Possible US to Aussie Import (Arntz Cobra)

[Legless]

Originally Posted by Arnaud133

Hi there !
(and thanks again "Mr 750hp" for your MP! )

I'm not sure that cobra is an ARNTZ.... actually, I'm sure it is not... :-)
Have a look at the serial number, it has nothing to do with ARNTZ numbers. Also, that car was registered in 2004... not so good for import...
That's just my "newbie feeling"... feel free to correct me if needed

Hi Craig and Arnaud and all,
My thoughts on the above car for what they're worth
Though this car has obviously had a lot of recent work done, there are certainly some interesting features of this car that point to it possibly being a relatively early car and a member of the 'Arntz' family, or at least a close relation. The later Arntz cars were a mixture of Arntz versions and manufacturers and the fact that it was previously titled may go part of the way in explaining the different numbering to that of the generally accepted Arntz or Butler VIN formats. The body is probably a 'type 4 Arntz' because of the kick out in the hood that was to facilitate access to a chev dizzy if one was so inclined. I've read somewhere that the last 16 'type 4 cars' had this feature. Also the traditional features such as the forward braced rollbar, dash layout and shape, true knock offs, no external fuel filler cap and traditional engine/carbs and drive train probably indicate a fairly early build. Apparently the Butler frame was modified from the Arntz cross frame to a K frame to accept a Doug Nash transmission. Doug Nash was bought out by Richmond in 1987 which this car uses, so it's possibly a very early Butler frame. It seems really difficult to positively identify the cars of this era with their mixed heritage. But an answer as to why it was retitled and a search for the chassis number may answer a few questions more definitively, but hey, this is all part of the heritage and the reason why many of us find these cars so interesting.

Cheers