body style differences???

[the shadow]

with out posting in the various mfr related sections I want to ask a general question about 3 cobra body styles and see what you guys say and see if it makes sense with what my eyes see?

when I look at a backdraft or a superformance or a factory five I think I see body differences, maybe not major but I wanted to know if there actually were modifications done to each brand to make them there own.
For instance the backdraft cobra body looks wider & lower to me in the rear and the flares on the fenders look wider & bigger to me?

thanks,
Paul

[DanEC]

Of the three makes you mentioned, none of them are noted for being extremely true to the originals. IMO the Superformance comes closest of the three with the MKIV FFR and Backdraft more or less even after that. I understand the Factory Five MKIV has some compromises to adapt to the existing FFR frame. There has been a lot written about how the Superformance body mold was developed - basically a mold from a mold from a mold. Don't know much about the Backdraft body origin.

[Bill Bess]

ERA and Hurricane are pretty darn close to original, most can be tied back to an actual cobra body with ID.

Bill

[mdross1]

Bottom line is pleasing ones own eye.I have seen lots of differences in other cars but only after building one did it become apparent.To the unintiated the differences are invisable,unless blatantly obvious,and that is not the case with all the kits I have seen over the years.
Course there are the poor examples on VW chassis and other abortions.
Sure looking forward to putting some miles on our car this year done work in less than 2 months.

[LMH]

Backdraft is a little longer wheelbase I think. Rear fender has a more bulbous shape to it than original 427's. Well made car from what I've seen.
SPF and FFR are both 90" wheelbase. I'd also say SPF is the most original in shape of those three. SPF's are factory made and good quality control over the product.
FFR's are as good as the builder. Shape is more of a 'inspired' body though I haven't seen a MKIV in person yet.
To answer your question, there are differences in each shape you've asked about. There are differences in pretty much a of them when compared to originals.
Then there are differences in one original to the next too. Slight but differences.

So are you really confussed now?!!
Larry

[itstock]

I can tell you that when a Factory Five car, a Superformance, and a Backdraft are parked next to each other, the average person can not tell any difference, but the Backdraft does appear to have the widest stance in the rear, and overall the most aggressive look. In comparison to the other two, the FF seems to really "droop" in the rear. The Superformance, of the three, is most arguably the closest to the original lines.

You're still more than welcome to check out my Backdraft whenever you wish.

[LMH]

Yeah, that's the best thing to do...Go to a get together and look at them up close. Compare and you'll get a better idea of what's what.
Larry

[DanEC]

Originally Posted by itstock

In comparison to the other two, the FF seems to really "droop" in the rear. .

I haven't seen a FFR MkIV up close but they must have taken the perky-butt comments to heart on the earlier cars. Did they over compensate?

[Wbulk]

ERAs website has pictures of the various brands to compare. Kirkhams are most likely the most perfect from side to side, and it's based on their own original. I read Shell Valley was also copied from an original. One thing for sure the one you like the best is usually the one you own.

[Trueoo7]

BDR really needs to lay back their windshields more, it really stands out when amongst other cobras and takes away from their overall appearance. Surprised that after 1000 cars they haven't picked up on this yet.

[D111]

very true I wonder how hard it would be to do retro or if anyone has tried to

[itstock]

Originally Posted by DanEC

I haven't seen a FFR MkIV up close but they must have taken the perky-butt comments to heart on the earlier cars. Did they over compensate?

Maybe droopy wasn't the best word to use since others call it perky. I think it kind of just goes to "blah" (not droopy in height, just droopy in the overall not so drastic look of the rear). I was parked next to an MK3 last week. The MK4's are a bit more filled out.

[itstock]

Originally Posted by Trueoo7

BDR really needs to lay back their windshields more, it really stands out when amongst other cobras and takes away from their overall appearance. Surprised that after 1000 cars they haven't picked up on this yet.

Originally Posted by D111

very true I wonder how hard it would be to do retro or if anyone has tried to

You can get a window with more rake for a Backdraft, retrofit or new build. I'd say the taller drivers benefit greatly from the couple less degrees of rake (I'm not a taller driver, and I agree that a bit more rake would look better but it doesn't bother me to the point of wanting to switch it out).

[the shadow]

Thanks for the replies guys, I am happy to discover that my eyes are seeing differances! I like the BD cobra's for the very discription that "itstock" stated, that is "aggressive look" I never realy paid attention to the windshield rake... I will have to check that out.

and itstock, I may take you up on the invite to check out your cobra, i am 7 miles up the road in warrington pa. I have always wanted a cobra, I have beeen racing and restoring vintage drag cars for 25 years and have recently decided to let some projects go in favor of a bad ass street car...cobra. My pride & joy (a restored 1959 front engine dragster) if sold to the right buyer would allow me to purchase a slightly used high end cobra or a really good kit to build. I just have to find the right collector????

Paul