Another Canadian Cobra

[Argess]

I live in rural Nova Scotia and have an ERA 427 Cobra with a 428 and RG 5-speed. Oddly, I chose ERA as it was fairly close to drive to, but I have been absolutely pleased with the quality of the car, so no matter why the desioins was made, it turned out to be a good one for me.

I ordered the kit in 93, made 3 trips in 94 (body on a trailor and parts in pickup 1st trip, frame on trailor and parts 2nd trip and just parts 3rd trip).

Originally, I ws going to go the Chev 350 route, but am very glad I decided on an FE instead. My 2 year build had it ready for the road in 96. Biggest delay (1 year) was trying to get some engine parts from FPP. Now out of business....I wonder why?........

Building the car was the most fun. Driving it is OK, but tinkering with things is my favourite pastime now.

Late last year, I was just about to call ERA and place an order for a GT40, but the recession has left me a little shy on extra cash, so that will have to wait. As magnificent as the GT40 is, I think I will always like the Cobra better.

Cars I've owned that were fun were a 70 MGB, 71 Datsun 240Z, 82 RX7, 84 Alfa Romeo Spyder, and my 66 Mustang. Of them all I liked the 240Z the best, but the Cobra really is the car of my dreams, so the loss of the 240Z is bearable.

I think if I could pick what I want as a second car to park next to the Cobra, it would be a DB5....of course maybe that's because I am a James Bond fan.....LOL. Bringing back that DB5 with Pierce Brosnan chasing the girl in the Ferrari down a twisting mountain road was a fav scene of mine.

Not many Cobras in Nova Scotia, so it gets a bit of attention, mostly because it's "nice looking", not because many people recognize it.

In 99 I entered it in the local car show. Wasn't expecting to win anything, but ws hoping for the People's Choice award. Instead I got "Best Ragtop".....ironic as I dont own the top....just a tonneau cover.

Biggest mistake I made was ordering Branda cast aluminum valve covers that said "Cobra 428". Too may questions on why it says 427 on the fender emblem, but assays 428 on the engine. And I've never really come up with the best answer for "Is it real"? Easy to fix....I must get some covers that say Cobra Lemans.

I still havn't installed a rollbar. I had extra brackets installed for a dual roll bar (a single rollbar that protects both occupants), but it wouldn't look "correct", so I just go without one for now.

I only discovered this forum recently, and it appears very good. I'm glad to be a member.