Let's hear about your first time...

[blykins]

...that you drove a Cobra.

Mine was a white SPF with a 385hp 351W at the Superformance dealership in Ross, OH. (Thanks again, Jim...for one of the best experiences in my life.) I struggled for days trying to figure out how I could afford to pay for one outright...My engine wasn't even built at that time. Alas I had to pass up the gorgeous SPF...but I have moved on to another relationship with my SVC. Something that I can work on/pay for at my own pace...without dropping 40g's at once.

It was a beautiful 70 degree day...perfect Cobra weather...I remember how it felt to open the door, "stand" on the seat and slide down into position. I fumbled with nervousness as I snapped the seat belts together. I don't know if I was nervous because I was in sheer awe of what I was about to do...or because I had just taken a ride with Jim in another SPF with a 392ci stroker...hehehe I knocked it out of gear and pressed the brake. As I turned the key to the "on" position, Jim advised me to pat the gas a couple times for an easier start. I turned the key further and the little small block roared to life.

Jim gave me some pointers on driving a Cobra for the first time. The most important one was to always have your clutch foot near the clutch...if not touching it. He told me since it was my first time, I could accidentally put us through the windshield in an attempt to upshift/downshift.

One thing I noticed at first. If you're sitting still, you need 12" biceps to turn the steering wheel. Since we were facing the dealership, I learned quickly that I needed to get the car rolling in reverse before I tried to turn it. Clutch in, 1st gear engaged, a quick couple blips of the throttle, and we were rolling. We turned right out of the dealership and were on our way to taking a nice stroll through the country. I'm not familiar with the Cinci area, so I have no idea where we were...but it was nothing short of awesome. I quickly found out why everyone falls mad-dashing in love with these cars.

One of my favorite highlights was on a straightaway back to to the dealership. I had just taken off from a stop sign, and as I got the car in 2nd gear, Jim put his hand over in my line of sight and gave me the signal to "mash it". I had been waiting for that...and I did exactly what he told me. Who am I to disobey...? heheh.....Wide open through 2nd gear and into 3rd. What an awesome feeling....blasting down a straight with the sidepipes roaring and the engine revving.

Once again, I thank you Jim if you're reading this. I really regret that I couldn't do business with you...but that's the position you're put in when fresh out of engineering school. I'm sure I have other fun times ahead of me though as I complete and get another "first" with my own car.

Now I'd be very happy if some of you others volunteer some good "first time" stories....of the Cobra variety....hehehe