Original Mk3 Chassis Remakes
 

Hey guys.

I've been dreaming about a Cobra for a little while, and though I'm still years from getting one, I've learned a little bit about what's on offer out there. I came to understand the difference between quality replicas, which were authentic outside but more custom underneath, and the remakes, which in my mind are authentic underneath and then if there were any differences they made themselves known further out. I am interested in a remake.

Originally I liked the ones by Superformance. The endorsement by Shelby himself said to me that they were a quality remake inside out, but after some research I found out they used the more popular rectangular chassis instead of the authentic 4 inch tube. By my understanding that's like having something that is almost a genuine Cobra, but the very heart of the car is the opposite of what was supposed to be there, and that bothers me.

I'm going to say now that the Cobras by Superformance and Backdraft are obviously stunning creatures, rectangle frame or tube. Anyone who says otherwise is probably working on a completely different set of standards. They're just not the creature I'm looking for is all.

By my picky attitude the chassis and the suspension are the first things you start off with so it's important to me that they are the real deal. Everything that comes after that, body, interior, transmission, becomes gradually less important. Basially I don't care if it looks different on the outside so long as it's genuine on the inside. Funny how I work right?

So my question is who does Cobras with the genuine tube chassis and suspension used by the originals? I understand that Kirkham do the real deal, and Shelby American is sort of a given. Factory Five give a good account of the original I'm told. Python uses the tube chassis but it's different from the original.

Can anyone shed some light for a dreamer to follow? Thanks!

Kirkham and the new Shelby "continuation series" replicas are the only ones for you. If you are finicky about the chassis, then the Superformance and Backdraft, as well as FFR take liberties with their body shapes that your discriminating tastes will not be happy with.

Bill S.

Talk to Mike McCluskey (McCluskey Ltd. Torrance,CA) for an original spec chassis if you are looking for one with original suspension fittings. If he does not do them in shop any longer, he will direct you to who does them for him.

Actoncobra.com


Nick does a fantastic frame bare none........................

Chassis : Acton Custom Enterprises, Custom Metal for Cobras


The best.........

What you are looking for can be expensive. The Kirkham frame is correct, but their standard suspension has light weight billet aluminum pieces. Kirkham will supply original style suspension pieces too, but it is an expensive upgrade ($16k more).

Question back at you, what is your budget like, be realistic so we can guide you further.


Bill S.

Roger Bollick in Texas makes exact replicas with a Carbon fiber body. His painstakingly accurate Cobras are gorgeous and use all of the original style suspension, chassis, body, and mechanical parts. His website is Exact.com if I remember correctly.

I have one of his chassis and carbon fiber bodies, but I made some modifications to install the Tbird IRS and Mustang II front suspension. If this is what you're looking for, it is available, at a higher price than FFR- probably in the Kirkham range if Kirkham had a glass car available. Probably looking at around $70K for a finished one as he only supplies them as rollers now.

Bob

I don't really have any kind of price range, all this is pie in the sky kind of stuff, like my login name goes.

Thank's for the replies, I guess if anything I would go with a Kirkham. I'm not a big stickler for brand names so I'm not really interested in paying more for a Shelby plate.

Hopefully Kirkham is still in business by the time I'm genuinely able to buy.

What about Sage Brush (or something similar)? - isnt his chassis fairly authentic?

Other than that i guess its MickMate or you best register on the Scratchbuilders forum, and buy some plans from Cobra Restorers...

btw - my Crendon has got the correct 4" tubes and front cross-members, but UK may be too far to go!

Sagebrush is accurate however not sure they are producing anymore?

Sagebrush did have a 427 chassis last time I was there. It was a body/frame that the builder bought then didn't finish. Tim bought it back from him and was planning on re-selling it. I can find out if he still has it if you'd like.
It is a copy of an original frame/body, CSX3190.
Larry