Cobras, RIP?

[Buzz]

Very well said, Eljaro. Anyone who owns a Cobra ought to know that it is no ordinary automobile and thus cannot in many ways be sensibly compared using the same points of references as as one would use when evaluating a Lexus against an Infinity. Here is a quote from an article written by Tony Hogg, automotive journalist and Cobra owner:
"There is nothing particularly treacherous about the car's basic handling qualities, because it is strictly a neutral machine as far as oversteer and understeer are concerned. However the whole question is somewhat academic because if you are feathering it through an 80-mph bend and start sticking your foot in it, you know what happens when 480 lb-ft or a multiple thereof hits the rear wheels, and it doesn't really matter what gear you are in. ...it's all too easy to activate a few more barrels than you actually need. When I wrote my impression of the Allard I described it as possibly the most dangerous car I had ever driven, but I think the Cobra surpasses it. The trouble with the Allard lay in its split front axle, which could virtually give you oversteer and understeer in the same breath because the transition was instantaneous. THE TROUBLE WITH THE COBRA IS SIMPLY ITS POWER, WHICH IS NO FAULT AT ALL - IT'S JUST THAT THERE IS A TEMPTATION TO USE IT."

I have to agree - I have owned and driven a variety of fast cars in a variety of climates and conditions. I will go out on a limb and disagree with the Cobra bashers by saying that I like the Cobra's handling a lot. It has loads of lateral grip, minimal body roll, good brakes and the ride is not that bad for a sports car! Granted it has a high power to weight ratio in a short wheelbase - but I know that and I expect it to behave accordingly; just as I know that a motorcycle by its inherent nature has a natural tendency to fall over on its side. I prefer the responsiveness, the direct feel and the predictable tossability of my Cobra over the understeering, distant, almost artificial feel of a friend's Mitsu Evo VI at speed anyday.
As far as the Cobra's suscebtibility to flipping, it shouldn't be at all given that it is a car with a relatively low center of gravity. I have spun and braked and swerved and powerslid my car endlessly on a large, sticky concrete apron with no unexpected consequence other than worn tires and the accompanying tire smoke. The car handles fine for what it is just as a good mountain bike handles fine for its purpose but is vastly different from a road bike.
Does a Cobra offer less protection in a rollover than a modern, cage-equipped hardtop coupe? Anyone even looking at a Cobra can figure that out. So does a motorcycle or a go kart or any vintage roadster. Love the Cobra for what it is or don't love it at all. If what it isn't compared to an M3 or a Carerra bothers you then you probably are not cut out for Cobra ownership and maybe you should spend your money accordingly (if you want to be happy with what you drive, that is).
All in good fun.