Unknown Brand AC Cobra Replica ... Please Help Identify

JEFFREYSRYAN · #1 (**permalink**) 12-13-2010, 04:20 PM

I recently won the auction on an AC Cobra replica which I now own and have in my possession. I am sure some may think I was crazy for buying it without doing much research prior to purchase but i couldnt really afford a Cobra to begin with and I couldnt beat the price of $14,700 after I beat the dealer up a little when I got there. Anyway it was on ebay, item #280587726339 or this link: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...K%3AMEWNX%3AIT

Its titled as a 1995 Ford Mustang, currently has a Chevy 350 with turbo 400 transmission, I believe it originally had a Ford motor in it when built. I love the car, it needs very minor tlc to be a great driver (wipers loose, radio doesnt work, wrong emblems on side of car, etc). I would love to know what brand of replica or any other information anyone knows. The prior owner (before auction dealer and dealer i bought it from) was Luke Tidale Cooper from Baltimore Md. Rumor through the dealer was this was the cheapest of 3 Cobras this gentleman owned. Any help would be appreciated.

Excaliber · #2 (**permalink**) 12-13-2010, 04:48 PM

I'm stumped....

Kramer · #3 (**permalink**) 12-13-2010, 04:50 PM

I am almost positive it is a west coast cobra...here is there link

http://www.cobrakit.com/

jwd · #4 (**permalink**) 12-13-2010, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kramer

I am almost positive it is a west coast cobra...here is there link

http://www.cobrakit.com/

Definitely NOT a WCC. This car has a FFR perky butt and different trunk lid than a WCC. It's a donor kit using production suspension. My guess is an early FFR. I wouldn't base my guess on a simple thing like a roll bar. They can be changed with zero effort.

JEFFREYSRYAN · #5 (**permalink**) 12-13-2010, 04:53 PM

I have also been emailed warning me that i could face some serious problems with a cobra titled as a 1995 mustang with my insurance company and the police if stopped. My insurance company had trouble with the vin# but manually overrode the computer and put a replacement value of 25000 on it. I thought a lot of replica cars are titled as the frames that were used?

JEFFREYSRYAN · #6 (**permalink**) 12-13-2010, 05:05 PM

Kramer-
It is possible, I see a lot of similarities between the two but also some differences. Could be because my car is an older build and they have changed some frame supports and interior design over the years. However i am 5'11 230 lbs and I find the car comfortable, not roomy (not that any Cobra is roomy) but comfortable. I may email the company to see if they can confirm or deny its roots. thanks

joyridin' · #7 (**permalink**) 12-13-2010, 05:22 PM

If I had to guess, maybe an early Factory 5? Either that or maybe a Streetbeast, but I think all the Streetbeasts put the gas cap behind the passenger seat instead of the left rear quarter panel.

Just a guess.

Kramer · #8 (**permalink**) 12-13-2010, 05:27 PM

Check out the website and compare some of the frame and interior characteristics. I say WCC because of the signature rollbar and body lines...plus the WCC are known to be "rommier" that a lot of other cobras.

JEFFREYSRYAN · #9 (**permalink**) 12-13-2010, 05:37 PM

I sent an email to wcc with the link to the auction and vin# to see if they would know. If no luck there i will move on to Factory 5 or streetbeast but neither of those companies show any of them with a full roll bar like mine has yet WCC does.
Joyridin- my gas fill is on the rear passenger side so that fits too but I think thats where most are

Excaliber · #10 (**permalink**) 12-13-2010, 06:33 PM

I to noticed the perky butt AND the peak in the center of the trunk just above the rear license light. At first glance I thought FFR. But I don't so think after looking at it closer. Is that a square or round tube frame? FFR would have to be round.

I ruled out Stallion and WC because of the frame construction, it just doesn't look right. But I agree, that roll bar sure has that look! Aren't both the Stallion and WC's long wheel base, 94-96"? That should be easy to measure and rule in or rule out pretty quick if so.

Is that a Gel coat body or paint finish? Who was it that put out a Gel Coat car?

Interesting wheels, I guess they are bolt on with a cover over the lug nuts?

A&C front with an FFR rear and a WC roll bar, yup, it's a street beast!

Three Peaks · #11 (**permalink**) 12-13-2010, 06:53 PM

Definitely not a Factory Five. The deep lips around the openings- trunk and engine bay rules that out as does the rectangular frame and incorrect hinges.
The tranny support brace in the pictures looks a lot like one I saw while helping a club member install his tranny in his LA exotics replica.

Bob

bmwdb10 · #12 (**permalink**) 12-13-2010, 07:03 PM

Hood hinges, dash, frame... No doubt an early 90's vintage L A Exotics.

bmwdb10 · #13 (**permalink**) 12-13-2010, 07:07 PM

Peaks beat me to it... Just found this ad, has to be an LAE:
http://www.clubcobra.com/classifieds...uct=3008&cat=2

750hp · #14 (**permalink**) 12-14-2010, 03:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JEFFREYSRYAN

I couldnt beat the price of $14,700 after I beat the dealer up a little when I got there.
......... I love the car, it needs very minor tlc to be a great driver (wipers loose, radio doesnt work, wrong emblems on side of car, etc).

So you bought a car off Ebay at an incredibly good price and by your own admission one that needs only very minor improvements... and then you "beat the dealer up a little" to the tune of $600 off the legally binding agreement you entered into...?????

Heck, if you can't screw someone over during the Christmas season, when can you!!!

Enjoy you car, you earned it.

mrmustang · #15 (**permalink**) 12-14-2010, 03:38 AM

Early LAExotics, the problem you will have is the 1995 Mustang title and VIN as the Mustang is a unibody and the chassis could not possibly be placed on the Mustang unibody. My advice is to call Trenton,speak with the special titled division on the MVC, explain to them exactly what you have on your hands and have the car retitled using a state issued VIN. Otherwise you have a hot potato on your hands..........

Bill S.

DanEC · #16 (**permalink**) 12-14-2010, 07:20 PM

The car has a unique profile along the top of the front fender continuing into the door - giving it a bit of a sway back appearance. The pictures of the LAE cars don't appear to duplicate that. It's a unique characteristic and someone should recognize it.

It's not a FFR car with that chassis.

davecobra · #17 (**permalink**) 12-14-2010, 08:24 PM

I think it could be a SC Motorcars, the pictures of the frame look just like mine, the trans tunnel is different but the change the tunnels for the transmissions I have seen. The SC has the serial number stamped on the top of the frame rail on the passenger front. If Larry Goins is on the board he could help tell if it is one of his.
David

Buzz · #18 (**permalink**) 12-15-2010, 06:15 AM

As stated by others it looks like an early LA Exotics car. The upward "break" in the fender/body line from the cockpit forward is very much a feature on those bodies and carries over to the B&B cars as well.

RET_COP · #19 (**permalink**) 12-20-2010, 05:21 PM

That undercarriage does not resemble by B&B which was built in late 2002.
Lou