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

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?

Cause cobras are so bad ass, thats why.

'cause Lamborghini (under VW ownership) and Ferrari forced closure of all those replicating anything even remotely similar in looks to the real thing.

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


Bill S.

Nothing assaults the senses like walking up next to a race prepped cobra sitting idling in a parking lot/gas station/stop light. The Cobra is a roadster that says, "Hey, let's go for a ride into the mountains, or the beach, or just cruise into town". The Cobra is almost like an "Every man's car". It looks wicked like a vintage Vette or Mustang, but doesn't necessarily have that schmucky feel of an exotic. & most of all, the Cobra is just plain brutally quick & mean. No one messes with a Cobra!

Bill,
Don't forget '32 Fords. ;)

Funny, I always thought the 32/33 Ford owners did not like their cars being referred to as "kit cars", instead they are to be referred to as "continuation series cars" :D


Bill S.**)

I think, it's because most of the other replicas do not open the hood :LOL: while most Cobras are very eager to show that power plant.

And...it really rides and performs like a Cobra, leaves all the kids with the rice burners, Mustangs and Camaros behind:3DSMILE:.


And...Girls find it "cute" - whatever that means.....

The Cobra is a perfect storm of classically beautiful proportions and lines enhanced by functional modifications that really deliver on the visual promise of formidable performance. Starting with the timelessly pleasing shape of John Tojeiro's barchetta body, the Cobra sort of accidentally evolved into an automotive icon that manages to be both obscenely voluptuous and menacingly aggressive in appearance.

Nothing in that shape is a styling exercise - it's all functional and it elicits a strong reaction from everyone who sees it - from toddlers to the elderly, male and female alike. The reaction varies from person to person as the look of the car stirs a different part of different people's souls, but guaranteed, there's always a reaction. Unlike the majority of other automobiles, you cannot remain indifferent when you see, hear, smell or feel a Cobra.

Then of course, there's the performance. Both small and big block Cobras deliver the goods to driver and passenger 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 hood and fenders you've ever seen.

At least four of your senses are bombarded with a staggering shot of direct inputs that are normally softened, dampened, insulated and otherwise censored in ordinary cars. You never walk away from a fast drive in a Cobra without feeling the familiar effects of adrenaline overload - not unlike the vibrating rush you feel after surviving a near death experience.

Cobras are simply about visceral extremes. Extreme beauty, extreme sound and extreme performance. Its the unfiltered, adult, alcoholic, XXX version of the automobile - not for the meek or faint of heart; and above all: THE SURGEON GENERAL WARNS THAT THIS AUTOMOBILE CAN BE ADDICTIVE AND HAZARDOUS TO YOUR HEALTH!

what Buzz said :D

One of those questions that if you have to ask,you would never understand the answer.

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.

what he said.

WOW! I was wondering about that! Cause those replicas have the Ferrari/Lambo badge on them and you can't even put that logo on your T-Shirt "legally" without permission. So I guess there USED to be a time where there were a lot of exotic replicas driving around. Interesting.

Some interesting perspectives! I was just thinking about it and I said to myself, I don't' know of any other replica(not that there isn't one) that actually surpass the performance of the original. That is probably why nobody seems to care if it's a "kit car", because they know it's not a cheap copy, it's a superior recreation! I suppose that would be the case in most antique kits featuring modern tech, but most other replicas I know of are of modern cars. THAT is where the problem comes in. You have a $60,000 kit based of a $20,000 car that is trying to simulate $250,000 of modern technology. I would suspect those kits are not much more than oversized miniature models. They have as much in common with the original as the model on your desk. They just put real car parts in there so you can move it around to show your friends.

Cobra drivers might as well be driving the real thing if only they could DETUNE that engine a bit! :)

Case in point...Real versus Replica...
 

...like, in 3 seconds. What's the point?

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.

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?

All VERY good points! Thanks for sharing! :)