Verify an original Cobra
 

I may have the opportunity to buy an original Cobra - can anyone make a suggestion on how to verify 100% of a vehicle's authenticity - specifically the Cobra?

Thanks
B

We have several experts around that can help you with this.
There are several good books, the best of which is probably the registry. What is the serial number, if you don't mind, and I can relay the info on it from the book. Other than that, you will need to speak with one of our resident experts.

Evan?

Yes, Evan knows a thing or two about "Cobras", but there are others as well. Does it have a serial number ?

I have requested the VIN and serial number - but also looking for other means of authentication. Car is international and I cannot verify in person... so any help is appreciated.

Ask Computerworks- I think he can tell you just about all there is to know about any car with CSX in its VIN

Suggestion
 

Depending what part of the country the car is in, I would refer you to hire one of the expert well known restorers. They will be able to undress the car of all the things that were not on it when it left Shelby American. At that point you can decide on if the price for what's left is fair or not. E-mail me of you need the tel # of one of the experts.

If it has an unknown history back to the mid sixties, and is just now "appearing" out of thin air, there is a chance it is not exactly an original authentic car. I say go look at it, and please give us a report.

Thanks - I'll post more info once I have confirmed the VIN and Serial numbers

In the meantime, is this a 427 SC, 427 street, or 289 street Cobra? And are photos available? Post them here and you're bound to get a ton of input. Sometimes the car's details combined with the CSX number will give away authenticity.

MT

CSX or COB? BIG difference!
 

If it has a CSX number, original or fake number, you'll know pretty quick all about the car! Virtually ALL of the CSX cars are known, cataloged, and "tracked" closely. Virtually impossible at this point in time to "fake" an original IF the CSX number is known and is in the registry (and that just about 100% of the cars). :D

Ha ha,,, the ones I love are the: "Original 1965 Cobra assembled in 2002 from "parts" found in the old Shelby warehouse (barn or where ever). Car number CSX-XXXX. To easy! Just look up the number in the registry and ALL will be known!

I wonder if this one is actually a COB car, NOT a CSX car. COB, all though very nice, and one might "claim" it as an "original" Cobra it is NOT a Shelby Cobra. That CSX prefix is everything!

Ernie

Ernie: With respect to your comment that it's "virtually impossible to fake a CSX car if it's in the Registry..." Well, you'd be surprised. The '97 book had a warning about a 289 Cobra in Europe which we had only seen in pictures, but which didn't seem "right." It bounced around a few European shops and we were sent more photos. The pictures showed the car to have incorrect VIN-stampings, an incorrectly stamped ID tag (with an engine # pulled out of thin air) and a host of incorrect features, from gauges to door hinges; from throttle, brake & clutch pedals to very incorrect engine-bay details, etc. We advised the shops in Europe. So, they sold it to a dealer with a shop in CA! We advised him, and a warning about the car was published in SAAC's "Snake-Bite" newsletter under the heading "FLASHING YELLOW LIGHT." Nonetheless, the dealer sold the car for big bucks to someone who apparently believed he was getting such a great deal that he'd better not ask any questions, much less call in an expert. As a result, he got himself an expensive P.O.S. I suspect he won't be thrilled to read the nexr registry, wherein the history of his VIN will be updated. The message is: DO YOUR HOMEWORK and/or ask an expert if you plan on buying a car, especially in Europe, where there are a number of dubious Cobras floating around!

Bob,

I'm guessing that it's an AC Cobra, not built during the sixties. I still see these cars advertised as original. My guess is there is no CSX number. I hope I'm wrong for your sake. If it is a period correct Cobra, the CSX 4-digit number will do. Post it, and we will pass on whatever info you want.

- Bill -

Ned, point well taken. No doubt that is only ONE of many such examples of cars passed off as "original" and buyers eager to get a bargain.

Solution is simple enough, check the VIN number against the registry!

Jay Leno made an interesting comment about Duesenbergs: There are more "real", "original" Duseys registered today than were ever made in the first place! Some of the "fakes" are SO good it's virtually impossible to tell the difference in some cases.

Ernie

Bob,

Feel free to email or PM me the information on what you have found......I'll steer you to a proper SAAC representative in that area who can help assist you in verification.


Sincerely,

Bill S.


PS: Ned, bumped in to "J" Bittle last week.....Have not seen him in over 15 years.........Looks good for "an old man" :D :D :D ......

Bill..
 

...the real "J" 'Big Block' Bittle"? I first met him in Mike Kranefuss' office the day he signed on as Ford Motorsport dealer...

If he only stayed in Texas selling cars....there might be no JBA headers today...

Rick:3DSMILE:

Bob Stillwell,
So far only one real Cobra expert has responded to your inquiry. I suggest you send an e-mail off to Ned Scudder.

Rick,

Yes, "the" J Bittle............he was manning his own booth at a small "E Keystone" trade show I attended last weekend...

Roger,

OUCH You really are cranky :LOL: :LOL: :LOL: Ned is "the man" when it comes to Cobras, but don't count out those of us still here in NJ either.


Bill S.

Bill:

I think Ned has already responded to this thread. He would be the one I would contact--hands down.

Bob
Since you said this car was international,it is not by chance someone in italy selling a car by wire transfer and including shipping to the us is it ?or anything similar,thse scams are everywhere now.Tim