Cobra - T-Bird Project ... your comments pls

[binggy]

Hi there. I'm about to start working on an AC Cobra replica and I was hoping that you could share your insights on my situation/plans. My apologies in advance if my queries may seem shallow to you.

A friend sold (gave is more like it) me a still nicely running '67 Thunderbird because he needed the garage space. Thing is, I don't really fancy the the T-bird but I also sort of gave my word that I wouldn't sell the T-Bird. I don't know the dimensions of a Cobra 427 body and I'm wondering if it'll be a good fit on the T-Bird. I understand that a certain degree of fabrication will be needed and even if i'm far from being an expert, I'm sure i'll be up to the task. My dream car has always been the Shelby AC Cobra and I thought this combination would be the perfect solution to my dilemma.

So i'll basically have a T-Bird with a Cobra look. The plan is to purchase (budget and wife permitting) as much stuff to make it llok and feel like the real thing.

I've been into motorcycles all my life and I wouldn't be exaggerating if I said I know little about cars.

The T-Bird has a newly overhauled Ford 302 cu. in. auto trans C-6 engine but I intend to change it to a manual transmission. How would this engine fare against the ones one would normally find in a Cobra?

The sporting prowess and excitement level derived from driving an AC Cobra is very well documented. That coupled with what in my opinion is the sexiest car body i've ever seen makes for an extremely intriguing prospect.

I am most anxious to hear your thoughts on the drive/ride experience I will likely get when the the project is done ... versus the experience of driving/riding an actual AC Cobra replica?

I hope the experience will be very similar because I thinks this is just about as close as i'll ever get to owning a Cobra.

Any and all comments (good, bad, violent) will be much appreciated.

Thanks guys!