The journey begins...

[kdc438]

I introduced myself over a year ago with my intent to get a BDR replica. Since I am only 40 miles from Vintage Motorsports, research quickly led me to Jay and Brian. The order was placed and the waiting began.

About a week ago, Jay contacted me and said it was ready. A quick UBER ride and I was at their shop to pick it up. Jay pulled her out, went over a few things with me and I left on my trip home.

Let me tell you about her. She is all black (no stripes), black interior with red stitching and red 4 point harnesses. She has two rollbars (I know not correct, but I wanted them). Power is the Vintage 427Xv3FI motor with eight stack injection linked to a Tremec TKX transmission. I chose to run the exhaust under the car and out the back. I've gotta tell you that Brian built this system and he really did a wonderful job on it. The detail and care that went into this system is astounding. What a great experience it has been working with Jay and Brian at Vintage Motorsports. I recommend them highly.

I've now driven her three times, although still have not taken off the soft top after all it is fall in New England. What a car!

Let me just echo what many of the members here told me. There is nothing like driving a cobra. I cut my teeth on muscle cars of the 60's and have more than my fair share of fast cars and sports cars. I've spent time racing at Lime Rock and took may of the Skip Barber racing courses. I have spent a lot of time in cars without all the nanny systems. There is nothing that teaches you for driving a cobra.

Touch the starter button and the beast rumbles to life. It throbs, it vibrates, it growls. It is alive. Pay attention, it has a mind of its own and no manners.
Driving it is wonderful and scary at the same time. The sounds, the power, the rattles, the rumble. It all lures you into the false sense that you actually know what you are doing.

First, huge respect for the men who began racing these cars in the 60's.
Second, to all of you considering getting a cobra, read all of the thread here from the members giving advice. They love these cars and they know what they are talking about. Third, watch all the you tube videos of cobra crashes. Every one of those drivers that crashed thought they knew what they were doing.

The car is raw. It is loud. It shakes. It has a whole symphony of creaks, rattles and vibrations. It is alive and it makes me feel so alive.

I have been bitten by the snake and it feels so good!

Kevin