Replacement for Cobra - Page 4

REAL 1 · #1 (**permalink**) 02-29-2012, 07:41 PM

Agreed. There is something special about the Cobra that no other car can duplicate which accounts for it's popularity spanning generations and being the most replicated car in automotive history.

Dangerous Doug · #2 (**permalink**) 02-29-2012, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZOERA-SC7XX

Lots of great cars mentioned here, but the question was what could replace a Cobra. Nothing. The Cobra is the baddest car on the planet, and will always be. Shelby did something back in the sixties that no one has ever quite done since, and in my opinion will never do again. He set the world on fire (along with Enzo's ass) and it ain't been put out yet. On this forum, there are tons of replicas that may not be Shelbys, but they are built in the spirit of the real Cobras, and nothing on wheels compares. Technology be damned, the simple 289 or 427 Cobra may be beat, but cannot be replaced.

That may depend on a person's age. I pulled up to a deli one summer day near Aptos, CA (think affluent California coastal community), and hanging out with their skateboards and bicycles were some "wanna-be-from-da-hood" 14-year olds (you know what I'm taking about: jeans waaay too big, oversized shirts, flat-billed caps cocked sideways...). Anyhow, I pull up and hop out and they ask what my Cobra is. I explain. Then the leader of the skittles says, "You know what an Escalade is." I replied affirmatively. And then he says, "Yeah! That's what I like. Tricked out with 22's with gold spinners and a bad-ass thumper stereo. That's what I like!"

I stared blankly at him for a moment while the rest of the crew responded affirmatively, that yes, they, too, would like an Escalade.

Once the bewilderment of this strange offshoot of Homo Saphiens passed, I replied, "Uh, yeah, cool. I'm, uh, going to get a sandwich. Have fun, guys..."

DD

REAL 1 · #3 (**permalink**) 02-29-2012, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dangerous Doug

That may depend on a person's age. I pulled up to a deli one summer day near Aptos, CA (think affluent California coastal community), and hanging out with their skateboards and bicycles were some "wanna-be-from-da-hood" 14-year olds (you know what I'm taking about: jeans waaay too big, oversized shirts, flat-billed caps cocked sideways...). Anyhow, I pull up and hop out and they ask what my Cobra is. I explain. Then the leader of the skittles says, "You know what an Escalade is." I replied affirmatively. And then he says, "Yeah! That's what I like. Tricked out with 22's with gold spinners and a bad-ass thumper stereo. That's what I like!"

I stared blankly at him for a moment while the rest of the crew responded affirmatively, that yes, they, too, would like an Escalade.

Once the bewilderment of this strange offshoot of Homo Saphiens passed, I replied, "Uh, yeah, cool. I'm, uh, going to get a sandwich. Have fun, guys..."

DD

Clearly a product of lacking parental supervision as evidenced by the lack of knowledge as to how to properly where a baseball cap and finding jeans that fit. Absent more effective parental direction likely the only Escalades they'll be putting their hands on are the ones they dry off at the car wash.

mdross1 · #4 (**permalink**) 03-01-2012, 06:08 AM

It takes all kinds to make the big blue ball revolve.Once drove my car to a large RV outlet.After getting out of the car two guys came towards me in somewhat of a hurry,One said, Wow nice Cobra! is it a real one? I said No.As they are walking away the same guys with a different look on his face says,Oh a friend of mine has a real one.Honestly made me chuckle,first instinct was to ask him who his friend was and where was he from.Learned a long time ago it is not worth it with some people.
I dealt with another Cobra owner here in town his car was FE powered,another Dork with his head in the sand.He would never line up beside me and I made it known any time any place,all in good fun you understand.Even asked him one day to show me why he felt his FE was so much better than my 385.Got the answer I suspected "Needs a tuneup" Ya right, he avoided me from then on.

Jamo · #5 (**permalink**) 02-29-2012, 07:55 PM

Evan...I think we need to change your handle to Soul Man.

JustOne · #6 (**permalink**) 03-01-2012, 02:10 PM

I have sometimes thought that if I ever traded my Cobra for another car, it would be a Viper. Either an older body GTS or the newer body vert. To me this is the car most like a Cobra but has a factory top, AC, etc. Has anyone had one of these? Thoughts?

D111 · #7 (**permalink**) 03-02-2012, 06:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JustOne

I have sometimes thought that if I ever traded my Cobra for another car, it would be a Viper. Either an older body GTS or the newer body vert. To me this is the car most like a Cobra but has a factory top, AC, etc. Has anyone had one of these? Thoughts?

I agree, just thought that yesterday seeing a Viper convertible go by of the question about a possible replacement for a cobra.open roof side exhaust long nose good power. I never drove one or drove in one but as far as what's available for the price the following link can get you in one and save you 10,000 for any possible upgrades like replacing the suede inserts on the seat :-)just hard to believe the mileage.

Dodge : Viper Dodge : Viper | eBay

henrik · #8 (**permalink**) 03-02-2012, 09:39 AM

If I were to sell my BDR it would be for a Kirkham all polished with a... (shame on me) LS9

second best choice under 60' would be a:

BMW M3 convertible
SLK 55 (the SL is too big)
Audi RS4 convertible

all small great v8 fast cars with everyday potential

or maybe the
Jaguar XKR
Lotus

Rick Weber · #9 (**permalink**) 03-02-2012, 10:40 AM

What about a Rossion (sp?)...dunno what they go for. They used to be called Nobles. Definitely a rocket ship and you won't see yourself coming and going in one. Maybe they're beyond the $60K limit in used condition.

Just a thought.

Rick

poisonsnake · #10 (**permalink**) 03-03-2012, 04:07 AM

Max - After my cobra was totaled, I began looking for a safer and more comfy vehicle. I also looked for a vehicle that makes me look at it twice when I garage it at night and makes me go...WOW!!! every time I see it. Honestly, I have not found it. I really tried....my wife was asking me to get a safer toy! Went to Bakers in AZ. drove a twin turbo porsche....not the same....Z06 ...nice but not the same...Pantera ....been there done that! Everytime I tried another I came back to the snake. So many great cars out there but that exhilarating feel just is not there...keep the snake and check out the Perana Z1.

mdross1 · #11 (**permalink**) 03-03-2012, 05:12 AM

Have owned and body off restored several muscle cars over the years last one a 69 SS Chevelle 454 4 speed.Loved that car,after finishing the Cobra knew right away I had found what I was looking for.The anticipation of driving it makes me warm seeing it sitting same feeling.Fired up feeling the pistons and big block crank shake the car at idle,then rowing through the gears,all feelings the new generation of muscle cars lack BIG TIME!!!! Once drove an SRT8 Dodge with similar hp as SS Chevelle was not even close to same driving experience.In the end no other car could ever replace the Cobra except maybe a Cheetah.So looks like my Car has a permenant home,Oh the agony of it all!

madmaxx · #12 (**permalink**) 03-03-2012, 02:42 PM

Well, the short answer for me is there is no replacement for a Cobra in my budget. Alot of heartless transportation which is good for day to day but not toy. I would love a Ford GT but wow, $140K used. I havent given up, but running out of options. Excellent suggestions everyone!!

Cobra #3170 · #13 (**permalink**) 03-03-2012, 05:30 PM

We have a guy in town who sells lots of Ford GT's all over the country and overseas too, he is getting 165k and up on used GT's with 5 to 10k miles. He just sold a twin turbo modified GT for 190k, the only thing I have seen in the 100-140k range are salvage title cars.

A GT is a pretty good Cobra replacement, holds no luggage, can't leave it anywhere for fear of people screwing around with it, everyone wants to race you, little kids stare at it, major overheating if you increase the power, it will bite you in the A## instantly if you are not paying attention, and it is so fast that it is boring on public roads.

REAL 1 · #14 (**permalink**) 03-03-2012, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cobra #3170

We have a guy in town who sells lots of Ford GT's all over the country and overseas too, he is getting 165k and up on used GT's with 5 to 10k miles. He just sold a twin turbo modified GT for 190k, the only thing I have seen in the 100-140k range are salvage title cars.

A GT is a pretty good Cobra replacement, holds no luggage, can't leave it anywhere for fear of people screwing around with it, everyone wants to race you, little kids stare at it, major overheating if you increase the power, it will bite you in the A## instantly if you are not paying attention, and it is so fast that it is boring on public roads.

The attention they garner can be a pain in arse at times.

cobrarob · #15 (**permalink**) 03-03-2012, 08:01 PM

I just finished reading this thread and have a very simillar delima

I have dreamed about having an SPF cobra and a FORD GT for years and now that I own both I would really like to find a daily driver that will give you that excitement when you look at it on the road and in the garage , my search to date has involved the Mustang GT500 for the most part as it has 4 seats and is performance orientated , the only problem with the mustang is there is about 2 gazillion of them on the road , so it is very hard to get excited about them , I have aslo looked at the new Camaro , but I am not much of a Chevy fan

I guess i will stay with my very , very modest 2001 Mazda protege as a daily driver until something else pops up , my freinds say I am a sleeper based on what I drive compared to the inventory in the garage , I am good with that

Oh yeah , good luck finding a no story FORD GT around 140K with low mileage and no stories

Dangerous Doug · #16 (**permalink**) 03-03-2012, 10:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by REAL 1

The attention they garner can be a pain in arse at times.

As well as a Cobra. I've met more people around town just by their desire to talk about my Cobra. I live in a smaller community (what? 25k people?) and my Cobra almost makes me a small town celebrity. But it's not just here.

I like talking and listening to people (well, to a point: some people want to be my next best friend...) and I meet all kinds of characters. Most are polite and interesting, and gracious enough to realize my social queues mean I'm a man in motion.

Would that happen with a Viper? Probably not. Corvette? Certainly not. Ford GT or a GT-40 replica? Yeah, but I like no top.

Lister-Corvette (Beck)? Yeah, that'd get attention. If I had to lose the Cobra and get another toy that stirs my soul the way the Cobra does? Yeah, a Lister-Corvette (replica).

DD

mdross1 · #17 (**permalink**) 03-04-2012, 03:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by REAL 1

The attention they garner can be a pain in arse at times.

As it can be with any great looking car, bike,truck,even antique John Deere tractors.Most of the time it is not an issue love to shoot the breeze.Other times when on a time contraint yes it is!

Roger Cormier · #18 (**permalink**) 03-04-2012, 09:31 AM

BMW Z8 ?
It has the M5 engine, open top, reliable as a daily driver, and you don't see them very often.

henrik · #19 (**permalink**) 03-05-2012, 02:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by madmaxx

Well, the short answer for me is there is no replacement for a Cobra in my budget. Alot of heartless transportation which is good for day to day but not toy. I would love a Ford GT but wow, $140K used. I havent given up, but running out of options. Excellent suggestions everyone!!

Pat.

You don't like Vette nor BMW - they break down...?

You consider the CTS-V... but that is HUGE (and closed) compaired to the Cobra

If you look for a <$60', fast, comfortable, reliable car with "rain protection" - and something to replace a Cobra (Close to that feeling) - then you should consider a small open car - the cts-v is far too big (as the M5) and the Ferrari will drain you on service.

The RS4 cab, slk 55, Acura NSX or something similar should meet your need...

Have fun looking - in the end you will go back to a Cobra and a boring ...

Buzz · #20 (**permalink**) 03-05-2012, 03:09 AM

I'm with Jamo on this. When I look at Henrik's avatar, I forget all about my Cobra.