Researching any info re: Paul Cunningham, Competition Cobra privateer

[Buzz]

Originally Posted by Nedsel

If you read the synopsis of the car's history in the Registry, this is covered. There was a lawsuit filed over the stolen chassis remains. Their ultimate disposition was never fully revealed. The current owners of the car are open about the fact that the wrecked remains are not being utilized in the reconstruction of 2049.

Hi Ned, and thanks for shedding light on this very interesting saga. One question - can a car really be "reconstructed" without repairing or rebuilding any part of the original chassis? Can the title of an original Cobra be transferred to any vehicle that the legal holder of that title decides to attach it to - ie: a scratch-built Cobra (or even say - a Lotus Seven clone for that matter)?

[patrickt]

... and this thread is one reason why Jay Leno owns a replica Cobra.

[Nedsel]

Originally Posted by Buzz

Hi Ned, and thanks for shedding light on this very interesting saga. One question - can a car really be "reconstructed" without repairing or rebuilding any part of the original chassis? Can the title of an original Cobra be transferred to any vehicle that the legal holder of that title decides to attach it to - ie: a scratch-built Cobra (or even say - a Lotus Seven clone for that matter)?

If I understand correctly, the CA courts have determined that in this case, the fact that clear evidence was presented documenting theft of the legitimate chassis remains from the legal owner, coupled with no credible ownership claims by anyone else, allows them to reconstruct a car using parts that mimic the originals. This is by no means a universal occurrence.