New Member from Mid Atlantic Region

cnewell · #1 (**permalink**) 03-09-2014, 07:35 AM

Hello Everyone,

I joined CC recently and have been checking in regularly...now its time to introduce myself. I've been learning about Cobras in general and about specific builders - a truly great benefit of this forum. Thanks! I love everything about the cars, and look forward to owning one as soon as I can.

Going in, my main concern is size and fit. I'm 6'3" and about 260. I remember from my days of rebuilding and driving a 71 TR6 how easy it was to feel oversized in a smaller car. So I'm most interested in investigating the larger cars...e.g. 92 in wheelbase (any larger?), dropped footboxes, and any other ergo stretching techniques...and still have a mainstream, quality-built car. I sat in a beautiful Superformance at Carlisle last April, and my size 13 dogs felt just a little too snug next to the pedals.

I hope to contact owners and visit builders beginning this spring to check seating and comfort. Looking forward to the show season this year (missed London last year, will be there this year) and meeting you all.

Thanks for this site, and all who contribute...I've learned a lot already, with much more to go.

Chris in DC

1795 · #2 (**permalink**) 03-09-2014, 09:17 AM

Chris,

Welcome aboard and I think that it is a good idea that you do try to fit in a variety of cars to see which one suits you best. I would invest in a pair of shoes as narrow as you can find. Irrespective of the make, the foot box is tight in these cars. Good luck and keep us informed of your progress.

Jim

cnewell · #3 (**permalink**) 03-09-2014, 10:34 AM

Thanks, Jim.

Sounds good; makes sense. Don't need extra shoe leather taking up valuable foot room. Will check around to see if there is a preferred design or name that is popular.

BTW, noting your car ownership, I'm hearing from others that ERA is among the preferred car brands. Congratulations! I hope to be where you are someday.

Chris

Chilibit · #4 (**permalink**) 03-09-2014, 11:48 AM

I don't own one, but it has seemed to me that Backdraft's cockpit was more commodious. That might spark an argument---it is just my observation. As far as shoes, over the years I have found that driving shoes per se were not really necessary for me. What is necessary is that the sole edges not protrude so that I snag the adjacent peddle when I come off of its neighbor. Of course, there are some driving shoes in the closet, but I tend toward understatement. Don't make the experience harder---just drive. All just my personal opinion of course.

cnewell · #5 (**permalink**) 03-09-2014, 06:55 PM

Got it...thanks.

Yes, I understand Backdraft, Unique, Pacific Roadster,...and maybe others are able to accommodate us Clydesdales.

That is a great start...I hope to confirm soon.

I appreciate your response, Chilibit.

Chris

DonC · #6 (**permalink**) 03-10-2014, 07:41 AM

Chris:
For footwear look at Puma Speedcat. I've worn them for years and they work well without being too over priced. Lack of foot room is a really common comment I get from people who sit in my car wearing common athletic shoes. There are also a couple of suppliers who make a driving type of street shoe but they can get spendy.
DonC

601HP · #7 (**permalink**) 03-10-2014, 12:47 PM

Chris,
There's a large Cobra club in your area, the Capital Area Cobra Club. They have their own website by that name.

They are a diverse group, with members spread throughout northern VA, southern Maryland and the DC area. The members own a variety of Cobra replicas. The information and advice you may find through them will be worthwhile to you.

David

cnewell · #8 (**permalink**) 03-10-2014, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DonC

Chris:
For footwear look at Puma Speedcat. I've worn them for years and they work well without being too over priced. Lack of foot room is a really common comment I get from people who sit in my car wearing common athletic shoes. There are also a couple of suppliers who make a driving type of street shoe but they can get spendy.
DonC

Don,

Thanks very much for the tip...I will check them out.
Appreciate it, Don.

Chris

cnewell · #9 (**permalink**) 03-10-2014, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 601HP

Chris,
There's a large Cobra club in your area, the Capital Area Cobra Club. They have their own website by that name.

They are a diverse group, with members spread throughout northern VA, southern Maryland and the DC area. The members own a variety of Cobra replicas. The information and advice you may find through them will be worthwhile to you.

David

David,

Yes, I will connect with them. I've met a couple of members already who introduced me to this site.

Looking forward to joining up. Good to know that you're not much further away in Bel Air, too.

Thanks, David.

Chris

Clois Harlan · #10 (**permalink**) 03-11-2014, 04:38 AM

Welcome to the club Chris. Owning a Cobra is a special kind of enjoyment. Not only do you have a cool classic car that will turn heads of young and old but you will have something that will actually retain most of it's value during your ownership. Have fun and take the time to learn when and where to "streetch it's legs" so to say. Glad you are joining us.

Clois Harlan

cnewell · #11 (**permalink**) 03-11-2014, 02:51 PM

Thanks so much, Clois.
I'm very glad to be here. I see you've been around for quite some time; I appreciate your welcome.

You know, spring fever hits me pretty hard every year...washing and polishing a roadster so that it sparkles in the sun is pure joy for me this time of year. I hope this is one of the last spring seasons ever that I don't have a car of my own to enjoy.

Chris