[Slick61]

threads like this are depressing... I won't say anything bad about the driver, as I have no first-hand knowledge. But it's things like this could make the future tougher for a lot of the other Cobra owners. What I do know is that, as a newbie cobra owner, the car scared the crap out of me (in a good way) when I first started looking at them... and it still does (now that I own one) to a degree. I never drove one before I bought one... just had the seller take me for a ride. It was the grin plastered across my face during the high-G thrill rides that made me pursue buying a Cobra. There's just nothing like the experience.

I never asked to drive any of the cars I looked at (tho a few sellers offerred) for several reasons...

first, I know how picky & particular I am about my own cars, much less one with the performance of a Cobra. Damaging my own car is one thing... damaging someone else's is an entirely different matter.

second, I hadn't driven a stick in almost 3 years & didn't want to embarrass myself OR the owner by poor (rusty) technique. I drove a 4 cylinder/5 speed Ford Ranger for 7 years, which in no way resembled the driving characteristics of the Cobra- save for the requisite hand/foot coordination.

I applaud all the Cobra owners who exercise the responsibility of a thorough interview & the right to refuse test drives to potential Cobra purchasers. Should the time ever come, I plan to follow suit.

Seems every time I'm out, a Z06 will chase me down & pull up next to me at a light. Street challenges seem to be the order of the day. I have NO interest in pursuing these endeavors. I don't have to impress anyone. I bought the Cobra because I absolutely love the car, not due to some insecurity. I do want to be able to drive it properly, but not for the purposes of street racing. It's just not worth the risk to me.

I was pleasantly surprised how easy the Cobra was to drive, PROVIDED you have a strong left leg (stiff clutch) and a gentle right foot. It's been about 4 weeks now & all is proceeding well. A few jerky starts initially (as I got use to the clutch takeup), but no stalling-out or ground gears. I planned from day one to attend a high performance driving course, and am narrowing down the choices.

Speaking of which, can anyone offer a testimonial on the Racing Adventures Stage 1 driving course? Is most appealing to me, as they use the Factory Five Spec Racers- which should reasonably approximate the driving dynamics of my Backdraft.