1986 Cobra Contemporary Classic Cobra
" In 1964, when Lee Iacocca said, 'Shelby, I want you to make a sports car out of the Mustang,' the first thing I said was, 'Lee, you can't make a race horse out of a mule. I don't want to do it'. He said, 'I didn't ask you to make it; you work for me'. The reason I moved to California the first time was to build the Cobra. I thought it was stupid to have a 1918 taxicab engine in what Europeans like to call a performance car when a little American V8 could do the job better." Some quotes from the indomitable Carroll Shelby.
For consignment, a 1986 Cobra Contemporary Classic Cobra with a title verified 19,042 actual miles, paying tribute to the legendary Shelby Cobras and packing a 351ci Cleveland between flaring fenders and a gaping front intake. It's always been garage kept but was driven and has the love marks to prove it so it's one you can drive without worrying about that "first" scratch!
Exterior
Single stage Dark Blue covers the body and rarely do we see one without center stripes, so it's a bit of a unique feature. It's got the catfish mouth with Cobra bumperettes which are more of an aesthetic feature rather than a suggestion of safety. They're in the back as well, mounted on a tubular bumper that may provide a bit more protection, under square tail lights, which is what most real Cobras had. Side pipes show some patina with surface rust or missing color but the 15-inch wheels look great and carry staggered size tires. From any angle, there are few who will argue about its cool factor and even with some wear to the exterior, it's still an amazing design. Those imperfections include chipped paint, cracking paint, rock chips on the nose and front flare of the rear fender, brightwork that could use some refurbishing, a pretty good scuff at a wheel opening and one on the rear fender, and the typical chin scrapes.
Interior
Black door panels include a pleated vinyl pocket and are simple and clean. The conventional bomber style buckets are on board in black vinyl with both seats showing some wear. An AC branded steering wheel fronts the standard flat, black dash panel with a myriad of gauges in front of the wheel and in the center, along with various toggle switches and a heat knob. A Hurst shifter rises from the floor and the base could use some restoration with a new rubber boot and boot ring. The black carpet is mostly decent with some peeling from the footwell. The trunk is consistent with the overall condition and houses the battery and tonneau cover.
Drivetrain
Again we find driver quality conditions in the engine bay where a 351ci Cleveland, and our consignor states courtesy of a 1974 Pantera, resides and this one was rebuilt in 1986. It's fueled by a Holley 4-barrel carburetor and motivated into motion via a Toploader 4-speed manual transmission which sends power to the Jaguar axle in back. Modified Wilwood brakes are supplied and disc brakes are utilized in front and on the inboard rear.
Undercarriage
Surface rust, general usage patina, even some fluid at the rear differential and residual dampness at the transmission exist on this well loved car. Torsion bar suspension is found up front and coil over in back and both ends are independent. Headers lead immediately to fat side pipes.
Drive-Ability
Never a dull moment in a Cobra replica, and the excitement begins with the raucous roar from the side pipes. If that doesn't get your blood going, check your pulse. Out on the test loop, we give our undivided attention to the car and run the functional items through their paces. Aside from the typical handling and acceleration we've come to expect, the gauges, lights, brakes, and transmission all work as they should. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
We all should have two of these. One to pamper and polish, and the other to "drive it like we stole it" without the puckered panic over gravel, a puddle, or a love tap on that tree branch in your driveway. Here's the more carefree version, but it also has the perfect bones for a full blown restoration if you want to get back to pampering and polishing. Cobra replicas are like pizza. Even an imperfect one is still pretty damn good! It's your time to get a slice!
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
