Other noteworthy replica Cobras?

decooney · #1 (**permalink**) 11-13-2003, 11:39 PM

Other than the mainstream and well-known Shelby, Kirkham, Superformance, ERA, Unique replicas... got a question:

What other high quality, well-built ,specialty type replica Cobras are noteworthy of consideration and praise along with the more common Cobra replicas?

Nice cars popping up all over the place on the web these days...

HDR - Highland Daytona Racing (still in business)
JBL - JBL Motorsports (still in business)
Hi-Tec (out of business)

What others are well worth noting ?????

Here is an example of an HDR on eBay - Nice looking with extra vents, fixtures, trick aluminum parts stuff...

Russ Dickey · #2 (**permalink**) 11-14-2003, 07:27 AM

I don't have any photos of them available, but Premier Motorsports makes an awesome 427 S/C replica. From the examples I've seen, I'd rank them up at the top, too.

Russ

Chics LI · #3 (**permalink**) 11-14-2003, 09:44 AM

Duane,
That HDR sure does look familar. Except for the shot of the radiator, the rest of those pix are of my car. Rick put a lot of special touches on that car as he does with his other cars. You should see his coupe.

TOM S.

RedCSX · #4 (**permalink**) 11-14-2003, 10:05 AM

I think that Contemporary does a beautiful job building Cobra Replica's.

Morgan

thorconstr · #5 (**permalink**) 11-14-2003, 10:35 AM

Russ is absolutely right! Premier MotorSport (913-321-2112) is the best kept secret for excellent replicas.

decooney · #6 (**permalink**) 11-14-2003, 05:22 PM

Premeir Motorsports Pics? Anyone know of any pics of these cars anywhere that can be posted here? Chassis, components, body shape? Thanks!

Lets see who can pull up more of those little secrets tucked away out there... Including any one-off, hand-built stuff too!

I once saw a completely hand-built Cobra from scratch in Sacramento. The owner paid a local engineer to build the BEST Cobra possible regardless of price. (No expense spared). The project cost $120K in the 80s. Lots of CNC one-off parts and pieces made for the car. The result was featured in an 80s type Kit Car or Hot Rod layout type magazine spread... For its time, it was very different. Could almost call it Cobra Art! I can imagine there are even nicer cars that have come alone since with refinements, new parts, technology from racing..., idea sharing, and evolution that's come about due to competition.

What other cars?

Snak Iyz · #7 (**permalink**) 11-14-2003, 08:36 PM

I guess it all depends on what your evaluation criteria is, outside of your own personal opinions. But, with that said, there has been quite a lot of buzz regarding the Backdraft Racing cars over the last year. They have a few flaws that are easily worked out, but once you compare price, performance, technology, appearance, what is included in the base vs. other makers and the customer support Reg and crew are slowly building a following for... I would definitely nominate them. Not to mention I have my money down on one....

I don't have any pictures outside of the ones that are in the BDR website gallery, but I do know there are several BDR owners on this site,who, if willing, can chime in with more details and detailed pictures. (Nuke427, BlackBDR, C Huff, etc.)

I have wanted a Cobra for 11 years and have seriously been evaluating most of the major makers over the last 18 months. For my personal criteria, BDR was the best fit all the way around.

Now comes the hard part.....waiting for delivery

- Snak Iyz

btsai · #8 (**permalink**) 11-14-2003, 09:16 PM

Snak Iyz -- what are the Backdraft flaws, as you see them? I'm just curious because I haven't seen one in person yet...

Ben

Excaliber · #9 (**permalink**) 11-14-2003, 09:36 PM

I'm interested in the newest kid on the block, Renegade.

In board shocks anyone? Looks like some very sophisticated suspension stuff going on here!

Ernie

Turk · #10 (**permalink**) 11-14-2003, 09:51 PM

We pretty well know most of the players here in the States Side.

How many different manufacturers are there in England?

TURK

decooney · #11 (**permalink**) 11-14-2003, 10:20 PM

Hey Excal,

..definitely some beautiful looking components up front on those Renegades. Obviously a labor of Love. If the rear suspension is anything like the front, Wow!

Pics from the renegaderoadster site.

Cal Metal · #12 (**permalink**) 11-15-2003, 08:34 PM

Regarding the English manufacturers, two come to mind: Hawk (slabside) and Gardner Douglas.

George Snyder · #13 (**permalink**) 11-15-2003, 08:44 PM

btsai-Ben,

The only problem i have had is the fuel tank venting needs some refinement.

I have some pictures of my car being built at the factory I can pass on to you if you like.

Bud

Snak Iyz · #14 (**permalink**) 11-15-2003, 09:27 PM

This is one that I have not heard of yet with the BDR's. Would you mind elaborating a little bit more on the issue and the solution. Feel free to email me directly if it is easier. Given that my order is in, I want to prep and get all the bugs worked out in advance.

Thanks,
Snak Iyz

Buzz · #15 (**permalink**) 11-15-2003, 10:06 PM

Robnell in Australia makes a beautiful high-end replica with a host of modern tech and features. House of Cobras is distributing them now and CC member Samuari (sp?) has one. I just checked their website though and it seems to be down. I hope they are still in business...

decooney · #16 (**permalink**) 11-15-2003, 10:07 PM

CalMetal,
isn't the Hawk Slabside body provided by Kirkham now?

Just adding in some picks of the GD car you mentioned... Interesting chassis design. I wonder what the best way is to get the motor and trans in/out of the GD car? Bottom loader? Hehehehe. Its sure tucked in there...

Gardner Douglas pics / England

Buzz · #17 (**permalink**) 11-15-2003, 10:43 PM

Hi, Duane! It seems our previous posts landed right on top of one another. The Gd is indeed an interesting car and is noted for its excellent handling. The body shape can look a bit odd from some angles though.
Not so with Robnell - they have as nice a shape as any replica and the handling is there to boot! Here is another pic - this time the interior (a traditional interior is available as a no cost option).

Buzz · #18 (**permalink**) 11-15-2003, 10:54 PM

Another ultra performance oriented Brit Cobra is the Fieldbay Magnum - low, wide and with a super stiff chassis.

decooney · #19 (**permalink**) 11-16-2003, 01:03 AM

Hi Buzz,
I'm definitely enjoying this thread...finding "other cars" that we can look at. Maybe we can post some chassic pics for the Robnell. Thanks for posting that GD interior pic... my friend with a Viper might just like one of those enough to make the switch once and for all!

Buzz · #20 (**permalink**) 11-16-2003, 07:29 AM

That is actually a pic of the Robnell interior; a bitter pill for the authenticity nut, but I think it is stunning. Here's a link to the HOC Robnell info page: http://www.houseofcobras.com/
I still can't access the manufacturer's website and I seem to recall something about them relocating. I really hope they stay in business because in many ways this is a contender for the ultimate Cobra replica.