New guy - looking at a 2006 Cobra

Oldun · #1 (**permalink**) 08-17-2010, 04:20 AM

Hello all. Please excuse the new guy's first post having a question...

I am an (ageing) longtime bike rider currently looking at a 2006 460ci Cobra (spotted for sale at a motorcycle dealership in LA, near where my bike is stored).

My hips and knees are making it difficult to ride long distances but I still want to feel the wind and watch the sights go by when I travel through your beautiful country. (Last year I rode coast to coast and back and paid the price for weeks after...).

Any tips and tricks on this year / car much appreciated, because I won't be able to go view it in person for about six weeks.

Thanks for letting a lurker join in!

kayakjack · #2 (**permalink**) 08-17-2010, 04:55 AM

There are LOTS of variables. First, do you know the make of the "Cobra". Like Factory Five, ERA, Superformance, Unique, etc.?

What condition does the dealership say the car is in? Ready to drive cross country?

Jack

Oldun · #3 (**permalink**) 08-17-2010, 05:09 AM

Jack, sorry to say I do not even know the make (of replica). I have not yet asked the logical questions and am drooling only over pictures on the website. I'm giving the dealer a call once our time zones match.

It's the car on the top right of this page
http://www.californiabosshoss.com/ipreowned.php

SunDude · #4 (**permalink**) 08-17-2010, 05:16 AM

Looks like a Shell Valley to me.

You have many, many choices out there when it comes to Cobra replicas. Check out www.cobracountry.com for a broader selection.

Oldun · #5 (**permalink**) 08-17-2010, 05:25 AM

Thank you! I am away on a keyboard ride!

kayakjack · #6 (**permalink**) 08-17-2010, 05:30 AM

I can not tell the make of the car from the pictures. Some of the other folks on this forum can probably ID it.

If you like the way the car is set up, that is fine. However, several things are out of the "mainstream". Which might make it a challenge to sell. The wheels look out of character for the car. The red interior - same thing. Again, if that floats your boat - no problem.

For starters, I suggest you check out the cars listed for sale on Cobra Country. Spend some time reading the ads, looking at pictures and asking prices. You will get a good sense of the market. It will help you get a better opinion of the car you saw. The web site is...

http://www.cobracountry.com/home2.html

As you can imagine, it is a buyers market for these things right now. That puts you in a good position. My advice would be to take your time. Learn about these cars. Learn about the market. Get a better understanding of the car you saw at the motorcycle dealership. It might be the right one. Maybe not.

Jack

SunDude · #7 (**permalink**) 08-17-2010, 07:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oldun

I am an (ageing) longtime bike rider...

My hips and knees are making it difficult to ride long distances...

I would suggest you try to take a Cobra for a test drive as soon as you can. These are not the easiest cars to get in and out of, and they aren't very spacious. I'm 5'10" and fairly fit so I have no problem, but if you are a bigger guy it could be tight. Some Cobra replicas have stretched wheelbases to give big guys more room, but the standard is 90 inches (like a Miata).

If nothing else a test drive will be lots of fun, and you'll see just how much you really like the Cobra experience.

twobjshelbys · #8 (**permalink**) 08-17-2010, 10:22 AM

I also encourage a test fit. I tried to sit in a Superformance and Backdraft and in both the steering wheel to seat clearance was so that even with the seat all the way back it would contact my lap. The CSX Cobras seem to have the steering wheel a little higher. (The SPF/BD solution was to remove the seat adjuster slides and mount hard to the floor, which was not an option for me.)

With the CSX I find that I have a little freedom in seat position - I'm not locked totally back and for longer cruises I can move it around and still reach the pedals so I'm not locked in the same position all the time. Electric tilt seats would be nice

. Oh I forgot. No cup holder either, although I did find one. I'll post a pic later this week.

Be sure you fit comfortably in the car before you drive it.

FUNFER2 · #9 (**permalink**) 08-17-2010, 10:45 AM

Oldun- you have a pm.

Okiesnake · #10 (**permalink**) 08-17-2010, 04:01 PM

Looks like it's an automatic trans.

Oldun · #11 (**permalink**) 08-18-2010, 07:50 AM

Thanks you everyone that is all very useful info. I will definitely try it one for size and not get too carried away :-)

This is what the white one's specs are but there are lots more I found through your links

427 Cobra Replica – 460ci Ford V8 500 HP – Holley 750 4-Barrel Double Pumper – Edelbrock Manifold – Edelbrock Chrome Valve Covers – C-6 Ford 3-Speed H/D Auto Trans – Custom Street Headers – 2460 Miles