

A few phone calls, some creative financing and two trips to Dallas later, I have a Cobra, PARKED IN MY GARAGE!! SOMEBODY PINCH ME!


[This message has been edited by Traveller (edited 05-24-99).]