Need input on cobra manufacturers.

[badhabit]

Ok, I'm not looking for an "exact" replica. What I'm wanting is a cobra that can accomodate a 6'4" driver and a 6'0" passenger. So I'm looking for a manufacturer that can build extended footwells and adjustible/sliding seats. I want a cobra that can be driven weekly without high maintainance, something in the 300-350hp range. I won't be taking it to a track and running it so I want a driver. I'm not particular about manufacturers. Pacific Roadster has sent me info and they are the only manufacturer in the NW that I know of. If there are others out there then I'd certainly like to know about them. Guys help me get a new cobra in the next 18 months. Thanks BH..

[klayfish]

Badhabit,
Don't limit yourself to kit producers which are located in the NW only. There are great manufactuers all over. Shipping charges aren't really that bad, especially considering the overall cost of the car.

Most Cobras will accomodate people that size. You can have the seats put onto seat tracks if you want. My car has a seat track for the drivers' seat. Of course, I'm only 5' 9", but there is plenty of room to slide my seat back. At your height, I don't think any car will have limo like room, but you won't feel like a circus clown packed into a VW bug. If you really want the extended room, there are a few manufacturers who make an extended wheelbase car. And for cryin' out loud, most of their names escape me right now. I'm sure someone else will fill in my void there.

As for being a driver, that is completely up to you. It depends on the quality of the parts put in them. If good parts go in, you should have no troubles at all. For the hp range you're talking about, a strong 302 or 351W will more than do the trick. They can easily make that kind of power without being pushed to their limits, so they'll be very streetable and reliable.

Good luck in your search.

Steve

[ffindling]

+ I'm 5'5" so I can fit into just about anything, but the "tall driver" question
is a frequently discussed issue here. Are you looking for a turnkey car, a roller, or
doing your own build? Most manufacurers
these days do use longer footboxes than
the originals and 6'4" seems to be a
benchmark for "tall" drivers. A few manufacturers have "stretched" platforms
where they have lengthened the wheelbase of the car from the original 90"
to 93 - 95" and have used the "stretch"
to give additional length for footbox space. Other manufacturers say they can
accomodate tall drivers while remaining
within the original 90" spec. People have
also come up with many "tweaks" in the
self-build sector to accomodate tall drivers.
A starting point might be attending a
Cobra meet in your area and trying the
various cars "on for size." Most if not
all of the owners will be happy to accomodate
you. You'll probably encounter similar
sized owners who will be glad to offer
their input. You can also discuss this
with the various manufacturers, the
majority of whom have already addressed the issue.


....Fred

[Jim Barnett]

Classic Roadsters is an EXCELLENT "stretched" version of the cobra. The body isn't exactly like the original in the door area, but I had one and the workmanship of the entire kit was GREAT!! (I bought mine completely turn-key and I'm only 5'5", but there was tons of room in the footbox and mine did have the sliding seats). In fact, there was TOO MUCH room for my shorter legs. Street Beasts also makes an extended version of the cobra, but I have no other knowledge of that manufacturer. Hope this helps. IMO it would be hard to beat a Classic Roadsters cobra if you want/need the extra room.

[tryce]

BH, check out www.backdraftracing.com. Backdrafts have room for you. The foot wells do not need to be extended and the seats are adjustable. The dealer for the west coast is in San Diego Name of his company is California Cobra his name is Armond. He does a lot of business up in the north west. Ask him to give you some names of some customers in your area. Look at my gallery for some pictures. I have some pics of seats and foot wells.
Hope that helps
Pete

[Tongue Pirate]

MY ERA has a good amount of legroom. I'm 6'1" & have plenty of room to spare. You can check the ERA site to see if there is enough legroom for you. This image is lifted from the ERA site under the 427 Car.

[rdorman]

And there is a Unique (standard wheelbase) owner that is 7 foot tall! The guy I bought mine from was 6'4" and my 6'4" father in law fits in the passenger seat just fine. Just about any of them can fit you. With that said, the stretched versions are roomier.
Rick

[Snak Iyz]

I second Tryce's suggestion of the Backdraft car. It will fit you and it has a 92 inch wheelbase. One of the better bang for your bucks as a turn-key and you won't be sacrificing anything.

As Tryce said, Armond in So Cal has delivered cars all over. On top of that, he is a class act and goes way out of his way to make sure you are a satisfied owner. BackDraft and Armond are well worth checking into.

Good luck!

[badhabit]

Thanks for all the input. I'd love to be able to "turn wrenches" and build my own, but I have neither the room or talent to take on such a project. Sadly, I must say that if baling wire and duct tape can't fix it then it's out of my hands. I'd be looking at an already built car for sale by owner or a turnkey. I guess the next phase of the quest is if I find a car for x dollars, I put 25% down and finance the rest, what are the rates for financing an exotic like a cobra? Here's a stretch...leasing one?

[kidcobra]

BadHabit.
I am 6'4 and have a classic roadster. It is very nice to fit in. I can fit in just about any kit out there but the long runs tend to not be fun the next day after being smashed in there. But in the classic I can stretch out every once in awhile.
Now as for financing. It is not unheard of believe it or not. I have several hot rod buddies who arein the service like me and oppted to pay off there daily driver and finance the hotrod. By doing this we can take our drivers over seas if we have to move and put the hotrods in storage. I know several guys who have used Capital One Auto Finnancing with about 6 to 7%. Most of them have good credit and no other car payment. And got it no problem.
Good luck with the hunt.
Matt

[badhabit]

Kid, not to be a dolt...who makes the classic roadster? It's going to be very interesting for me in the next 90 days. Neighborhood is going down the shtter..duplexes.....so I'm looking to relocate or worst yet build a house....really don't want to build as I'll have college age kids in 3 yrs....almost submarines the cobra but a guy has to have some direction life!

[Excaliber]

Don Scott, Classic Roadsters II is the name of the company. Identical in size and basic specs to an Excalibur replica. Good call and used ones are available. A quality kit, as many are, but BUILD quality varies from car to car depending on who acutally assembled it. That is also true of most of the replicas out there.

One of the main reasons people like "rollers" (which are NOT kits) is the build quality is consistent (good or bad at least it's consistent). So generally speaking (not always true) your getting a "known quality" car for your money. SPF and BDR are two primary examples of "rollers".

Another way to look at quality issues is WHO built it! A Classic Roadster assembled by Don Scott himself IS going to be a very well built car indeed, for instance. FFR's are pretty much 100% "kits", therefore build quality can range from over the top perfect (bring a BIG wallet) to mediocre (small wallet will work). Generally speaking a "kit" assembled by the manufacturer will be a great car, but one assembled by an owner himself COULD be even better!

[kidcobra]

Bad,
You can fine Classic Roadsters web page on here. Not the best page but it helps.
And as for Submarines the cobra. No dream is to small. Trust me I have been there. Anything is possible.
Dont give up the dream man. Lifes to short!!!!
Matt

[klayfish]

Take some time here and read a lot of posts about the different cars. If you ask which kit to get, what you'll find is that BDR owners say buy a BDR, Classic owners say by a Classic, FFR owners say.... on and on. If you're looking for a finished car, you may want to take a long and hard look at the used market. There are lots of great cars out there for a good price. You'll pay much less than what it would cost you to have it built new. What I'd recommend is find out what's most important to you (options, engine size, etc....) and look for a car that will fit your desires. Look all over the country, as shipping isn't that expensive. Likely less than $1000. If you find something you're really interested in, post it here and many people can help. You can find a shop in the area where the car is and have it inspected there. I've done that a few times and it works out well.

As for leasing, I've never heard of one. You'd have to look at what financing runs. I think if you go to collectorcaronline.com there is a link to collector car financing companies. I'd bet the rate is in the 8% or higher range.

Steve

[Russ Dickey]

I have found that the question to ask Cobra replica owner's is:

"If you could buy any brand of Cobra replica, besides the one you currently own, which one would it be and why?"

Then you can ask: "Now why did you buy the one you own?"

[Greg Haile]

Take a look at www.everett-morrison.com. Their new generation IV frame has an additional three inches of leg room and is a work of art.

[TampaFla]

I'm 6'4" and have an ERA 289 (exact copy of the original 1964 cars). Did not have the skills to build the car or the drive train but found someone locally who did and was glad to watch and do the "less skilled (but supervised)" work. Wouldn't trade the experience for a "turnkey" (put it all on a DVD for my "old" age).

As for leg room - I have to move the driver's seat 2" forward in order to reach the peddles. The passenger seat obviously isn't moveable because of the roll bar.

[ALLEN ENGLISH]

I think you should look at this car > Lone Star Roadster .

This is what they claim for tall people > Here

I hope this helps

[Michael C Henry]

If you want to do your own wrenching you'll get plenty of oppertunities after the car is finished( they are never finished).I know that to some it sounds sacreligous but heat -venting and a top are not that extravagent. I'd choose a soft top for portabillity and flexability.Big brakes and power steering are great additions. I like IRS on a car this small .Even Shelby has changed some things from original"historicaly warranted modifications". For everything there are trade-offs. Large fuel tanks (Cell) and large trunks are plusses . Original seats leave a lot to be desired.for support. In Washington state cars have to be emmission inspected every other year after five years untill they are over twenty five years old.Mine is twentyone now. A newer car would have a lot of advantages but.

[Scott S]

I have built both the Lonestar and the Pacific, the Pacific has way more leg room.

Scott S