New to the Cobra world? Have you always dreamed of having a Cobra? Read carefully.

[cobrajam]

I sold my first Cobra (that I completely built with the exception of the paint on the topside and the stitching in the seats) because it was too comfortable, rode too nice, was not quite loud enough, was too refined, it was too heavy, did not beat you up, was not hot enough, and even with 450-500 horses, it was not enough power, did not have enough brake, was actually quite civilized and was too polished. In other words, it was unlike what I envisioned a Cobra was and should be. If you look at an original, they are far from 'perfect'. (and that is not to be taken as a negative, in fact that adds to their 'charm'). I hope to 'correct' all of these on my current build.

[GlynMeek]

If you look up 'soul' in the dictionary, it say "emotional or intellectual energy or intensity esp. as revealed in a work of art". Cobras have 'soul', Z06 Corvettes (while being reasonably fine pieces of engineering) have NONE.

Decide what you want and then live with the consequences. Life is a series of trade-offs...you traded EMOTIONAL SATISFACTION for ENGINEERING RELIABILITY my friend, and dear me, when can we stop using an 'invisible friend' as justification for the decisions WE make in life?

[CHANMADD]

I have yet to see regularly driven eighteen year old unrestored Corvette deliver any where near the looks,the excitement ,crowd appeal and sheer driving pleasure that my 18 year old Cobra can!! And I will bet my car is still worth a whole lot more than an 89 Corvette.
My car has a stereo, heated seats and a soft top,and drives super smooth and fast. It is loud but......................That's why I have it!!!
I've blown the engine several times,and that sucks...but I built it,and I drove it, so guess who I blamed?
I would take my Cobra over a Corvette any day!!!

[fsstnotch]

I think saying that saying the cobra is not what you thought it was (a race car) is just an excuse for your poor researching abilities! I myself, as well as every new guy I see post on club cobra always seem to ask similar questions and they're always given the "buyer beware" caution that "these ARE race cars! If you want A/C, power steering, and comfort, BUY A CORVETTE!"

YOur reasons for not liking the cobra... are my reasons for wanting one! haha

"More money than sense" pretty much sums it up... and "If you can stand the tuition, You learn more from mistakes than successes." Pretty much sums up your experience!

Enjoy your A/C!

[Excaliber]

Yeah, what ever... a fool and his money, fair game!

[eschaider]

I'm sorry but I have no sympathy for the owner. A project like this should have some deliberate thought given to the planning, design, build cycle. Someone else commented about more money than brains or something to that effect. Dead on target!!

Hey, we are all over 21 (some of us by a lot) by now we should be able to figure out a lot of these issues without blowing the amounts of money this guy did. Don't cut corners in your planning, design, build cycle unless you personally can pick up the slack. Bargain basement deal hunting will almost always leave you unhappy.

This is a hobby it is not an investment in some type of regulated security. You will always loose money the first year on any vehicle. If you are looking for an investment go to the securities markets! By the way if you keep your toy, drive it and enjoy it (and take care of it) you will be pleasantly surprised at its value five ten or more years in the future.

A little more time spent on the different websites and this guy may have learned most if not all of what he paid so dearly to discover. I suggest any newbies who are thinking about doing a Cobra take a look at this website => http://cobra4me.com/ read the words. Sergio does not sugar coat or misrepresent the car and he basically hits most if not all the significant issues in his entertaining, yet real, introduction.

As so many have already said these very attributes are what endears these cars to us. If this don't light your fire definitely don't go camping. Sergio winds up his webpage by saying,

"...very, very few drivers want this kind of attention, or can tolerate all that a formidable Cobra Replica demands. These cars are intolerant mistresses.

But remember, there will come a day when you have to hang up your car keys for the last time. And perhaps you want to say then "I did it."

For those of us who care so much for the car and the experience (they are inseperable) we draw particular pride of ownership and accomplishment from these modern day incarnations of that original Supercar conceived by Shelby ... The 427 Cobra.

Ed

[Tony Radford]

Since my last five years of Cobra ownership has been so different than that of Rsimones, I couldn't help but recall an experience from the late 70s. I had a good friend who moved to Negril, Jamacia and purchased a small motel on the coast. I spent a week with him in late 78 when Jamacia was a wild, undeveloped place (there was little power and no phones within 5 miles of his motel. No hot water or refridgerators (ice boxes only), and the experience of lifetime. The beauty of an undeveloped, crude tropical paradise - amazing! It was a fantastic week and I hated leaving. A few months later, I was visiting a friend who was also being visited by his brother and new sister in law. Having just returned from a Jamacian honeymoon, I took the opportunity to compare notes. They absolutely hated the experience and though they had purchased a week, they came home after three days in what they considered to be a third-world pit that totally lacked the creature comforts of home. We were on opposite sides of the spectrum of "enjoyment factor". The difference between jumping in my pickup to run an errand or take a trip versus filing a flight plan to venture out in my little red rocket is night and day. My car excites me just as much today as it did when I first set eyes on her in the garage of the person I purchased her from five years ago. I wouldn't trade it for anything.

[Murphy]

I think his wife told him what to do.

[Lowell W]

Some guys really ARE better off with a Corvette.

Rob, thanks for, if nothing else, illustrating the point I try to make whenever someone posts on CC wondering whether this car is right for them. Some guys need to be hit over the head to get the point, but at least you can be the poster boy for the "Why I'd Be Better Off With A Corvette (Or A Miata)" crowd, some of whom surface here from time to time. From now on, I'll just save my typing finger and refer them to this thread.

Sorry it didn't work out for you but again, Cobras aren't for everybody.

BTW...How many times have you been married?

Bye.

Lowell

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by Lowell W

"Why I'd Be Better Off With ... Miata)"

I love the way Miatas shake and quiver when I pass them on the highway....

[SKINNEDR]

After reading this post and every reply, I begging to write, and for the life of me I'm trying to be positive with my comments. I'm not a psychologist and I'm not trained in anyway to read the mind of an individual.
But I can't help to think based on what I read, that deep down inside he really did not want a Cobra. For him a Cobra only temporary satisfied a need for approval from a buddy or family members to say “I ONCE OWNED A COBRA”..... MAY BE BRAGGING RIGHTS ETC. The things that he went through was so un-necessary and a total waste of money. TOO MUCH MONEY WAS THE MAIN PROBLEM. What can you say about a MAN??????????? that needs approval and advice from a three year old?
A Cobra is a car for you, not for the family.
Stick with the Corvette, mother will love you better…..
Dex…………….

[WarrenG]

Interesting, 5 pages of responses and I don't think that there is one comment about what I think is one of the most important aspects of owning one of these cars; the fraternity that comes with it! A group of individuals with similar passion that don't care whether you're a "gearhead" or a "car guy/gal" who want to share that interest and have a good time doing it. A group which includes probably hundreds of individuals both professional and non who are willing to share their experiences and their advice (not always appreciated of course!) to help out someone else. I began this "quest" for the car and ended up with a whole lot more that now almost overshadows the car itself!

My advice, when you get one of these cars find a good local club and share the experience. I think it multiplies exponentially when you do that.

BTW-after 6 months and over 3000 miles my only regret is that I can't drive it more. I wouldn't trade it for anythingelse although I would consider getting a more "civilized" sports car in addition for driving when the weather is at its most extreme conditions.

[clayfoushee]

Originally Posted by WarrenG

Interesting, 5 pages of responses and I don't think that there is one comment about what I think is one of the most important aspects of owning one of these cars; the fraternity that comes with it! A group of individuals with similar passion that don't care whether you're a "gearhead" or a "car guy/gal" who want to share that interest and have a good time doing it. A group which includes probably hundreds of individuals both professional and non who are willing to share their experiences and their advice (not always appreciated of course!) to help out someone else. I began this "quest" for the car and ended up with a whole lot more that now almost overshadows the car itself!

My advice, when you get one of these cars find a good local club and share the experience. I think it multiplies exponentially when you do that.

BTW-after 6 months and over 3000 miles my only regret is that I can't drive it more. I wouldn't trade it for anythingelse although I would consider getting a more "civilized" sports car in addition for driving when the weather is at its most extreme conditions.

LMAO.........some fraternity......... a bunch of "a--holes" judging from the venom flowing here. Jeez, the guy was just sharing his thoughts and a bunch of sharks feel the need to pump themselves up by putting him down.

I've enjoyed the hell out of my Cobra for almost 4 years, and still drive it regularly. I also own a C6 Z06 as a daily driver (amazing engineering acheivement that is scary fast, very track-capable, and comfortable for peanuts), and a Lotus Elise (with the most divine handling qualities I've ever experienced). Those three could not be more different, and I enjoy them all immensely, but I am fortunate to be able to have cake, lobster, and tequila all at the same time.

[Dan Stryffeler]

Good thing the Oscar Mayer Weiner Mobile wasn't driving by when he asked his kid which car he should have!!!

But I think he does make the point that before jumping into one of these cars, you should talk to as many owners/former owners as possible. Like anything else you have to do your homework. The more opinions you get, the closer your dream will come to reality.

Almost without exception, at every car cruise I go to people come up to me and want to talk about the car; is it fun? etc. I typically tell them that yeah, it's mucho fun, but for me about 2 hours is the limit that I can take (cramped, loud, windy, stiff clutch), and that you have to drive it like a motorcycle - always look our for yourself because you are so vunerable; and that get's tiring too.

When I first got the car on the road, I used any excuse to drive it (like going a half mile for milk), now if I'm not going somewhere fun to drive, or at least long enough to get the engine warmed up, I'll take something else.

I guess that I'm trying to say I love the car and can't see selling it, but just more selective about how I drive it, where and when.

Dan

[computerworks]

This feels like I am 30th on line behind Brutus, waiting for a shot at a dead Caesar...

Listen, take Rob's dialog at face value...it is his point of view...lay off the character jabs and see it for what it is:

The project was a round peg in a square hole....from the get-go.

The moral is that a car like this is not for everybody...despite the wistful memories of hi-octane youth.
Sometimes a two-dimensional memory never meets the expectations when you get to a three-dimensional reality. Look at how many first-owner cars get sent to CobraCountry with "...800 pampered miles."

So, comment on the scenario....stow the slurs and let him leave with some dignity.

thanks
ron
ClubCobra Moderator

[rdorman]

Rob's story is more common then many people think. A cautionary tale for those who are thinking about the 'Cobra experience'. If you are looking to jump in, read this post, read Hal Couples description, take a long look inside and choose wisely!

[hi-tech cobra]

rsimoes wrote: It made me start to wonder if God did not want me to have a Cobra. So in talking to my wife about it, she said "If God did not want you to have a Cobra, He would change your heart and you would not want a Cobra anymore." I laughed at that and said, "I guess God really wants me to have a Cobra then." Hhmmm, look what happened now. . .

You are correct, God does not want you to have a cobra. He wants you to give it to me...seriously!

[JWheaton]

Rob obviously did not have a good experience.

My observation on this is not his builds and all the problems it was his method.

His first premise is where he gets off the track.

He says he wanted to own a Cobra. So then why not go out and BUY an already complete Cobra. Have it looked over by a qualified mechanic and ask lots of questions.

Second problem -- He asked his young son what he wanted. I take my 2 boys (age 2 and 4) to car shows all the time. I ask if they like this car or that car. They like them ALL. They want me to buy them ALL. My kids love going for rides with me in the Cobra. Even if it is just around the block.

I ended up buying a smelly, gaz guzzling, loud, rattling, POS that needs to be cleaned all the time 3 years ago. Not counting cleaning it my time with it has been 90% on the road. The other 10% has been fiddling with it which has allowed me to meet some great people.

His other observations are fairly obvious upon listening to one start up.

Oh well, to each his own and good luck with the Corvette. Can't go wrong with that car.

[Silverback51]

Originally Posted by computerworks

The moral is that a car like this is not for everybody...despite the wistful memories of hi-octane youth.
Sometimes a two-dimensional memory never meets the expectations when you get to a three-dimensional reality.
thanks
ron
ClubCobra Moderator

Your comments above reflect what I felt in one of my first threads.


Got cold feet yesterday


I had a dream, and I was fearful that the reality would not match the dream.

Luckily in my case, I took the plunge and even though I have only had the car for one week, I'm in love with it.

I do not mind getting my hands dirty so that is not a problem with me.

[Woodz428]

I find it extremely funny, sorry guys, that he had to spend all that money to wind up doing what someone here told him to do in his very first posting (well maybe within the first 5). All his posts were usually inquiring WHAT the people here thought instead of what he wanted. Not surprising that he asked his child what to do. I LOVE bare bones High Performance cars, I used to drive a retired Mustang Pro Stock car on the street for 20 years. The Cobra is extremely refined,LOL.