Lightest Cobra?

[john chesnut]

Hi Tony, I think my Cobra will still give the "seat of the pants thrill!" Serioulsy, I know my car will appeal to a small percentage of Cobra buyers. That's OK, I don't do my cars to make a living. I do it for the fun of it and because I like to do things my way. Like I said, I love them all, appreciate the history, and support anyone that build their own car from scratch or kit.

[Buzz]

John, sounds like you are developing a very interesting Cobra. The chassis and what's under the skin will make it handle and perform. Get the "look" and stance right and you will maximize it's appeal to buyers. Often, those who endevour to reinvent and redefine the Cobra engineer and build a great platform then go and slap on a vaguely "cobra-like" body that only includes the cursory design elements - sidepipes, oval grill opening, bulging fenders, etc as styling cues. What they miss is that the visual appeal of the original car comes from the relationship of form to function - nothing there was ever a "styling cue". The rear fenders bulge enough to wrap and enclose the wide tires and to accomodate suspension travel. The resulting look is athletic and appealing from all angles. The big drawback of some of the new "cobras" is a rear fender that bulges way above and inboard of the tire - no functional relationship whatsoever -resulting in a look that may appeal to some hot rodders but looks odd and awkward from almost all angles.

Austin Snake's carbon fiber car is a beautiful example of a new Cobra that has the look right. Check out that fender shape and wheel to body relationship. Pure automotive art.



Sorry for the sermon Looking forward to seeing the finished product.

[Austin_Snake]

Originally Posted by Buzz

What they miss is that the visual appeal of the original car comes from the relationship of form to function - nothing there was ever a "styling cue". The rear fenders bulge enough to wrap and enclose the wide tires and to accomodate suspension travel. The resulting look is athletic and appealing from all angles. The big drawback of some of the new "cobras" is a rear fender that bulges way above and inboard of the tire - no functional relationship whatsoever -resulting in a look that may appeal to some hot rodders but looks odd and awkward from almost all angles.

Austin Snake's carbon fiber car is a beautiful example of a new Cobra that has the look right. Check out that fender shape and wheel to body relationship. Pure automotive art.

I have to agree with the awkward or forced shapes on some cars. These Carbon Cars are a piece of art. This Guardsman Blue car belongs to my friend Rosanne so I will pass on the compliments. I'll eventually get some photos up with the hood on. BTW this car has under the car exhaust. Drgas.com has an awesome muffler only 2 3/4 in. thick X 8 x 13. The rest of the pipes are 3" ovalized tubing.
My Carbon Car is at the paint shop and I am looking forward to getting it on the road this summer! Hopefully it will be a lightwieght screamer as well.

Regards,
Richard.

[Naumoff]

Originally Posted by john chesnut

Hi Tony, I think my Cobra will still give the "seat of the pants thrill!" Serioulsy, I know my car will appeal to a small percentage of Cobra buyers. That's OK, I don't do my cars to make a living. I do it for the fun of it and because I like to do things my way. Like I said, I love them all, appreciate the history, and support anyone that build their own car from scratch or kit.

Hey John. Look forward to seeing your Cobra.
I will be in Carlisle Saturday of the Import/kit meet. I will look you up. See you then.

[FUNFER2]

I have a Lone Star with a boat anchor FE and iron heads.
I just scaled the car last night, after replacing all the heim joints and lowering the rear suspension. Here's the numbers.

Total weight = 2663 lbs. with 20 gallons of fuel. (assuming 7lbs. Per Gal.=140)

Left front- 694
Right front- 612
Left rear- 650
Right rear- 708

Total front- 1306
Total rear- 1358

Front- 49%
Rear- 50.9%

A little heavier than I thought but, I believe Lone Star's have one of the strongest frame's and body's. I would be interested what the unsprung weight is. The Team III wheels and 12" wide Good Years in back seem heavy.

[FUNFER2]

Is mine the heaviest ?