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- ULTRA-FLOW
Subzero
GTP Cool Wall: AC/Shelby Cobra 427
- Thread starter TheBook
- 94 comments
- 11,962 views
- 9,473
- QLD, Down Under
- GTP_Paulie
- Paulie LDP
A muscle car that handles, looks superb, and despite the millions of replicas is still freaking awesome and revered. Dare I say, this is the only car in the world that replicas are still considered awesome, is how awesome the original is!
Not to mention, they can still easily hold their own on the tracks today. There was a Shelby Cobra in a series they call Production Cars in Australia (are anything but production cars) and up against Porsche race cars, heavily modified Elise race cars and purpose built track cars, it was more than holding its own. Plus they're completely bonkers and overkill, more power than the chassis can handle oftens means a wild ride!
Did I forget to mention?
SUB-ZERO!
Not to mention, they can still easily hold their own on the tracks today. There was a Shelby Cobra in a series they call Production Cars in Australia (are anything but production cars) and up against Porsche race cars, heavily modified Elise race cars and purpose built track cars, it was more than holding its own. Plus they're completely bonkers and overkill, more power than the chassis can handle oftens means a wild ride!Did I forget to mention?
SUB-ZERO!
- 9,589
- GTP_DelphicR
- Esoterik1
- 5,767
- Anoka, MN
The Mods who say Meh 
- 2,716
- Québec
- GTP_WorstDriver
My thoughts exactly.
Yep, I'm the one that voted "meh"
Be careful not to get banned.
Just kidding.
- 9,589
- GTP_DelphicR
- Esoterik1
My last employer owned an original Cobra (Yeah, I know, he's rich). It's very nice, but way toooooo flash to be that "cool". Not to mention, he looked a complete Burk behind the wheel.
Don't get me wrong. I like the car. I just don't think it's "cool".
Don't get me wrong. I like the car. I just don't think it's "cool".
- 86,737
- Rule 12
- GTP_Famine
See... it's this last sentence that's a problem for me. Like the Ford GT40, the Lamborghini Countach and the Ford Escort RS Cosworth, if you see one it's probably not a real one.
On the one hand, so many imitators must mean it's a cool and desirable car. On the other, almost every time you've "seen" one, you haven't - all the "fake snakes" detract from the rarity value of real ones...
- 5,767
- Anoka, MN
Re: replicas
I think this is one of the few cars where the replica is as cool as the real thing. Why? Because it isn't built on a Fiero/MR2 platform. Plus, the replicas can handle and perform the same as the real thing. However, the replicas don't take anything away from the real things, because the real Cobras are numbered editions.
I think this is one of the few cars where the replica is as cool as the real thing. Why? Because it isn't built on a Fiero/MR2 platform. Plus, the replicas can handle and perform the same as the real thing. However, the replicas don't take anything away from the real things, because the real Cobras are numbered editions.
dylansan
Premium
- 4,985
- Massachusetts
- GTP_dylansan
- MINICOOPER120
Generally when I see these, I see both replicas and the real thing all in the same place. The replicas aren't any less insane or less cool or less made out of solid hydrogen, and the biggest and only important difference in my eyes is that the replicas aren't as old (and usually fiberglass, but who really cares?).
Sub-Zero.
Sub-Zero.
- 86,737
- Rule 12
- GTP_Famine
Better - at least in the handling stakes - in most cases.
The Shelbys maybe. The ACs definitely not.
The first thought that should enter anyone's head when they see a Cobra is "Cool. Is it a real one?", rather than just "Cool.". And it's that doubt that's the problem.
- 5,767
- Anoka, MN
Yeah the Shelbys are. I do in fact wonder if one is "real" or a replica, but I usually assume replica, and I must say it doesn't disappoint me at all. I think that they are badass cars, whether they are the real thing or not, as long as they have the power to back up the image.
I'm curious, is there much of a difference between the AC Cobra and Shelby Cobra? Are the ACs only RHD? Were there AC models that look the same as the Shelby models?
- 3,885
- St.Pete, FL
- NotThePrez
- NotThePrez
Sub-Zero
This was the American Ferrari or Lamborghini of the time. Combines British design with American muscle. Also, Bill Cosby owned one!
This was the American Ferrari or Lamborghini of the time. Combines British design with American muscle. Also, Bill Cosby owned one!
WeinerSchnitzel
(Banned)
- 1,179
- GTP_W-Schnitzel
I'm waiting for someone to vote 'uncool' just because everyone is liking it.
- 3,433
one of the few cars thats fast and cool, but keeps off tards even thinking of buying one for the purpose of looking a douche.
- 10,835
- Belgium
- bramturismo
I saw one once I walked through the posh area of Oslo, and it absolutely stunned me when I saw it. It didn't have the white strips as far as I can remember, but I don't think I've ever heard a car that makes such an impression with its engine sound alone.
Sub-zero.
Sub-zero.
- 5,767
- Anoka, MN
- 9,589
- GTP_DelphicR
- Esoterik1
- 21,286
- GR-MI-USA
- YSSMAN
- YSSMAN
I do generally agree. However, I guess from where I am, if you're one of the guys who actually built the thing, that adds another 1000 cool points to your vehicle. If I had extra money, sure, I'd be looking to do the same as well. Although I'd admittedly be looking to build a Daytona Coupe first.
Rotary Junkie
Premium
- 9,810
- Canton, MI
- RJs_RX-7
The Cobra is cool to the point that the clones are sub-zero. No, they're not the "real deal", but they're still so undeniably wicked that they detract absolutely none from the real car.
Boxes. Ticked.
Boxes. Ticked.
Keef
Premium
- 25,013
- Dayton, OH
- GTP_KeefRacer
- GTP Keef
Definitely the first thought that crosses my mind. If I'm able to I go look the car over for Shelby plaques and badges and numbers to see if it's real. I can count the unique Shelbys I've seen without using my toes, but the replicas are all over the place.
Another important consideration is the people who own them, who are almost always cool. Older guys, knowledgeable, serious about their car and their hobby without being pricks. Hot rod and classic car guys are typically a cool bunch with cool cars and cool stories to share, at least in my experience.
- 23,904
- It/It
- GTP_TheCracker
Trouble is, the clones range from exact replicas (including the official continuation Autocraft MKIV's) using Ford 289's and 427's with alloy bodies and replicated chassis. To cheap fibreglass ones using some generic spaceframe chassis and whatever cheap iron block V8 they can get their hands on. They don't handle like a Cobra, which in itself isn't necessarily a bad thing, they were never known for their handling in period. The only thing that strings them all together is an overall look of the original Cobra which has now become such a caricature.
- 86,737
- Rule 12
- GTP_Famine
Yes. It also shows a chronic lack of imagination. Nine of ten kit-builds in the UK are Caterfield/Seven clones or Cobras. And what's cool about saying "Errr, no. It's a Dax Tojeiro De Dion."?
And one of these is responsible for the UK National Speed limit of 70mph, one of the most uncool acts of all time.
And one of these is responsible for the UK National Speed limit of 70mph, one of the most uncool acts of all time.
