Considering a Cobra have some questions

[Detroit Bill]

Originally Posted by lippy

One more thing to add: at least on my car, it takes time to strap in, and it is so loud we wear earplugs. You don't futz with electronics, you just drive. I love that, but it's not for everyone, and it's not for a daily driver.

I was imagining you would need ear plugs. I am looking for a weekend car. The Porsche could be a daily driver but that is not how I use it.

[Buzz]

It is ok. For some reason here lately the moral majority has decided its their divine duty and responsibility to scare new potential Cobra buyers away by telling them how scary, dangerous and difficult to live with our cars are. For someone with miles of seat time in seriously fast cars as you appear to be, Cobras are not anywhere near as big a deal as the fear mongers point out.

Obviously - small car with big power and torque in a short wheelbase and flimsy body will demand common sense and respect. But the million or so fast motorcycles running around out there are far worse in that regard and people actually survive owning them.

The truth is with all that being given, along with the old tech devoid of all the electronic nanny-systems, a well built Cobra will deliver a visceral and thrilling experience like almost no other car; and to boot it's wrapped in one of the most beautiful and awe inspiring shapes ever to roll down the road.

Do accidents happen in Cobras? Absolutely - like any other car. I myself was run off the road almost exactly a year ago, and while I was able to get back on the road avoiding a few solid greenheart power poles, I ultimately spun off and impacted backwards into the far embankment of a large ditch. Both the car and myself survived with some damage, but not nearly as much as would have been expected.

Take the advice about the tires. I was running BFG (NFG?) radials mainly for their durability on our Caribbean roads, and that may have played a role in my inability to fully recover the car and keep it on the pavement.

The real important thing to bear in mind about Cobras is their impracticality and marginal weather protection. You seem familiar enough with fast cars to make a choice about the power and performance.

At normal speeds - even fast road speeds - a good Cobra handles very well with its right around 50/50 weight distribution (yes - even with a big block) and delivers a rewarding drive.

The most dangerous thing about a well built Cobra is the person behind the wheel.

[Bernica]

It is the accoutrements, or lack thereof in a Cobra that turn some folks off.
Dr Hal Copple did a great story about it. Just Google him.