Backdraft Cobra...toy car.

[Winchester67]

My computer fights me at every turn, but lets see if I can post some pictures. I am still on the fence about this...my upbringing I suppose. My wife won't ride on my motorcycle however she loves convertibles. So if I get a convertible, we can enjoy weekend road trips that we can't now. And I have kinda always wanted one.

[Greg Nichols]

That is hot!

[Winchester67]

The Backdraft is built in a factory in South Africa...so it is not a "kit car" in the traditional sense. It is shipped to the US minus the engine and transmission...otherwise there is no way they could pass modern safety and emission regulations. It is typically sent to one of their dealers for final assembly. This one went to a hot rod shop in Texas. But the assembly, wiring, paint...everything is done at the factory. It does not feel like a homebuilt car at all. They use BMW suspension components on a modern chassis. Some people scoff at the replica market, but until they have driven one I think their opinions on the "Fake Snake" should be held until they drive one. I know before I drove it I was not convinced. But I can tell you, this car is way better than my 1962 Corvette in terms of a toy car.

[Winchester67]

Part of my thinking is age. All the cars I like are 40-50 years old. That is a lot of time for rust to settle in, for heat cycles to get the wiring insulation crispy, for suspensions bushings to rot...the list goes on and on. This was built in 2004 and has just under 5000 miles on it. My old college room mate got it with 500 miles on it...a retirement gift from his wife after putting his 20 in with the local PD. But he is wanting another toy, so he offered to sell it to me. So it is a known history car...Ford 302 with a five speed. He has a folder on the engine details, but can't lay his hands on it right now because of a move. From the sound of the cam, I am confident this is not just some old tired Mustang take out engine. It reminds me of being 17 years old again, when I drove an MG convertible. This has all the right "English car feel" with added bonus of an American heart, with all the horsepower and reliability that implies. It is going to be hard for me to say no to this one....

[Roadfoolsride]

Do it. I have a "toy car" and I love having it. I've always loved the Cobra replicas, and that ones different than what I normally come across.

[jesselp]

It sounds like you want it. If you can afford it, I say buy it. Life is too short for regrets and boring automobiles.

(I posted a thread on my new toy a while back. Similar situation - car I had always been infatuated with, owned by a friend who offered to sell it to me for a very good price. I jumped on it, and have not regretted it one bit!)

[Winchester67]

That is the worst part...I am on the fence because it is so impractical. But my wife is really pushing me to get it because she knows I have always wanted one! Its only money...I will make more. Never heard an old guy complain he had too much fun as a younger man, only express regret he didn't have more fun.

[Roadfoolsride]

I'm sure you've had other impractical things in your life. I know I have several right now, but I still enjoy them. The amount of motorcycles & cars I've already owned at the age of 33 is ridiculous. I've never regretted owning them, but I have wished I'd spent some of my money more wisely. But the memories I made with those items live on and I never regret making those memories.

[CB3]

I am on the fence because it is so impractical.

You obviously don't appreciate many of the nuances of something being practical.

1. Your wife likes it.
2. You like it.
3. The two of you will like it together.
4. It will be fun and open up new areas of your relationship.
5. Take pictures and make memories. Plan road trips.
6. Make your neighbors and relatives jealous (always a good thing).
7. Keep it a few years and then sell it and move on--will probably have a very low net cost compared to the memories and fun.
8. Keep it and pass it on to a favorite child or perhaps even grandchild. You will be thanked eternally.

This is is all very practical. You will spend the money somewhere else anyway--but will it produce what this will?

Buy it.

[coastalcop]

Think about doing a historical vacation of old diners on RT 66 or, a trip to river road in the big bend area of texas in the fall. or anywhere else your drive takes you. live out of a small suitcase and SEE things from a perspective you wouldn't otherwise (and bask in the glow of all who see you wishing it was them, or causing them a fond remembrance)

[DutchV]

Your wife wants you to do it. That's the best omen I've ever heard. I'd do it in a flash. Looks like tons of fun.

[Winchester67]

As usual, the tribe is giving me very good advice. Over the years I have collected a vast array of convertibles and motorcycles, and the valid point was made that there were no regrets associated with buying them and using them, but only selling them. I think I am going to have to pull the trigger on this one. Misspent youth, here I come!

[EDELWEISS]

Do it! Passing on this would be a mistake. Its not like you can just go to the dealer next month and drive off with one. You already know this but they arent kit cars, and as Ive watched my buddy struggle to rebuild a 62 Corvette (just finding tyres...), Id happily take this Cobra

[Winchester67]

I still have a factory service manual for the 62 Vette if he does not have one. No idea what it is worth, but I would give it to you Edelweiss if you want to surprise him with a difficult to find gift...I am always looking to do good deeds! And for a guy that is suffering thru a car restoration, well, I have been there many times and this will be highly appreciated I suspect!

[EDELWEISS]

I still have a factory service manual for the 62 Vette if he does not have one. No idea what it is worth, but I would give it to you Edelweiss if you want to surprise him with a difficult to find gift...I am always looking to do good deeds! And for a guy that is suffering thru a car restoration, well, I have been there many times and this will be highly appreciated I suspect!

WOW that would be great! At least let me pay for postage. Email me your info or I can Pay Pal you funds tonite

[Winchester67]

I will dig the book out tonight...too old to have an Pay Pal account, so this one is on me. I will get your address tomorrow after I find book....

[Winchester67]

Lots of good info on this forum, and lots of good people in the tribe. Never hurts to do a good deed! I put my hands on the book last night, and a complete set of Service Updates from Dodge from my 1971 Challenger convertible. I have another friend in mind that will love to get those, and I forgot I had them!

[EDELWEISS]

Yes this IS a great place. Every time I think there might be another forum on a particular subject, I find Im vastly disappointed in very short order.

[Jack Rumbaugh]

From one car guy to another... Do it!

I've driven an original 289 Shelby many moons ago. It took a week to get the smile off my face. More so than the Countach I took up to Ludicrous speed on 17-92 in Longwood in the 80s.

[Winchester67]

Heh heh. Ludicrous speed. Have to admit, this car answers a lot of the questions I had back in the day. Mainly, I loved English cars for the way they handled...but they were lacking in horsepower. So I went to vintage muscle cars, generally convertibles. Fun to drive, but not as precise as the English cars. (If you have never owned a Lotus, you owe it to yourself to do so) So I eventually gave up fun cars and went 100% motorcycle, instead of 50/50 with cars. Ten years later, I am missing the convertible again. This one feels English around corners, but has enough torque to well, you know. I always say it...don't make me do it again. OK, fine. Has enough power to pull a Boy Scout off your Granny!

[Jack Rumbaugh]

My neighbor in CA had a really bright yellow Lotus Esprit. I rode in it and I do know what you mean with the British car thing. XJ-12 was so much fun to drive and the sound that motor makes is quite beautiful.

[docholliday13]

Debt paid off? Finances settled? Then go for it! Owe NO man anything!