Why Do Cobra Owners Sell So Fast?

[DAVID GAGNARD]

Originally Posted by Cobra Braggin'

I'm planning to buy a new Superformance MKIII built exactly to my specifications and I'm really looking forward to it. I love all classic muscle cars from the mid to late 60's and the Shelby Cobra 427 is my favorite! I plan to keep mine at least 20 years. But, it seems like a lot of guys get this dream car and then sell it within just a few years...WHY?

The're hot,the're loud,the're cramped for space, have not roof so it good weather driving only,no A/C, they get terrible gas mileage, the wife doesn't like to ride it them because her hair gets messed up.......

But I think most that sell quickly just didn't realize what it takes to own and use these cars to make them worthwhile, the're used to a Z06 with A/C, CD player and all the creature comforts that a Cobra doesn't have......and once you get caught in a big rain storm far from home, your outlook on a Cobra changes.......

It takes a real car guy to own,drive,maintain and keep a Cobra for any length of time......

[twobjshelbys]

Originally Posted by DAVID GAGNARD

The're hot,the're loud,the're cramped for space, have not roof so it good weather driving only,no A/C, they get terrible gas mileage, the wife doesn't like to ride it them because her hair gets messed up.......

But I think most that sell quickly just didn't realize what it takes to own and use these cars to make them worthwhile, the're used to a Z06 with A/C, CD player and all the creature comforts that a Cobra doesn't have......and once you get caught in a big rain storm far from home, your outlook on a Cobra changes.......

It takes a real car guy to own,drive,maintain and keep a Cobra for any length of time......

This pretty much captured my experience. I loved the Cobra, wife hated it. Had a Mustang and the Cobra, only room for one car in the garage so she could have the other side back and the Mustang sold first (bummer). So the Cobra still had to go and got the Ford GT instead. It's civilized enough for her and fun enough for me.

By the way, it's not getting caught in a rainstorm in a Cobra that is a bummer. It's having to stop at a stop light that gets uncomfortable.

[lamaluv]

I have owned my Cobra for 9 years and bought it used. It was built in 1980 and I have spent lots of money making it MY car. The car was owned by six people prior to me. The shortest time owned was less than one year while two owners kept the car for at least 6 years.

The Cobra has been my dream car for years but an original was always out of my price range. It is not the vehicle for everyone, much like a motorcycle as far as creature comforts go. I'm finding that as I get older (67) it is harder to get in and out of and be comfortable while driving. I still love the visceral feel and excitement of driving the car but I don't find myself behind the wheel near as much as in the past. If I were to sell the car it would be because I am not using the car like I did in the past and I feel these cars are made to be driven and enjoyed. My son continually reminds me that I don't really need the money and he will be happy to inherit the Cobra when I'm to feeble to drive the car.

I think that there are far to many reasons for "Why do Cobra owners sell so fast?" to narrow it down to a couple of answers. The most common one is usually going to be " I need the money for _________."

[Metal-morphous]

I must be the exception, I have had my era for over 20 years and to this day no other form of transportion gives me the smiles per miles than my cobra. I hope to own it for another 20 years

[Cobra Braggin']

Metal-morphous,

Thanks for sharing the awesome picture and your thoughts. I hope to be just like you one day!!!

Chris

[snakebiteforu]

True Shelby Cobra lovers know what a special car they have. I was soon to turn 16 in high school when a friend shared a car mag. On the cover was a 1965 427 Shelby Cobra sitting along side of a 427 Corvette. (Does anyone remember the issue?)Working summer jobs and nights after school, I asked my dad to borrow me about $2,000. to buy the car and I would pay back the differance. He quickly advised me, this car was more expensive then his buick and would make a very poor investment. When I turned 17, I followed a original grey 427 Shelby Cobra and the true love affair started. Four years ago, I was driving a new Z-06 and found the car that looked like the one I saw back then. The Corvette was a great car, but the Shelby Cobra will never become old in my mind. My son has already spoken for it one day.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by snakebiteforu

On the cover was a 1965 427 Shelby Cobra sitting along side of a 427 Corvette. (Does anyone remember the issue?).

I remember it. The pic you are thinking of, though, was not on the cover. It was farther back in the rag. On the cover, of all things, was an Olds Toronado. It was the November, 1965 issue of Car and Driver and the pic you so fondly remember is this:

[CSX3183]

The stats were from Car and Driver, the photos were from Car Review, either the 1/85 or 11/85 issue, that is/was my car, CSX 3183. The car was on the cover on one of those issues, and inside on both.

Originally Posted by patrickt

I remember it. The pic you are thinking of, though, was not on the cover. It was farther back in the rag. On the cover, of all things, was an Olds Toronado. It was the November, 1965 issue of Car and Driver and the pic you so fondly remember is this:

[patrickt]

Ahhhh, he's thinking this one then:

[patrickt]

... and if anyone is overcome with a wave of sentimentality, Jim's Megamazines has it for twenty bucks, thank you very much. Car Review - Jan, 1985