Why are Cobra replicas so popular? What about other replicas? - Page 2

Bill Bess · #1 (**permalink**) 10-21-2011, 06:47 AM

Exactly ! Buzz your words are like the "first time you have a women"..all those senses coming together at one time.
I think her name was Cobra.

tin-man · #2 (**permalink**) 10-22-2011, 11:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Bess

Exactly ! Buzz your words are like the "first time you have a women"..all those senses coming together at one time.
I think her name was Cobra.

both obscenely voluptuous and menacingly aggressive in appearance.

all functional and it elicits a strong reaction from everyone

male and female alike

Then of course, there's the performance

deliver the goods

in a direct, unfiltered manner that goes straight to the seat of the pants. You receive powerful inputs of sound, smells, g-forces and a view across the most curvaceous fenders you've ever seen.

At least four of your senses are bombarded with a staggering shot of direct inputs

not unlike the vibrating rush you feel after surviving a near death experience.

Extreme beauty, extreme sound and extreme performance. Its the unfiltered, adult, alcoholic, XXX version

not for the meek or faint of heart.

Jayzuss Bill what type of chick popped your cherry?

[Buzz, apologies for taking your post out of context]

Cheers, tin-man

jbmatth · #3 (**permalink**) 10-21-2011, 09:32 AM

The cobra's were basically one model compared to the many Ferrari's and Lambo's built through the years, they are much simpler to build compared to the exotics, and everyone seems to have a positive reaction when they see one. I would guess there are more 30's Ford replicas than Cobras out there though.

visualfxpro · #4 (**permalink**) 10-21-2011, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jbmatth

The cobra's were basically one model compared to the many Ferrari's and Lambo's built through the years, they are much simpler to build compared to the exotics, and everyone seems to have a positive reaction when they see one. I would guess there are more 30's Ford replicas than Cobras out there though.

All VERY good points! Thanks for sharing!

elmariachi · #5 (**permalink**) 10-21-2011, 10:31 AM

If you have ever spent time around a real one, then you know how to quickly spot a replica. But I think the biggest reason the Cobra is so replicated is because it was a bada$$ car that saw very limited production. It helps that no one has been able to lay claim to the shape, thus letting copies be made without fear of retribution. All prior legal claims/suits by CS withstanding.

Personally, I am less amazed about why the replicas are so popular as I am that replicas with bad body lines not true to the original have managed to flourish. I think that just shows that to the regular Joe, its the "general" shape and not the definitive "copy" that says Cobra.

Jamo · #6 (**permalink**) 10-21-2011, 12:48 PM

Slowing down a bit there, eh Ron?

We can go on and on about the mucho muy goodness of the Cobra (Buzz...that was damn near a Penthouse Forum letter

), and all of it is true.

Seems to me, though, that probably the biggest factor for taking it from lust to actually building one is the simple fact that it is...well...simple. It's easy to source parts, it's simple to maintain (it's a damn Ford...any NAPA will do) and it's easy to work on. Of the other replicas, the Speedsters come closest, being not much more than a Meyers Manx in execution, but the dwindling access to aircooled VW-type stuff may have taken a slight toll.

...and frankly, in these days of commie-pinko-enviro influences on our daily lives, it's just slightly nicer way of flipping the bird to all that has been wrought.

twobjshelbys · #7 (**permalink**) 10-21-2011, 01:25 PM

The Cobra has a distinct and unique look that is instantly recognizable. Everyone knows what it is. Then couple that with the engine - straight pipes with no exhaust - and the combination of look and sound just gives you a queazy feeling in your tummy. If I could I'd pour chocolate on it and eat it

For some reason the Daytona Coupe (while rarer and equally visceral) will not get the recognition of the Cobra. People will really ask what a Coupe is because they really don't know. Everyone knows the Cobra roadster.

Frankly, it is those attributes that make the GT40 and Ford GT appealing to me. (And the FGT because it has air and 3 point seat belts [on her side]).

RACER X #99 · #8 (**permalink**) 10-21-2011, 02:40 PM

Does anybody know who holds the Guinness record for fastest at identifying a Cobra?

computerworks · #9 (**permalink**) 10-21-2011, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RACER X #99

Does anybody know who holds the Guinness record for fastest at identifying a Cobra?

Usually a Corvette driver.

RACER X #99 · #10 (**permalink**) 10-21-2011, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by computerworks

Usually a Corvette driver.

Yes the Cobra does have that unique grill opening even in the mirror it is easy to ID.

I can name that car in 2 sec.

mreid · #11 (**permalink**) 10-21-2011, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by computerworks

Usually a Corvette driver.

Only if they see it from their usual vantage point - the rear.

rodneym · #12 (**permalink**) 10-21-2011, 04:08 PM

To answer the original question:
You can certainly build a Cobra replica right.
What would you put in a 917 replica?
Family Classic Cars in OC had a 250 GTO replica that was superb. I don't know how period correct the engine was but it was an old Ferrari 12. Hand made one-off. $1,000,000. The original owner bought a...eh hmm...a real one and commissioned the replica to drive. It had really low miles btw.

On the other point:
One time at a get together, a guy tried to pass off his CCX as an original. He was telling this to a handful of Cobra owners (KMP, SPF, B&B, FFR). While the CCX was VERY nice and had cool details, it took on another persona when getting the 'real speil'. Sort of like finding a Canadian quarter in a coin return.

Jamo · #13 (**permalink**) 10-21-2011, 05:53 PM

Well actually, I sorta beat Ron...likely for the first and only time.

The minute I saw the rear exhaust and no rollbar, I figured it was real...very few street model replicas, so more of a highly educated guess as soon as the video started.

Confirmed once I saw the glovebox, the shoulder belts for the passenger, then the polished hood prop and then the windshield washer bottle on the other one, etc. etc.

Cranky...after how many Guinness?

rodneym · #14 (**permalink**) 10-21-2011, 06:07 PM

Not that I cought it this soon but you really need both shots to tell for sure.
At 9 seconds we see the inside of the replica's hood. That there is what the pros call a 'tell'.

STL Mark · #15 (**permalink**) 10-21-2011, 07:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by visualfxpro

Just curious why there are so many Cobra replicas out there. It's not the only car with a replica, so why don't I see others on the streets? Why isn't there a Ferrari club filled with replicas? Lambos?

Why are there so many cobra replicas? Simple - it's the Dolly Parton of cars. All those big curves, big power, open top. There's just nothing else like it.

There's replicas available for 32 Fords, Jaguars, Porches, Mustangs, Vettes, Mercedes, Lambos, S7s, Daytonas, GT40s, and on and on - all nice enough in their own way - but nothing turns heads and captures the imagination of every man, woman, child or seasoned citizen like a Cobra.

A more intriguing question may be which car - 50 years from now - will they be making replicas of?

SwiftDB4 · #16 (**permalink**) 10-21-2011, 08:16 PM

I totally agree Cobras seem to be the most popular. Probably due to low original production #, convertible styling, and reasonable cost. When SPF came out with their GT40 replica I had to have one. It's about twice the cost of a Cobra, but more exclusive. It's not for everyone and I'm glad it isn't as popular as a Cobra replica. At local Cobra Club events the GT40 always gets the most attention.

A-Snake · #17 (**permalink**) 10-21-2011, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SwiftDB4

It's about twice the cost of a Cobra, but more exclusive. It's not for everyone and I'm glad it isn't as popular as a Cobra replica. At local Cobra Club events the GT40 always gets the most attention.

No offense but that's one of the funniest posts I've read ...one type of replica is more exclusive than another

Don't forget they can build more.

rodneym · #18 (**permalink**) 10-21-2011, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by A-Snake

No offense but that's one of the funniest posts I've read ...one type of replica is more exclusive than another

Don't forget they can build more.

In all fairness to SwiftDB4's post, the higher cost does make it more exclusive, like most things in life.

kbutler971 · #19 (**permalink**) 10-21-2011, 10:38 PM

Always wanted a Cobra, ever since the early '80's. Both Contemporary and ERA really caught my eye. I thought the Speedsters and Spyder 550's (and RSK's) were attractive but hard to duplicate the 4 cam boxer motor. No question now the Cobra was the right decision for me. Timeless design, can be replicated reasonably close to the original, and just as bad a** now as when new.

SwiftDB4 · #20 (**permalink**) 10-22-2011, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by A-Snake

No offense but that's one of the funniest posts I've read ...one type of replica is more exclusive than another

Don't forget they can build more.

You are right it is kind of funny. Most of us have seen real Cobras on the street. Anyone see a GT40 outside a museum or racetrack?