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

[A-Snake]

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.

[Got the Bug]

Originally Posted by mrmustang

Second most popular is the Porsche Speedster, followed by the Lotus 7,both have a very large following.


Bill S.

I used to own a Speedster replica and now own a Cobra Replica. IMHO, two of the most iconic body styles ever made.

[rodneym]

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]

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.

[Buzz]

Originally Posted by flaflier

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

Couldn't have been an ERA. I have a buddy named Patrickt and he has an ERA - they have 2 roll bars. That car only had one.

[SwiftDB4]

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?

[ZOERA-SC7XX]

It's just the baddest car on the planet. Nuff said.

[tin-man]

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

[mdross1]

Wanted a Cobra since first reading about a 427 powered beast back in the 60's.The older I got the cost of ever owning an original as we all know was so far out of reach, I thanked my lucky stars that the aftermarket stepped in an gave me the chance to fulfill my lifelong dream.In the end it could not have turned out better,have the car I want no worrys about the aluminum to steel corrosion issues,or anyone touching the car and putting dents in the thin aluminum.Built the best suspension and drivetrain of the time and always enjoy a good flogging every now and then.Finally anthing major happens can do all the repairs myself.These cars are special to all of us but in different ways.My car was built by me for me nothing could ever replace that feeling I get everytime I climb into the cockpit and get ready for the starting procedure.Heck I'm going out to the shop and just look at her sitting there.

[RIDENHI61]

In a sense wasent the first cobra ever built a kit car .. though kit is not what id call them myself.Meaning Carol Shelby went to ford and said hey give me a small block and some cash i have this car id like to build and compete with .. well it wasent a factory pruduced car exsactly neither ..Though i can be wrong..Ive built and owned a few hotrods before my cobra was a steel 1935 ford three window and i can honestly say theres nothing that compares to the enjoyment and rush then feeling the raw power of a cobra ..

[TXBLU]

It sems that everyone aggrees that the Cobra is such a beautiful machine, on several levels, that it has that elusive universal appeal no other car can quite match. '32 Ford replicas, and indeed original '32s, are quite popular, but it seems they appeal mostly to an older crowd. Not that there's anything wrong with that, I'm just not of the generation that has fond memories of those cars. Personally, the fact that most of them have primitive suspensions and Chevrolet engines makes them not very desirable to me. I like Chevys, but I like a Ford to be a Ford, and a Chevy to be a Chevy. An FFR '33 Hot Rod is the only car of that type that holds any interest for me, but it would have to have a Ford engine in it.

As far as GT40s, I like them very much, espescially because of their racing history at Le Mans, but most folks on the the street don't know what they are. Still, I'd love to have one, even if it's a replica. The "bundle of snakes" exhaust is one of the most iconic features I've ever seen on a car. Kinda reminds me of the Gurney Eagle with the Westlake V-12, another supremely iconic racing car.

The Porsche 356 and 550 speedsters are some very cool cars that appeal to lots of folks, but are too often considered to be a "cute" car, and don't evoke the kind of emotionional reaction that Cobra replicas do, but are still very neat cars. I espescially like the Beck 550 Spyder, and their 904 replicas are way cool, but I doubt most folks (outside of Porsche fan circles) have any idea what they are.

Everything else just seems to pale in comparison the the AC Cobra. It's raw, powerful, and dangerous. You don't even have to know what it is to see that. Anyone can tell that it's a car that commands respect. I think women like them so much because they convey that sense of power and danger, yet are so beautiful in their lines and proportions. That, and perhaps they see them as competition for a man's affection, like they do with other beautiful women. And women LOVE to compete against other women.

Anyway, all philosophic musings aside, nothing compares to the Cobra for pure visceral, emotional appeal. It's a classic beauty, just like so many beautifull, iconic women. Everyone likes beauty, but not everyone can handle or afford it!!!

Eric

[Luce]

It's a very small group of posers who could and would afford a car that looks like Magnum PI's Ferrari with the handling and acceleration of an '84 Fierro.

So many of the other replicas are kit cars on Beetle, Fierro, or MR2 chassis.

With (well, at least most) all of the Cobra replicas, they are ground up new cars with maybe some parts from a production car, and there are many manufactures making everything from authentic to budget builds to truly exotic modern supercars. (with a few rough edges)

How could you not want one?