It really perplexes me that some get so focused that these hot rods (resembling a cobra) should have a ford motor.

However think nothing of the fact that it will be right hand drive, have a plastic body, possible parts from any number of various sources (which were never used on originals), will have retractable seat belts and not lap sash authentic seatbelts, self cancelling indicators, high(ish) back seats, big brake kits and I can keep going on.

Don't get me wrong, I am seriously addicted to cobras, and have been since I was 14 (30+ year addiction), have posters of them, toy cars , shirts, hats, been to the shelby factory 8 times, numerous books let alone the computer folders with images broken down to various makes, interior shots, engine shots and so on.

However, unless it has a CSX number and was build in the 60's, it's a replica or a hot rod at best.

So, do I enjoy driving my hot rod any less knowing thats its not real or doesnt have a ford engine....... hell no. I get giddy every single time I hop in it, smile every single time I drive it (been a little while between drives... but am working on this), always have a second look when I walk past it, look for any excuse to go to the garage just to sit and stare (mmmmm, maybe I should pick up the tools a little more often).

So, to anyone holding back on a cobra (hot rod) because it dosnt have a ford engine, don't deprive yourself of owning and driving one of the most enjoyable things that you could possibly own. You will meet new friends, have long visits at the servo as people want to talk with you, you will be the envy of the neighbourhood (mostly) and just be having fun.

And most likely, it will not be your last one either. So do not think that your first one has to be perfect (your first girlfriend at school most likely wasn't, so neither will be your first hot hot (cobra).

And to anyone who is considering building a $80K+ toy car, do yourself a favour, fork out the $129 for a flight to the Gold Coast and visit pace, you will not be disapointed. Not doing this would be like a guy waking up one morning with a new set of double D's, and then not touching them.

I find it funny how people get hung up on Ford and Cobra. The only Ford bits in the originals was the engine and box. The rest probably had more in common with cars from Austin, Morris, MG or Jaguar.

If you want to try and use all ford bits go ahead. Do what makes you happy.

Cheers

Hey Leroy - we're Australians, and if there's a chance to take the p!ss, then it would be un-Australian to let that opportunity go by, yes?

BTW, I just noted in your details "355 SBC". I'm not familiar with that....what does SBC mean? ;)

Cheers,
Glen

Small Block Chev

Glen, you're right, taking the piss is part of Aussie heritage, and I have no worries with that I can assure you.

SBC...... soon being commissioned (does that work?). Yeah, thought not, watch this space for a dirty, heavy, lumpy, thirsty, miss-behaving replacement.

I'm going for - Silly Bald Carnut..?

Ps. While I agree with you leroy, the regulators don't. ;)
Love your work.

You're kiddin' me!



;)

I have always been a ford boy, so it's always a bit of fun to fly the flag. I find just as perplexing Leroy that chev seems to be taking over the world and ford are so far behind value wise for people like us wanting/owning kit cars.
I know talking with Pace, they originally designed the car to accept the ford motors believing that would be the volume engine choice, I think 1 in 10 is a ford.

FOR A FORD CAR THATS DISSAPPOINTING ��

That's a bit of a stretch.... I like to think of it simply as a car that flew the ford flag, rather than a ford car so to speak.


As for ford's pricing, at least ford is viable, in comparison Gm is own by the government. Lol.

In any case I'm a brand slut!
I'll horse jump from better to best. Yes, I'm that fickle. ;)

i wanted a ford engine in mine when i first started looking my old one was a 302 . but it seems there is more range in chev that will meet emissions where the ford you have a 302 out of a au falcon or a coyote but there not cheap. in the end my thinking come down along the lines of leroy .
just what are we building my conclusion is a hot rod that looks like a ac cobra and who cares whats sitting under the fibreglass . the kid who you drive past gets all happy to see you does he care whats under the hood ..the sexy chick who winks at you at the lights does she know or care ok i might have made the last one up but there is always hope lol .
as long as you enjoy your car thats all that matters i reckon .....at the moment im happy to sit in mine and make broom broom noises and it makes me feel good ..

SBC = Substantial Breast Comparison


On the subject of engines, I've had an aspirated 351W, a supercharged 351W, a SBC and a 427FE in a Cobra.

Every engine was perfect for what I wanted at the time. I never apologised for what was in the engine bay or why, and I never had anyone ask why I didn't have a "insert preferred engine type" instead.

I think everyone over analyses it during the buying/building phase, but it really becomes a non-issue once you're driving down the road.

We have people with Ford, Chevy, and MOPAR engines in their cars and no one gets upset by it. And lets face it, Chevy is by far the easiest and least expensive engine for many people in other parts of the world. I have Ford engines in all of mine, but that is because I have always had Fords and like them. A good friend has a Cam Am Cobra with a BBC and it runs like all get out and is very reliable. The ones with MOPAR engines are fast but a lot of people seem to be down on them for some reason. Personally I like any Cobra that is well built and safe, no matter which brand of engine it has.

Ron

Chevrolet chiefs of the day said to Carol, "we could not do justice to such a fine auto. Go and see 'ole Henry, and with his engine and as many Ford parts as you want, you will make the best car the world will ever see" :D

i like that one, David. :)

Delusional, but Cobras where and still are the benchmark for muscle cars.

Chevrolet chiefs of the day said to Carol, "we could not do justice to such a fine auto. Go and see 'ole Henry, and with his engine and as many Ford parts as you want, you will make the best car the world will ever see

you forgot to explain why ole henry had so many motors & part lying around as stated by chevrolet chief

Actually before the Cobra Shelby got 3 Corvettes from Chevy and had them shipped to Italy where he was going to have them built and start his own race team. Some higher up at Chevy found out about it and ordered them destroyed as Chevy already had a Corvette race team headed by Roger Pensky. All paper work on those Corvettes was also destroyed. Then when he asked for engines for the Cobra, I am not sure on this, but I believe it had to do with not wanting anything Chevy competing with their race team. Either way, he went to Ford and they had just came out with the 221 engine and that was what was shipped to Thames Dutton, England and stuffed into the car to see if it would fit. The first 60 Cobras had the 221 engines in them. And thus the Cobra with Ford power was born. If I had an original, then I would not replace the Ford engine with any other but for the kits and replicas, I just don't see any reason to put down one brand of engine over another. Any of them can be made to preform the originals and the newer ones look great I think.

Ron :)

I'de die before I let a Chev park in my driveway not to mention sticking the motor in my giant Coke can that resembles someone's hotrod that might turn up one day.....

I don't think we want you to have a Chev engine anyway.

Please don't call the Cobras a "hot rod" Call them a replica or an ICV .
A hot rod has so many exemptions it is ridiculous.
Our little creations are better than production vehicles by ADR standards...they are NOT hotrods.

This is a light hearted comment don't be offended ;)