Cobra Replica. How Practical As An Everyday Car?
Discussion
My current car is a Banham with tweaked 1.4.
I was planning to build a GTM with an even more tweaked 1.8 however I got to thinking that highly tuned but relatively low capacity engines will never last as long as a bigger, less stressed one.
I'm not a huge fan of Cobra replicas (in the kit-car world they're a bit like belly buttons) but do like the look of them with a hard top. In fact I would go so far as to say I think they look better with a roof on than off.
So, how about one as an everyday car? Hardtop in winter, soft top (or none) in summer. Maximum 4 litre for the sake of my wallet and little attention to whether or not it's 'correct' or the brightwork is shiny.
Seems to me a reasonable way to get a reliable V8, sound chassis and good quality body.
Ideas/comments/suggestions?
I was planning to build a GTM with an even more tweaked 1.8 however I got to thinking that highly tuned but relatively low capacity engines will never last as long as a bigger, less stressed one.
I'm not a huge fan of Cobra replicas (in the kit-car world they're a bit like belly buttons) but do like the look of them with a hard top. In fact I would go so far as to say I think they look better with a roof on than off.
So, how about one as an everyday car? Hardtop in winter, soft top (or none) in summer. Maximum 4 litre for the sake of my wallet and little attention to whether or not it's 'correct' or the brightwork is shiny.
Seems to me a reasonable way to get a reliable V8, sound chassis and good quality body.
Ideas/comments/suggestions?
I'm no fan of Cobras, but that opinion is worth exactly nothing!
However, my Libra is everyday practical. I often come home to find the garage empty because my wife has chosen to go shopping in it instead of hauling six seats around when she's only using one.
And remember the weight factor.....
However, my Libra is everyday practical. I often come home to find the garage empty because my wife has chosen to go shopping in it instead of hauling six seats around when she's only using one.
And remember the weight factor.....
I wouldn't have thought engine life is a problem nowadays with smaller engines? Lots of motorbike engines can rack up big milages. Saying that though I did manage to blow up a Cross flow in my Fury myself(oops). Wanted to stick a Rover V8 in the thing at that point but had to make do with a Zetec.
Have you looked for info within postings for a certain blackpool based company? There must be lots of information here on peoples experiences with Rover V8 engined cars in winter!
The worst time for a big engined rwd car must be when things get icy/snowy. If that isn't an issue then I'd say go for it..
Have you looked for info within postings for a certain blackpool based company? There must be lots of information here on peoples experiences with Rover V8 engined cars in winter!
The worst time for a big engined rwd car must be when things get icy/snowy. If that isn't an issue then I'd say go for it..
Bear in mind that even with a hardtop fitted, a fake snake won't have the useful luxury of winding windows.
A Libra would be more practical, and don't forget that the coupe is available with the Rover KV-6 if you really don't want a four pot.
Alternatively, if you're really not a fan of Cobra replicas and don't want a TVR (or Marcos) but do want a front mounted V8 and rear wheel drive, how about a Sebring Healey replica? Not as common as Cobras and has wind up windows.
A Libra would be more practical, and don't forget that the coupe is available with the Rover KV-6 if you really don't want a four pot.
Alternatively, if you're really not a fan of Cobra replicas and don't want a TVR (or Marcos) but do want a front mounted V8 and rear wheel drive, how about a Sebring Healey replica? Not as common as Cobras and has wind up windows.
I had thought about the Libra with a KV6 too but then the time to build becomes an issue. Thought I saw one for sale on Madabout recently and at £16000 it's probably not too far off the build cost yet without my sexy fingers (everything I touch is f 
ed d ) becoming involved.
Lack of up-and-down windows is a problem.
Rear wheel drive in snow? Not too often I suppose.
Thinking, thinking, thinking....
ed d ) becoming involved. Lack of up-and-down windows is a problem.
Rear wheel drive in snow? Not too often I suppose.
Thinking, thinking, thinking....
I could use my Ultima everyday, and have often used it to get to work come rain or shine despite the fact that its the can-am (ie open top version). I've even slep in it at last years Pistonfest!
Literally the only thing that stops me using it everyday for work etc is the mileage on the car and on my insurance.
But then my other comute vehicle is a Ducati 916 so the Ultima is luxury in comparison.
As long as the Cobra you buy has a heater, and a hood and your not used to driving around in a Lexus I would go for it.
I mean the insurance will be cheap, as will the maintenance. Economy will depend on what engine you go for but perf for £1 it'll be better as it's bound to be lighter than the engine donor car.
Literally the only thing that stops me using it everyday for work etc is the mileage on the car and on my insurance.
But then my other comute vehicle is a Ducati 916 so the Ultima is luxury in comparison.
As long as the Cobra you buy has a heater, and a hood and your not used to driving around in a Lexus I would go for it.
I mean the insurance will be cheap, as will the maintenance. Economy will depend on what engine you go for but perf for £1 it'll be better as it's bound to be lighter than the engine donor car.
No reason the car couldn't be perfectly reliable. Any of the reasonably well developed Cobra replica's should cope easily. Take my Dax for instance. Robust Jag derived suspension, relatively unstressed Rover V8 engine, distinct lack of complex electronics to go wrong. Apart from initial post-build gremlins it has always been dead reliable (reaching for piece of wood now!).
Only downside is slightly leaky soft-top and non-winding windows. Plus I do quite a lot of miles so my insurance would jump up if I used it every day.
The only thing I wonder is would some of the enjoyment wear off it you used it for the daily grind? Part of what I like is the sense of a special treat when I take it to work or looking forward to taking it out for a run at the weekend. I wonder if that would go away a bit if you used it every day?
Only downside is slightly leaky soft-top and non-winding windows. Plus I do quite a lot of miles so my insurance would jump up if I used it every day.
The only thing I wonder is would some of the enjoyment wear off it you used it for the daily grind? Part of what I like is the sense of a special treat when I take it to work or looking forward to taking it out for a run at the weekend. I wonder if that would go away a bit if you used it every day?
Have you considered just getting a TVR ??
Probably shouldn't say it on the kit car forum
I was going to build a V8 kit, but repairing my tiv (crash damaged) worked out cheaper, and I got a far better car
Take a couple of good cobras out (I worked on a couple of Daxs and GD ones) then take a V8s out, or better, a chimaera, the difference will suprise you
Probably shouldn't say it on the kit car forum
I was going to build a V8 kit, but repairing my tiv (crash damaged) worked out cheaper, and I got a far better car
Take a couple of good cobras out (I worked on a couple of Daxs and GD ones) then take a V8s out, or better, a chimaera, the difference will suprise you
Incorrigible said:
Have you considered just getting a TVR ??
Probably shouldn't say it on the kit car forum
I was going to build a V8 kit, but repairing my tiv (crash damaged) worked out cheaper, and I got a far better car
Take a couple of good cobras out (I worked on a couple of Daxs and GD ones) then take a V8s out, or better, a chimaera, the difference will suprise you
I think half of the fun of a kit car is the "building it yourself" bit..... and you can't do that with a TVR!
meeja said:
I think half of the fun of a kit car is the "building it yourself" bit..... and you can't do that with a TVR!
Depends on the TVR and depends on what you want it for
I read the everyday kit car choice as a cheeap way into performance motoring, I take your point though
My car needed a bit of work
>> Edited by Incorrigible on Tuesday 11th November 11:49
I probably wouldn't have the time to build this time round and 'er indoors already complains she doesn't see enough of me. The thing I like about kits is that they're not Mondeos etc so I suppose a TVR might fit the bill.
Going to have to give this one some lore thought. Maybe see if I can find a few sympathetic vendors to talk to with no definite guarantee that I'll buy.
Going to have to give this one some lore thought. Maybe see if I can find a few sympathetic vendors to talk to with no definite guarantee that I'll buy.
As a cobra owner and builder in the past let me advise
NOT practical every day, Don't get me wrong ANY car can be driven every day, but in a cobra with a proper american V8 it is just not practical for every day
At 12 -18 miles per gallon depending on power and weight of right foot etc you will run out of money in no time
Whe its pi***ng down with rain on a Friday Night after you have finished work and you are stressed out and have a headache you will soon get tired
Nobody bothers with the side screens which scratch your paint, therefore driving in the rain on the motorway does result in a wet rhs of your body and the odd drenching as a lorry passes you
I still would fully recommend a cobra, but buy a £800 banger diesel to run to work in and keep the cobra for dry summer days and weekends.
Neil.
NOT practical every day, Don't get me wrong ANY car can be driven every day, but in a cobra with a proper american V8 it is just not practical for every day
At 12 -18 miles per gallon depending on power and weight of right foot etc you will run out of money in no time
Whe its pi***ng down with rain on a Friday Night after you have finished work and you are stressed out and have a headache you will soon get tired
Nobody bothers with the side screens which scratch your paint, therefore driving in the rain on the motorway does result in a wet rhs of your body and the odd drenching as a lorry passes you
I still would fully recommend a cobra, but buy a £800 banger diesel to run to work in and keep the cobra for dry summer days and weekends.
Neil.
Flintstone said:
So, how about one as an everyday car? Hardtop in winter, soft top (or none) in summer. Maximum 4 litre for the sake of my wallet and little attention to whether or not it's 'correct' or the brightwork is shiny.
Have a look at the GD, they do a hardtop for all year use.
A bore Rover V8 would be the best option for a dialy driver as you will get the potential economy and the weight saving with a Rover.
Have a look at www.gdcars.com/press/press4.htm for the full info, and visit us at the Cobra Club at www.cobraclub.com
Rob
Ok, didn't have to wait until I got home. Found myself on standby for a day so was able to do a bit more looking.
I really like the look of the GD with a hard top for winter. When I said "every day" what I should have said was to be used once a week going to/from work (I'm away from home six days at a time) and then general getting around on my 5 days off in between. This means the daily commute in pouring rain wouldn't be a factor.
I shall now go and hang around on the Cobra website for a bit. Really wish I could have made Exeter, suppose I could visit a few dealers.
Thanks chaps. If this gets going I may be asking a few more questions.
I really like the look of the GD with a hard top for winter. When I said "every day" what I should have said was to be used once a week going to/from work (I'm away from home six days at a time) and then general getting around on my 5 days off in between. This means the daily commute in pouring rain wouldn't be a factor.
I shall now go and hang around on the Cobra website for a bit. Really wish I could have made Exeter, suppose I could visit a few dealers.
Thanks chaps. If this gets going I may be asking a few more questions.
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