leg room?

Corneilus · #1 (**permalink**) 09-10-2003, 03:04 PM

I've been researching Cobra's for some time and finally got to get my first test drive in one. All I have to say is WOW!! It was hard to keep the grin off my face. I had a little trouble at first with the pedals.....with the lack of leg room due to the contour of the interior I felt like I was sitting crooked in the driver's seat and therefore had to search for the pedals. Overall I felt kind of awkward in the seat.

First of all. are all Cobra's like this?... or do different companies deal with this in different ways. Secondly, somebody please tell me that this is a normal first drive experience and that after a few drives I wouldn't even notice it.

I guess it's pertinent to tell you that I am 5'7'' tall so I don't have the "big guy" problems that I have been reading about.

Thanks for any info. Brian

Ron61 · #2 (**permalink**) 09-10-2003, 03:10 PM

Brian,

No, not all Cobras are the same inside so far as the leg room and so forth go. Several outfits will build them to fit the person buying it. The seats, pedals, floor pans and such can be changed for the individual person. There are a lot of different type seats also. One guy here has a set out of a Porsche that is 6 way power. So you can pretty well get one to fit your size and needs.

Ron

PSB · #3 (**permalink**) 09-10-2003, 03:52 PM

Leg room was a big consideration for me when I was looking for a kit. There is a big difference between the different manufacturers. I went to the annual Kit Car show in Carlisle, PA and got to sit in cars from 6-7 manufactuers and was really surprised at the difference.

Of the ones I got to sit in, Everett-Morrison (who, unfortunately is not currently in business) had the best legroom for a standard wheelbase (90") car. If leg room is a big concern for you consider an extended wheelbase car such as Hunter, Lone Star, or Classic Roadsters II. There is a considerable improvement in legroom with an extended wheelbase.

Pete

Corneilus · #4 (**permalink**) 09-10-2003, 04:26 PM

Thanks for the input. I think my best bet is to do like Pete and go to the closest car show and sit in a few of them. Thanks again.

Brian

Cracker · #5 (**permalink**) 09-10-2003, 05:27 PM

Brain - first of all welcome to the club! I'm a member here in the Atlanta area as well and you will find the guys (and gals) to be great! I sit slightly crooked in my car but I'm here to tell you that after awhile it feels like home and you don't think of it at all - and I'm 6'5"! There's possibly a little gathering on Friday night at the Varsity - details can be found on the ACC site - found under local clubs. Best wishes!

Lowell W · #6 (**permalink**) 09-10-2003, 07:30 PM

Yeah, you sit crooked, it's cramped and noisy and smelly. When you get out your clothes (pants, anyway) smell like unburned gas. Not only do you get used to it, you love it! Well, either that or you sell the car with a few thousand miles on it.

Seriously, the pedals and backwards gearshift look awkward, but they're easy to get used to. The first time I took my car on the highway, I hit the brake instead of the clutch getting off at an exit. After a few drives, however, I was much more comfortable and now my Cobra feels as normal to me as my Ford pickup truck.