Why are Cobra replicas so popular? What about other replicas?

[RACER X #99]

[quote=visualfxpro;1157722]*Can you tell a real Cobra from a Replica? - YouTube[/QUOTE

Easiest way to spot a real Cobra at a show.
If the hood is open and the engine is shiny and somebody is sitting next to the car, it is a replica.

If the hood is closed and nobody is sitting around, good chance it's a real one.

[computerworks]

Originally Posted by visualfxpro

So what is your secret? How can you tell?

First shot (left car) => SC dash with a glove box....ding-ding! ..fiberglassy fakey-doo.

Rest of the video is unnecessary.

[A-Snake]

Originally Posted by computerworks

First shot (left car) => SC dash with a glove box....ding-ding! ..fiberglassy fakey-doo.

Rest of the video is unnecessary.

Ron, Actually the fiberglass hood and prop rod come into view before the dash.

[computerworks]

Originally Posted by A-Snake

Ron, Actually the fiberglass hood and prop rod come into view before the dash.

I tried to keep my explanation simple...y'know?

[elmariachi]

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.

[avanti-176]

Originally Posted by visualfxpro

My guess would be that the replica looks very close to the real thing. As for 3 seconds, unless you know this actual car...I REALLY doubt you can tell in 3 seconds. I mean it took 20 seconds just to get to the engine bay and you can put original engines in replica cars so looking in the engine bay doesn't mean anything...not in 3 seconds anyway.

So what is your secret? How can you tell?

Don't really know who your talking to, do you?

Ron has forgotten more about Cobra's than the majority of us will ever know.
I'm a noob compared to him, and it didn't take me much longer than that.

[Jamo]

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.

[mrmustang]

Originally Posted by visualfxpro

My guess would be that the replica looks very close to the real thing. As for 3 seconds, unless you know this actual car...I REALLY doubt you can tell in 3 seconds.
So what is your secret? How can you tell?

As long as I'm standing next to the car, yup, 3 seconds is about right. I do not need to get in the engine compartment, hell, I don't even need to look in the interior or trunk, I can do it all from just outside the car provided I'm right next to it. What is the secret, just like Ron (computerworks) knowledge about the marque.

Bill S.

[twobjshelbys]

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]

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

[computerworks]

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]

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.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by A-Snake

Ron, Actually the fiberglass hood and prop rod come into view before the dash.

Wow, you're really good.

I'm not a marque expert like A Snake and Ron, so right about 10 seconds into the video (the first 6 seconds were intro), I got it. A little slow on the draw.

[flaflier]

And by looking at the prop-rod, I would guess it to be an ERA...

[rodneym]

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]

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]

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'.

[mreid]

Originally Posted by computerworks

Usually a Corvette driver.

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

[STL Mark]

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]

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.