Is a cobra right for me?

[Excaliber]

Wood, your full of termites, what a bogus post!

[62Cobra]

I am 48 years old and have owned my cobra for 11 years now. It was a 15 year old Aurora when I bought it and drove it 1100 miles home in November from Baltimore MD to Ft. Walton Beach FL (No Top of course). I had been looking for this car for over 10 years and I don't think anything could have wiped the rain drenched smile of my face all the way home. But, in my opinion, the kind of person that would own a cobra is the same type that would rather fly across this country in an open cockpit biplane at three times the price than travel by jet. The Cobra represents a piece of American history that you just have to love. Its not comfortable, handy, easy to drive, or easy to get in and out of. I have A/C in mine and that has added a bit to the comfort on long trips....I do not trailer my cobra, and todate I enjoy the experience of long road trips in the cobra and as a part of that, revel in the pain I experience. But lately my hips have really been giving me trouble, I think this is more a young mans car. I usually try to talk folks out of buying a cobra as it is a car alot of folks regret buying, and unless you can say that no matter what I will own a cobra some day...It may not be the car for you. The cobra is all about too much, more power than you need, more heat in the cockpit, I have not seen a kit that was used as a daily driver. My cobra buddys are usually very worried about leaving their pride and joy in a parking lot. When we go out to eat we always have to find a window seat that looks out at the car so we can make sure no one is messing with it!! Owning one of these Cobra's is different than any other car. The top is another adventure that you better understand...it is an issue to put up and get your side curtins in and Oh boy where the hell is all this water comming from. Do not get frustrated yet! The adventure has only begun! The electrical, the brakes, the cooling system all may be a challenge especially if you want A/C on your car. Anyway I wish you luck! I have enjoyed working on mine and now she is a real nice care that I am proud of. But you have to decide whats right for you.

[240M3SRT]

I think i will consider carburated cobras as well, seems waiting for a fuel injection one will greatly reduce the number of possible cars i can buy. A buddy of mine with a modded mustang swears switching from fi to carb was the best thing he did.

What condition of cobra can i expect to pick up for $25k-$30k. I know this is on the low end in the world of cobras. Is this gonna be a rough unfinished car that needs work, or will i actually be able to find something nice for this price? I might could go $35k max.

[fsstnotch]

http://www.clubcobra.com/classifieds...duct=754&cat=2

http://www.racingjunk.com/post/97200...-AC-COBRA.html

I dunno if this one was ever sold but it is a steal!
http://www.clubcobra.com/classifieds...duct=687&cat=2

There's quite a few in the $25-32 range on www.cobracountry.com

or
http://www.ffcobra.com/ubb/ultimateb...forum/f/2.html

[meat]

Drive one.

Lone Star - if you're close to them - is a good car, and you can pick one up within your price range.

A/C is certainly an option. It won't do you any good, but it's an option.

For your price point you can pick up quite a few different Cobras.

If you're looking for a car to keep up with and handle like the Ferrari ... the Cobra ain't it. Much as it pains me to say that. You can do like I did and buy a Lotus Elise for around that same price point. The Lotus will devalue over time, the Cobra ... not so much.

But - before you can make the decision, you need to DRIVE the car. And remember that not all Cobras are created equal, and not all of them will sit the same, feel the same, have the same amount of seat travel or leg room.

Be careful buying a used Cobra; not everyone knows what they have, how the car was built, or whether the car is actually road worthy.

Your pal,
Meat.

[Fred Z]

Let's cut to the bottom line......as has been stated, but to be clear!
You can get a car for the range you are looking in...maybe a good one, but have it checked out by a pro.
They are NOT, repeat, NOTTTTTTTTT a simple car!! rough around the edges...and for that matter, everywhere else too! They are tough on a person....want to have the head and as* change places if go pedal is not respected! they have no top....have no radio (cause you couldn't hear it anyway). want air conditioning....drive it faster, you'll get it for sure!! Manners.....it has none! space to move...nope, not much! is it maintenance free......nodda!!
But, IT IS.........fun, crowd pleasing.....quick, fast, and absolutely something you will not forget.....just be sure you know that 'will not forget' thing BEFORE YOU BUY!! You will have a statement.....that those who come close.....beware.....the snake can bite!! Worried about leaving it alone for a while......not to worry...i have left mine with sunglasses, cell phone, and such...for a bit and not ever moved!! these things do sort of imply "mess with me and i will bite you big time".
All on this site are trying to help you make a good choice....they all know the pitfalls involved, and have experienced them first hand! Most , i would venture to say....would not trade their car for anything...others may, based on family needs. YOu have to make a sane choice........well now....sane choice and a Cobra.....there's a conundrum! anyway.....make it after doing all the research, both at cars......and reading. Then, my friend..............if you go for it.......welcome to the madness......and the most incredable time you will have with your pants on!!!!
flame on...................fred z

[BDHE]

240M3SRT;

Before you proceed, you might take a moment and examine how you really feel about the whole Cobra experience. These cars are "too" everything (too hot, too loud, too expensive, too fast, too raw, too much fun to drive, etc, etc, etc).

For what it's worth, if Cobra's don't appeal to you on a visceral level, you probably shouldn't buy one. But if they DO get to you on an emotional level, then ownership will almost be a religious experience. (NOTE I said ALMOST please no flames from the nuns at the catholic school I attended!)

Oh, by the way, I looked up:

vis·cer·al [vis-er-uhl] –adjective
1. characterized by or proceeding from instinct rather than intellect: a visceral reaction.
2. characterized by or dealing with coarse or base emotions; earthy; crude: a visceral literary style.


Bryon
Former student at
Our Lady of Blessed Acceleration

[Naumoff]

Originally Posted by BDHE

240M3SRT;

Before you proceed, you might take a moment and examine how you really feel about the whole Cobra experience. These cars are "too" everything (too hot, too loud, too expensive, too fast, too raw, too much fun to drive, etc, etc, etc).

For what it's worth, if Cobra's don't appeal to you on a visceral level, you probably shouldn't buy one. But if they DO get to you on an emotional level, then ownership will almost be a religious experience. (NOTE I said ALMOST please no flames from the nuns at the catholic school I attended!)

Oh, by the way, I looked up:

vis·cer·al [vis-er-uhl] –adjective
1. characterized by or proceeding from instinct rather than intellect: a visceral reaction.
2. characterized by or dealing with coarse or base emotions; earthy; crude: a visceral literary style.


Bryon
Former student at
Our Lady of Blessed Acceleration

Bravo Bryon

[Jamo]

Whether it'll work out as a daily driver depends on your weather...trust me, Fresno gets even hotter than Dallas with close to the same humidity, and I actually wear a suit frequently. That's when i jump in the Vette. As someone else mentioned, an FFR or SPF Coupe with air would make more sense in the heat and in the rain.

Just do it...and fit your life around it. Humans are more flexible than Cobras.

[fsstnotch]

Like I said in the PM..

The question should never read "Is a cobra right for me?" It should read "Am I right for a cobra?!"

[Silverback51]

Originally Posted by fsstnotch

Like I said in the PM..

The question should never read "Is a cobra right for me?" It should read "Am I right for a cobra?!"

Or is it, "Am I man enough for a Cobra"?

Sorry Kristin (hope I got the spelling correct).

[Rick Parker]

In Andrew Dice Clay's best head bobing chain smokin Black leather Jacket wearin' imitation:
Hiiickoooorrry Diiicckkkory Docckk
The Phuck'n mouse ran up the clock
If you're unsure while you think that a Cobra's for you
then listen to us, we'll say to get two
and PHUCK the Corvettes in the lot
Hiiicckoorrry Diiicckkoorry Dooocckk!