Why Do Cobra Owners Sell So Fast?

[lovehamr]

Originally Posted by jwd

For most, owning/building a Cobra is just a phase of life. Once it's achieved, it's time to move on. I've owned just about every muscle car ever made, enjoyed them and moved on. I feel sorry for those that think owning a Cobra is the ultimate/end of life goal. Boring.

Then why are you here?

[jwd]

Originally Posted by lovehamr

Then why are you here?

Because I have an interest in ALL cars and have a bunch of friends that are on this site. I'm not so myopic that I only have interest in one type of car.

[Obsessive]

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?

I was reminded of this post today after I nearly killed myself on a test run.

I rebuilt the motor in my CSX last summer and noticed lately that I have lost a ton of power. It felt like I had no secondaries and I noticed my pedal was way down, to the point that I could not heel/toe the pedals if I wanted to. The obvious place to start was the linkage and sure enough, the linkage had a loose point that changed the geometry. I was getting no secondary throttle and only about 25% primary. Interestingly enough, the car was still as fast as I ever needed it on the street!

I fixed the problem and took her for a ride. Wow. Major improvement and I think the throttle was never right from the time of the rebuild. I never remember having this much power.

I pulled out into traffic and brought her up to speed; maybe up to about 50 miles per hour. I was in second gear and wanted to blow doors on the surrounding traffic so I stabbed the throttle without shifting. SUDDENLY, the car twisted to the right. I overcompensated and she spun around to the left a complete 360 spin. I recovered to the front/original direction and pulled over at the next turn off to change my pants.

I love the car and won't sell it. However, I get it. This is not for everyone and you probably need to have a screw loose to drive one.

[twobjshelbys]

Originally Posted by Obsessive

I pulled out into traffic and brought her up to speed; maybe up to about 50 miles per hour. I was in second gear and wanted to blow doors on the surrounding traffic so I stabbed the throttle without shifting. SUDDENLY, the car twisted to the right. I overcompensated and she spun around to the left a complete 360 spin. I recovered to the front/original direction and pulled over at the next turn off to change my pants.

You and just about everybody else at one time or another will throw the Cobra into an oversteer situation. It happened to me (more than once) when accelerating with cold tires into a left turn out of my subdivision. Accelerating is the right response as it squats the rear end down and restores contact. Sometimes you flat out don't have room to do that though.

Note that the same thing can happen when letting off the acceelerator!!! That is caused by compression braking and most people do not expect that at all.

But that is another reason people do let their Cobras go. They are a handful and get real squirrelly at the drop of a hat.

[Dangerous Doug]

Wow! "Obsessive"! I guess you rounded up all those missing horses. Be careful out there.

I think the answer to the original question is less Cobra-centric as we'd all like to believe. There are some guys that are of the car du jour mentality, and getting a Cobra is just one stop along a long string of cars. ("Ooooo, I've never restored an original Austin Cooper, and this one is for sale!")

My oldest brother is like that. He's had all kinds of interesting cars, including a couple of Corvettes. I find that I can admire and enjoy other cool cars without having own them.

Cheers,
DD

[Young1]

I am a one year owner of a Unique after a 40 year plus dream. Interestingly I became a Cobra owner because of physical limitations. Purchased it already built and titled with 3K miles while recovering from a MC accident. Getting it leak free, bugs worked out, properly assembled and reliable was a lot of work. It took me a full year to be confident to go on a 5 state road trip. My wife and I truly enjoy the "outdoor" experience of the car. I see it in my garage for a long time.

Why do Cobra owners sell so fast? IMO many do not have the skills, time and patience to perform the massage these hand built cars need. Too expensive to take to a mechanic to have them track down the parts, always in the shop, always breaking down, always spending $250. The beautiful body is a PIA to live with and so out the door she goes.

[Low&Hot]

Post #1 but been lurking for a while. Registered to be able to ask questions. Does the board have Personal Messaging? I haven't found it. Anyway JST4FUN you're in my neighborhood, I was wondering if you still had your car and if I could pick your brain.

In looking at the MANY used cobras on the market with very low miles this post nailed what I've been wondering. With our children older and gone I don't have to deal with the "who's gonna ride guilt". But if my "best friend" wife doesn't enjoy the experience.... .well... So thanks for being so candid everyone because there is a hot car in my future, but it needs needs to be a joy and thrill to her also or it will be a "been there, done that experience".

[dallas_]

Originally Posted by Low&Hot

but it needs needs to be a joy and thrill to her also or it will be a "been there, done that experience".

I think that wives who like these cars are few and far between.

Same with neighbors. Since these are expensive toys, many who own them live in nice neighborhoods, and some of those neighbors don't appreciate the awesome sound like the owners do.

[twobjshelbys]

Some people also expect their garage floors to be pristine. Cars with fluid leaks are not allowed. Well, not leaking is not an attribute of a Cobra engine In fact, it's said that if you have a FE engine and it stops leaking that means it's out of oil.

So for all but FEs, fixing leaks is another of the tinkerer things to be done on alternating weekends.

This is not necessarily a Cobra issue, but a general attribute of engines from the period. Seals weren't all that great. I remember the valve covers on the 350 in my 73 Chevelle always weeped a little (so the engine always had some oily dirt on it).

[twin turbo]

Why do people sell so fast: expectations vs reality!

I set mine up to replace riding crotch rockets. It still satisfies my "need for speed" after all these years.

Having said that, I suspect that if I had a typical normally aspirated build, I would have become bored and sold long ago. I'm not usually good at long term relationships, lol. Cheers.

[lippy]

Originally Posted by twin turbo

I suspect that if I had a typical normally aspirated build, I would have become bored and sold long ago.

I sure hope my (planned) 600-700HP normally aspirated Cobra won't bore me. That would be a disappointment.

[twin turbo]

Originally Posted by lippy

I sure hope my (planned) 600-700HP normally aspirated Cobra won't bore me. That would be a disappointment.

Lippy, the problem I've had with normally aspirated builds is driveability is affected when you try to make big hp. Turbos allow me stock driveability with great gas mileage. I know it's not for everyone, too quiet for some (92 decibels at WOT), but it works for me. If I want to make more power, I just turn a dial. Cheers.

[Bernica]

Lippy, you won't be bored?

I think "Dr Hal" Coppel's article says it all quite well about these cars. What to love, what to hate. The article is here on this site somewhere.

Much good advice in this thread as well that should be read (and re-read) by anyone thinking about kicking out that "entry fee" for one of these cars.

If your only desire is to hop in and go fast, then stick with the 'Vette, the GT-R etc. There are many more civilized options

My 2c

[twobjshelbys]

427's are monsters, and for what? If you're looking for the look and want a car to drive on the street you should give serious consideration to a 289 series FIA car. They have the same look - wide hips, etc. but are much tamer for the street.

Some day I'll be back with that configuration...

[Bernica]

Found Dr Hal's article mentioned above. I crack up everytime I read it because it is so true!

Hal Copple's Cobra Tribute - gatewaycobraclub.com Forums

[Cobra Braggin']

Bernica, thanks a lot for Dr. Hal's article link! It was such a cool and funny story. I'm looking forward to one day soon being able to relate to his story just like you and the other Cobra owners do...

Chris

[awfink55]

Love Hal Copple's Tribute, so true. New to Cobra's after many years of desiring. I knew exactly what I was getting into with my car. I don't need heated seats, stereo, power steering and AC, I have a late model Corvette for that. My car is the raw power and speed sensation I want at times. Take a long topdown ride with "The Boss", drive the Corvette. Want to haul 2X4's and sheetrock, drive the SUV. Want to scare the crap out your friends and neighbors kids or enjoy the raw power, drive the Cobra........

[decooney]

Cobra Braggin',

Is there a particular reason this question was posted under the Superformance forum?

[Cobra Braggin']

Hello decooney:

I posted here because I've decided to go with Superformace as the company I'm most comfortable with to build my rolling chasis. Of all the replica builders, I just think they're the best fit for me. So, I figured I'd get input from the SPF community as to why I see so many of them for sale so quickly.... Thanks for your thoughts as well.

Cheers!
Cobra Man For Life!!!

[decooney]

Originally Posted by Cobra Braggin'

Hello decooney:

I posted here because I've decided to go with Superformace as the company I'm most comfortable with to build my rolling chasis. Of all the replica builders, I just think they're the best fit for me. So, I figured I'd get input from the SPF community as to why I see so many of them for sale so quickly.... Thanks for your thoughts as well.

Cheers!
Cobra Man For Life!!!

You've come to a great place for input and support. I think some people always wanted one while others just want to try it and see how it is to own and drive one. Another factor has to do with weather and where you get to drive it, and how often one actually gets to drive it. Situations vary. Good luck, have fun. SPF makes a great car.