Cobra Auto Works?

954 · #1 (**permalink**) 12-16-2018, 05:00 AM

Does anyone know the connection between Cobra Auto Works from Oklahoma and L A Exotics? I'm posting this question here because B & B is somehow connected to LAE.

I've wanted a Cobra Kit for years. Instead I've had two Vipers. I stumbled on an older Cobra that I like but the seller doesn't know what it is. He calls it an MKIII.

I think it's an LAE but it was supposedly built in OK by Cobra Auto Works. If it was built in OK, I don't understand why it has a California VIN.

It appears to have a Mustang II front end with a big block 427, toploader 4sp, and a 9" rear end with drum brakes.

I just want to know if it make sense that a California registered car might be built in Oklahoma?

Thanks for reading. I will have more questions.

CobraResurrect · #2 (**permalink**) 12-17-2018, 08:16 PM

I'm thinking you have a Factory Five car.

mrmustang · #3 (**permalink**) 12-18-2018, 02:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CobraResurrect

I'm thinking you have a Factory Five car.

Not with a Mustang II suspension.

As for the rest, not difficult to think that the first buyer/builder had the car registered and/or titled in California

Cobra Autoworks was a builder of kit cars in Oklahoma, not a manufacturer.

Pictures of the chassis, body, engine compartment, trunk, and door hinges would be suggested to be posted here to assist the OP further

954 · #4 (**permalink**) 12-18-2018, 03:28 AM

It's not a Factory Five.

I'm working on images. Thanks for the input.

954 · #5 (**permalink**) 12-18-2018, 03:38 AM

MrMustang, I sent you a PM. Thanks again.

mrmustang · #6 (**permalink**) 12-18-2018, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 954

MrMustang, I sent you a PM. Thanks again.

From the pictures it's an LA Exotics Cobra replica.
Titled in California using the SB100 process in 2005
The bodyshop that built the car appears to no longer be in business, as I cannot find anything about them on the web, new or old.

Perhaps a change of scenery is in order

954 · #7 (**permalink**) 12-19-2018, 04:50 AM

Thanks for your input.

TexasSnake · #8 (**permalink**) 12-19-2018, 09:35 AM

LA Exotics changed their name to B&B when the two owners Bryan and Barry moved the company from California to Missouri many years ago. They built a very sound product that is still supported today by Barry McGill one of the former owners of B&B. Barry has always been very helpful and supportive whenever I have reached out to him. He can be contacted at McGill Manufacturing located in Granby, Missouri. He may actually be able to provide some information on their relationship with Cobra Auto Works on Oklahoma. B&B produced a really solid product. I have had the opportunity to drive six different brand of Cobra cars over the years and can confidently state that a correctly assembled the B&B product is as great car that does not disappoint.

Horseracejudge · #9 (**permalink**) 12-27-2018, 06:54 AM

Hi 954,

Barryeet Rods McGill was one of the partners of B & B. He is still in MO. Has a shop called McGill Street Rods. He fabricated some improves clutch quadrant linkage for my B & B Cobra over a year ago. Try this #. 417-472-7848. My car was a Turn Key Minus 2002 build. It's a great street cruiser. Solid and dependable. Could be used as a daily driver. Nick

Dwight · #10 (**permalink**) 12-28-2018, 06:01 AM

I worked on a B&B seven years ago. Great car. Barry was a lot of help. I bought several items from him.

I've driven about 15 different brands of Cobras. Mike's B&B was the best of all of them including a couple that I owned.

So from my experience I would give two thumps up for B&B and Barry

YerDugliness · #11 (**permalink**) 04-12-2019, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 954

Does anyone know the connection between Cobra Auto Works from Oklahoma and L A Exotics? I'm posting this question here because B & B is somehow connected to LAE.

I've wanted a Cobra Kit for years. Instead I've had two Vipers. I stumbled on an older Cobra that I like but the seller doesn't know what it is. He calls it an MKIII.

I think it's an LAE but it was supposedly built in OK by Cobra Auto Works. If it was built in OK, I don't understand why it has a California VIN.

It appears to have a Mustang II front end with a big block 427, toploader 4sp, an rear end with drum brakes.

I just want to know if it make sense that a California registered car might be built in Oklahoma?

Thanks for reading. I will have more questions.

My Cobra was reportedly assembled by Ron Godell, who owned Ron Godell Racecars somewhere near Tulsa, OK. That is where I associate the name "Cobra Auto Works". It's my understanding that he did the builds, while the fiberglass work was done by another business (Cobra Auto Works) located somewhere around Oklahoma City.

My Cobra has a standard Ford Mustang II front end, other than all of the modifications to the brake system. It has R&P steering and what looks like a standard "Mustang II" style front cradle. The frame is not tube style, it's very square/rectangular in cross-section, much more like a standard "automotive" frame from that day and age. My Cobra has a standard Traction-Loc Ford live axle rear end with aftermarket disc brakes...

Like the others, I see no real concern regarding the location in which it was licensed vs the location where it was built. CA use to require SB100 certification and there were some shortages of "certifications" back then, but I haven't heard of any issues recently.

I am unaware of any connection between Cobra Auto Works and L A Exotics.

Cheers!

Doug