Most accurate Cobra

[CSXDreamer]

Go to shelbycsxinfo.com and study all the photos, but keep in mind that not all the original 3000 series were kept original. I rebuilt my LAX dash in the street configuration, and don't understand why several builders have completely different dash layouts. The engine comparment is neat to try and replicate if you've got a carburator and aircleaner set up. If you've got a small block side feed F.I. set up, why bother. To really do the engine bay correctly, you need floor mounted brake and clutch pedals so you can have their resevoirs on the upper left side inner wall. You also need an aluminum oil junction that mounts in front of and lower than the left head. I don't know if such a part is available at a reasonable cost. There used to be a great site for original Cobra photos called 427csx@citymax.com, but it's shut down. Most of the engine photos of original street cars there had chrome valve covers with a "427" emblem. Also, no holes for PCV, breather and oil filler as the original intake manifold provided for these.

[patrickt]

99.999% of one-time only posters asking what Cobra they should buy will never, ever own a Cobra. I thought Ron & Jamo were going to institute a one-semester pledge period for this club.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by patrickt

99.999% of one-time only posters asking what Cobra they should buy will never, ever own a Cobra. I thought Ron & Jamo were going to institute a one-semester pledge period for this club.

Or at least we could haze them for a month or two.

Whether it's the "big block versus small block?", "who builds the most accurate replica?" or the infamous "genuine, real or replica?" questions, these great conundrums of our time may never be answered.

If the President and Congress tackle the "BCS Bowl" problem, I think these important questions should be next on their list.

Hey Patrick, make sure you don't forget to send Dean his check for his answer.

[CSXDreamer]

If you want to get a jab in on some Factory Five guys who talk about the authenticity of their sheet aluminum fabricated cockpits, I've read a couple times on web sites about original CSX cars, that their footboxes were actually made from fiberglass.

[SunDude]

Originally Posted by patrickt

99.999% of one-time only posters asking what Cobra they should buy will never, ever own a Cobra...

Man, I think you nailed it. We've all been duped into offering helpful advice to a complete pretender. Obviously "authenticity" is a subject we all like to cover, but for me it's time to move on from this thread...

[Bill Bess]

The only original -authentic cobra's are the old cars that Shelby sold in the sixties, everything else are reproductions of those cars.
My only sound advice is make sure you build or buy the car that you will be happy with for years to come. Actually, 99.9% of the folks don't know the difference in cobras and really don't care.
Just have fun, Bill

[DougD]

Originally Posted by mudracer

I have been wanting a Cobra replica for a long time. Please tell me who makes the most accurate kit. I know the Kirkham is the best but it is out of my price range. I have seen many Cobra replicas at car shows and I am amazed how different each one is. I know some are produced in third world countries and I would like to limit my search to kits made in the USA.

In my opinion, once you eliminate the CSX continuation cars and the Kirkham models that use original-type chassis, there really arean't ANY of the kits that are "accurate". Some of the rest have bodies that are close, some have interiors that are close, most at least look like a Cobra from a short distance. But all make concessions to originality in order to lower the price, make them easier to build, handle better than an original, etc.

I'd suggest you attend one of the many Cobra get-togethers advertised on this forum and look at, sit in, ask for rides, etc., in as many different brands as possible to help you narrow down your search. It's not easy. There are just too many variables. But just like choosing a wife, you will know her when you meet her. You just have to try a few out to see what you like.....

[LMH]

Originally Posted by DougD

In my opinion, once you eliminate the CSX continuation cars and the Kirkham models that use original-type chassis, there really arean't ANY of the kits that are "accurate". Some of the rest have bodies that are close, some have interiors that are close, most at least look like a Cobra from a short distance. But all make concessions to originality in order to lower the price, make them easier to build, handle better than an original, etc.

I'd suggest you attend one of the many Cobra get-togethers advertised on this forum and look at, sit in, ask for rides, etc., in as many different brands as possible to help you narrow down your search. It's not easy. There are just too many variables. But just like choosing a wife, you will know her when you meet her. You just have to try a few out to see what you like.....

Actually Doug, there a couple companies that come to mind building accurate replicas. Sagebrush and Roger Bolick's carbon fiber cars are both very accurate inside and out.
Larry

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by LMH

Actually Doug, there a couple companies that come to mind building accurate replicas. Sagebrush and Roger Bolick's carbon fiber cars are both very accurate inside and out.
Larry

I don't want to speak for Doug, but he may have eliminated virtually all the other replicas, because by some people's definitions, if isn't aluminum as well, then it can't be considered "most accurate."

[DougD]

Originally Posted by LMH

Actually Doug, there a couple companies that come to mind building accurate replicas. Sagebrush and Roger Bolick's carbon fiber cars are both very accurate inside and out.
Larry

I suppose my comments may have left one or two manufacturers out in the cold. And I haven't personally seen each and every brand up close. Which is why I started the reply with "In my opinion".

Most here seem to be debating the shape of the body as to whether or not it is "accurate". This, for me, is only part of the equation. The frame, suspension, interior, dash, wheels, whether or not it has an FE in a 427 body style, lift-a-dots for the top, side curtain ferrules, roll bar (single or dual, right diameter tubing, right angle), etc. These all add up to whether the car looks like an original or not. Some brands you can spot right away. Others need a closer look to determine what they are. Some guys are building a Cobra street rod. Others desire one that makes a purist take a second look.

My advice still stands. It's a personal decision. Check out as many different brands as possible. I prefer brunettes. You may like blondes.

[RodKnock]

I think the most accurate Cobras are the CSX 2000's and 3000's.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

I think the most accurate Cobras are the CSX 2000's and 3000's.

Unless the restoration makes them "caricatures of themselves."

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by patrickt

Unless the restoration makes them "caricatures of themselves."

So you're saying an accurate replica (a Kirkham Cobra), say Ron's Kirkham for instance, is a more accurate Cobra than an original CSX3000 which wasn't restored accurately?

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

So you're saying an accurate replica (a Kirkham Cobra), say Ron's Kirkham for instance, is a more accurate Cobra than an original CSX3000 which wasn't restored accurately?

No, I am saying that a "complete and thorough" restoration will often times move the car more toward the "replica" end of the spectrum than had it been simply left alone.

[RodKnock]

So you're saying any car that has had a complete and thorough restoration is more replica than original? That's debatable.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

So you're saying any car that has had a complete and thorough restoration is more replica than original? That's debatable.

It can't, by any definition you choose, be more, or even equal to, as original as it was before it was restored. But I know you understand my point. Some restorations in recent years are approaching the point where you're almost willing to say "that's a replica, it just happened to start with a real Cobra."

[RedBarchetta]

Gentlemen, start your engines!

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by RedBarchetta

Gentlemen, start your engines!

Ol' Rodknock is clearly outgunned....

[RedBarchetta]

Originally Posted by patrickt

Ol' Rodknock is clearly outgunned....

I wouldn't make that bet.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by patrickt

Ol' Rodknock is clearly outgunned....

You must be talking about my mental capabilities, because an engine comparison wouldn't make sense.

I understand your point. It's only original once. I agree with that sentiment, but an accurate restoration to the highest concours levels using all original and/or NOS parts, paint markings, etc. will be a beautifully restored "original" car, not a beautifully restored replica of an original car.