A Cobra for the "taller" driver

PHC1 · #1 (**permalink**) 06-12-2012, 10:55 AM

What is the most "spacious" replica out there (if a Cobra can actually be called spacious!

)

Is a Backdraft cobra for example noticeably more roomy for a taller guy since it rides on a 2" longer wheelbase? I also noticed the steering column seems to sit up higher near the top of the dash. If I am 6'2", should I focus on Backdraft replica because of the extra room or is the difference negligible?

patrickt · #2 (**permalink**) 06-12-2012, 11:27 AM

6' 2" is only "tall" to really short people.

Any of the better named cars on here can easily fit a 6' 2" frame.

Murky781 · #3 (**permalink**) 06-12-2012, 12:14 PM

5' 13" here and PLENTY of room in an ERA.

Got the Bug · #4 (**permalink**) 06-12-2012, 01:03 PM

Best bet is to get out there and look at and sit in several different models. It's not easy, but find a dealer that will let you take a test drive. I drove three before I bought my Superformance, so it's not impossible. Find some local owners who will give you a ride.

FWB · #5 (**permalink**) 06-12-2012, 01:06 PM

the kellisons and the west coast cobras have the largest interior. length and width

crASH · #6 (**permalink**) 06-12-2012, 01:40 PM

I'm 6'3" 225lbs and fit okay in an SPF. With seat mods that Dennis Olthoff and others can do, it would be even more comfortable.

The LoneStar is stretched four inches. I am told they have a lot of room in the cockpit.

PSB · #7 (**permalink**) 06-12-2012, 01:50 PM

My Hunter has significantly more room than any other Cobra I've sat in. Extra 6" really makes a difference. I've got a tilt column also

.

Pete

Cashburn · #8 (**permalink**) 06-12-2012, 02:48 PM

Owner on left Tall, next guy 6'2", and I'm the twerp in the back at almost 6'. This was Ken's first BDR, replaced with of course his second BDR which he asked us to move the seat up a little...

Whenever someone says they won't fit I tell them about Dave:

Or another dozen owners over 6'4". I've learned it's all perception and how much they really want the car.

Lew Ledyard · #9 (**permalink**) 06-12-2012, 02:55 PM

6'4" and fit fine in my Kirkham.

patrickt · #10 (**permalink**) 06-12-2012, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lew Ledyard

6'4" and fit fine in my Kirkham.

... and I'm the poster child for tall ERA customers.

Ripped from here: 289FIA Frequently Asked Questions

Donunder · #11 (**permalink**) 06-12-2012, 03:33 PM

Note also that if you're 6'2" and 140 lbs with size 7 shoes, you'll fit in a lot easier than if you're 200 lbs with size 12s. Reach to the steering wheel and gear lever is never the problem, it's leg room.

I'm 6'4" 220 size 13s and I "fit" into my Arntz with its 91" wheelbase and floor mounted pedals extended as far forward as they will go. Am I comfortable? Not really. Cruising is fine but a lot of clutch and brake work around town is a bit of work. Foot and knee room is at a premium.

Am I happy driving it though? You bet! I've tried many other club members' cars and there's no way I could drive any of them safely. The seat's back and down as far as it will go and I'm investigating a lowered floor with pendant pedals to try to increase space for my feet.

As others have said, you have to try these cars on for size. Simply going on your height is not any indication of whether you'll fit into any car, nor equally importantly whether you'll be able to drive it safely. If you can't get from the throttle to the brake quickly, without going through some sort of contortionist exercise, then you're not safe.

mreid · #12 (**permalink**) 06-12-2012, 03:40 PM

I'm 6'4' and 225, I fit in my Kirkham with the dropped footbox, floor mounted pedals, seat pushed all the way back, and steering wheel raised. It's not as comfortable as my suv, but I still love it!

patrickt · #13 (**permalink**) 06-12-2012, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mreid

I'm 6'4' and 225...

RodKnock says you need to drop 30 lbs. We'll attack the abdominals starting Monday. Heavy workouts, morning and evening. You'll enjoy your Cobra more.

RodKnock · #14 (**permalink**) 06-15-2012, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patrickt

RodKnock says you need to drop 30 lbs. We'll attack the abdominals starting Monday. Heavy workouts, morning and evening. You'll enjoy your Cobra more.

In theory, he could be chiseled, but more than likely, he'll need to drop at least 20 lbs.

And the new "in" word is "core" not abdominals. Back, obliques, butt, etc. I know where you can take a butts and guts class, if anyone is interested.

patrickt · #15 (**permalink**) 06-15-2012, 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RodKnock

In theory, he could be chiseled, but more than likely, he'll need to drop at least 20 lbs.

Uhhh, maybe he can just set his corner weights instead?

Mother · #16 (**permalink**) 06-12-2012, 04:57 PM

I am 280 pounds, and 6 foot 2. Boss Replica Motors in Burlington Ontario Canada is making a custom 427 Cobra for me. The interior drivers side is wider, and the foot box is longer and deeper then the units presently available in the states. Even the foot box is wider than Back draft or FF, or Super Performance. The only concern is that the units are expensive, but the custom kits are available at less cost.

One noticeable difference is that the whole chassis is the ground like an O.E.M. car on a BRM. All other units use a (+/-) wire for electrics. This adds many wiring problems, as the unit ages.

Wbulk · #17 (**permalink**) 06-12-2012, 05:58 PM

Pacific Roadster builds a car for bigger guys. I believe it is still a 90" Wheel base.
Pacific Roadster, cobra kit, Wide Body,Cobra Replica,Kit Car,Hot Rod - YouTube

Bannon · #18 (**permalink**) 06-12-2012, 06:03 PM

6'1" 195. 33 inseam (TMI???) I actually pull the seat a little forward a little in my SPF and have actually considered pedal extensions since I like to have my knees bent a bit when the clutch is to the floor. Unlike a Miata, most people rarely put up the top so headroom is much less of an issue.

There is a guy somewhere here on CC that is 7ft 1in and had a cut out for his right knee. Where there is a love of the cobra there definitely is a way.

rms427 · #19 (**permalink**) 06-15-2012, 04:11 PM

I'm 6'6" 220 pounds. When I purchased my cobra in 1968 I was 6'6.5" and 230 pounds. I saw the add in the paper for the car and I went to see it on the way to purchase clothes for my new job out of college. The owner asked if I wanted to drive it and I couldn't figure out how to get in behind the steering wheel so I just got a ride. I forgot about the clothes and went home and spent a week convincing my dad to cosign a loan. I told him it would be worth more in the future. I really didn't care I just wanted the car and used that to help convince him. He finally agreed and I gave the owner $100 to hold the car. He held it for about 2 months until I graduated from college. I didn't tell my dad I hadn't been able to drive the car. I felt I would figure that out after I got it. When I went to pick up the car I found that if I stepped over the steering wheel I could get in. So I put the key on my key ring and off I went. After a few blocks the car died. I wasn't too happy but found out that my knee hit the key ring and shut the car off. I have driven the car ever since with a bare key.

I thought I could shove the seat back by denting in the fender wells. That didn't work since the tires then rubbed on the tires. I did take out the seat tracks and bolted the seat to the floor with some quarter inch steel plates. This gave a bit more headroom so that the top didn't flutter on my head. I drove the car as my every day car for 4 years putting about 48,000 miles on it. I did slaloms, drag racing and rallies. This included several SCCA 12 hour rallies from LA to Las Vegas and Encenada Mexico. So the car was fairly comfortable for me when I was in my 20's. I bent the light switch with my knee while slaloming the car and eventually broke it off.

A few years ago I redid the seats and the guy added a bit of padding. This was a mistake. I still fit but not as well as before. The longest drive with the new seats has been 350 miles. The car is comfortable for me to drive it's just a bit more difficult to use the pedals. Now my car does not have a roll bar. I have driven an original SC and a Kirkham and they were more difficult to drive. I did not fit in a 289 Cobra with a roll bar. I assume the roll bars don't allow the seat to go back as far.

So at 6'6" 35 inch inseam I fit OK in my car. It's much more comfortable than the 90 ZR-1 I owned but no where near as comfortable as my C6 Z06. I could not drive the older Corvettes and had trouble driving a Viper GTS coup. I fit in it about the same as the SC and Kirkham. I could drive them but it was really difficult using the clutches. By the way the seating in my car is not a problem but the heat and wind buffeting are tough on a person approaching 70. This is especially the case with my wife.

PHC1 · #20 (**permalink**) 06-15-2012, 06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rms427

I'm 6'6" 220 pounds. When I purchased my cobra in 1968 I was 6'6.5" and 230 pounds. I saw the add in the paper for the car and I went to see it on the way to purchase clothes for my new job out of college. The owner asked if I wanted to drive it and I couldn't figure out how to get in behind the steering wheel so I just got a ride. I forgot about the clothes and went home and spent a week convincing my dad to cosign a loan. I told him it would be worth more in the future. I really didn't care I just wanted the car and used that to help convince him. He finally agreed and I gave the owner $100 to hold the car. He held it for about 2 months until I graduated from college. I didn't tell my dad I hadn't been able to drive the car. I felt I would figure that out after I got it. When I went to pick up the car I found that if I stepped over the steering wheel I could get in. So I put the key on my key ring and off I went. After a few blocks the car died. I wasn't too happy but found out that my knee hit the key ring and shut the car off. I have driven the car ever since with a bare key.

I thought I could shove the seat back by denting in the fender wells. That didn't work since the tires then rubbed on the tires. I did take out the seat tracks and bolted the seat to the floor with some quarter inch steel plates. This gave a bit more headroom so that the top didn't flutter on my head. I drove the car as my every day car for 4 years putting about 48,000 miles on it. I did slaloms, drag racing and rallies. This included several SCCA 12 hour rallies from LA to Las Vegas and Encenada Mexico. So the car was fairly comfortable for me when I was in my 20's. I bent the light switch with my knee while slaloming the car and eventually broke it off.

A few years ago I redid the seats and the guy added a bit of padding. This was a mistake. I still fit but not as well as before. The longest drive with the new seats has been 350 miles. The car is comfortable for me to drive it's just a bit more difficult to use the pedals. Now my car does not have a roll bar. I have driven an original SC and a Kirkham and they were more difficult to drive. I did not fit in a 289 Cobra with a roll bar. I assume the roll bars don't allow the seat to go back as far.

So at 6'6" 35 inch inseam I fit OK in my car. It's much more comfortable than the 90 ZR-1 I owned but no where near as comfortable as my C6 Z06. I could not drive the older Corvettes and had trouble driving a Viper GTS coup. I fit in it about the same as the SC and Kirkham. I could drive them but it was really difficult using the clutches. By the way the seating in my car is not a problem but the heat and wind buffeting are tough on a person approaching 70. This is especially the case with my wife.

Great story! Thanks for sharing!