Reworking the new Cobra

[Fullchat289]

Buzz & Gang:

Just sent the following note to J.C. Mays' Ford email:

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Mr. Mays:

Much talk regarding the new Shelby Cobra concept. Please see the following discussion thread which shows some of the interest and discussion surrounding the new car from passionate enthusiasts of the original. Attached photo will give you a taster of the work being done to your press photos supporting this discussion .

http://www.clubcobra.com/forums/t48908-15&pagenumber=1



Kind regards,

- Al.

C. Allen Bishop

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Don't know if the note will get opened, but my subject line read "Public views on the New Shelby Cobra design." Hopefully that will get his (or his PA's) attention enough to open the email and read it.

Cheers!

[Buzz]

That's excellent Al! Let's hope he reads it. Wouldn't it really be something if a major auto manufacturer like Ford actually allowed a group of loyal enthusiasts to have some input (whether it's used or not) into the final design of an important new model? That would be an industry first to be sure - and a great PR feather in their caps, I think. Personally, I would be happy just to hear some feedback from J. Mays and Carroll Shelby - even if it's just to say our modifications suck!
To Brent Fenimore; has Carroll seen our ideas yet? If so his opinion - whatever it may be - would mean a lot to us along with any other thoughts he has regarding the new Cobra. Regardless of the water under the bridge over the replica issue, most here have admired the man and his work for years and I'm sure we would all be thrilled just to to hear what he has to say.

[Fullchat289]

Buzz:

My pleasure, Buzz. The picture I attached in my original email was the color (red-rear 3/4 view/blue-front 3/4 view) one you did. That brought an entire new dimension to the work done to the silver one. For some reason, .jpg didn't attach itself to my last post.

Anyway, fingers crossed!

[clayfoushee]

Good job Al! Many were hoping that somebody would find a way to get a msg. to the right place at Ford. Hopefully J. Mays won't have too much "pride of authorship" to look at them objectively. I was hoping for Bill Ford, but it's a start.

As to the earlier observations about Carroll Shelby's apparent enthusiasm as seen on the "Rides" show. My guess is he had camera's in his face, and he was genuinely thrilled and flattered, who wouldn't have been? But, that doesn't mean he believed it couldn't be improved. Hopefully, Brent Fennimore will report back from CS.

Lastly, Ernesto, I regret that I failed to praise your drawings, which I also thought were beautiful. It's always refreshing to see a "real" artist do it the old fashioned way.

[BT SNAKE]

Buzz & Earnesto,
You guys are truly talented. This has been one of the most interesting threads to date. It appears that the general opinion is the new design needs your tweeks. I think FoMoCo will listen if the the word gets to them. After all, they don't need another T-Bird fiasco. With the honest and straight forward imput from this site Ford will have the best chance for a successful design.
Buzz. for my opinion, you have extracted the essence of the old that makes the cobra what it is and melded it with the outstanding work of the new design. I think the design team at Ford can now take the ques from what you've done and really make it happen with Mr. Shelby's input .
I want a Viper real bad but if this Cobra comes to be with the advised changes I will definetly be in the market provided the prices are comparable.
Al, I agree, a full round of applause for these gentleman !!
Including Brent and Al for their support and efforts.

Hersh

[The Deacon]

Buzz...

Most Excellent!!! You have found the "heart" of the Cobra and made it shine in your modifications. I applaud you!! I hope that some of the modifications can be incorporated into the production of the New Cobra.. I believe that Ford has gone just a bit too far with the modernization of the Cobra, and should seriously look at some of the changes you have made to it. While it is true the FMVSS, EPA, and DOT standards have a great deal with final design, I believe if anyone can pull off getting some of your modifications into the production, Shelby can. Carroll, along with Brent and company have a great deal of talent and fortitude to get things done, and I believe they can make things happen.

Lets hope they can!

The Deacon

[rdorman]

You never cease to amaze me Buzz. IF some of the design cues you have suggested can be incorporated into the new car I think Ford would be well advised to consider them. You look at the new 40 and think GT40. You look at the Cobra concept and think 'what is that?"

Either way, it is going to be quite a ride.

Rick

[rdorman]

You never cease to amaze me Buzz. IF some of the design cues you have suggested can be incorporated into the new car I think Ford would be well advised to consider them. You look at the new 40 and think GT40. You look at the Cobra concept and think 'what is that?"

Either way, it is going to be quite a ride.

Rick

[flipper35]

I am 35 and when I bought my Cobra 10 years ago my choice a Cobra first and a Viper 2nd. Based on looks, had this new Cobra been available then, it would have been on my list just above a Yugo and just below a Ford Expire, er, I mean Aspire.

[Buzz]

Here's one for Ol' Shel! Ok soit's about a week late...these thngs take time, ya know! I'll post a larger version to my gallery. How do you like the new rear wheel/tire upgrade?

[DonC]

Buzz:
Looks like about a 950/30/18. Any problems with rubbing in the wheel well?
DonC

[JamesGT350]

Hey Guys, this is my first post here. I don't have a Cobra but I love them. I have a 65 Mustang convertible GT350 clone restomod that im working on.

I think Buzz's mods are excellent. That's exactly how the Cobra should look like. But, if its so much like the original, why make a new one? Its the same with the new GT. It's a great car, much improved but it kind of leaves a bad taste in my mouth because I think that the originals or the kit car GT40s are some how worth less. Not so much monetarily but in terms of passion or rarity.

I'm kind of torn on this 'Redo' of famous icons. The new Mustang has the same kind of lame sex appeal as the new Cobra. I don't think J. Mays has the proper eye for these new designs. He's caught in this Art Deco Pompous Stylists mode....They lack the kind of curves that we all consider essential. The lines just don't make sense. They'd be better off as some new wave furniture or house design. God knows most of the morons out there will say, "Oh its so sleek!" I HATE that word 'sleek' it's such a damn cliche. The hell with aerodynamics, build something with curves.

On the "Rides" show, there were pics of some design ideas for the Cobra and one where you could see it look almost like fangs coming from the hood. It looks like Buzz has incorporated that into his redo and I agree completely. I can't believe they couldnt see that or didn't incorporate that into the design.

They also said on the show that most people don't want them to mess with an icon, so they have to do it right. Sorry, in my opinion they shouldn't have messed with it.