Classic cars have remained a fascination with automobile lovers and among the many names that exist, one stands out for being very well-loved: the Shelby Cobra or AC Cobra as it’s more commonly known outside the United States.

The roadster, produced only from 1961 to 1967, continues to be sought-after by car lovers and since it’s no longer produced, there’s just one way to enjoy the look of this nifty two-seaters: body kits.

Body kits may not be able to perfectly replicate the AC Cobra but they come pretty close. And since there’s no other way to pay homage to it, this is the only recourse. Fortunately, most manufacturers producing kits have tweaked and almost perfectly aped the original vehicle so even purists won’t be able to argue that the end result is a far from detailed job.

Body kits are best installed by services specialising in doing the same. There’s a lot that can go wrong and since the kits are not dirt cheap, you could waste precious money. If you must take on the task yourself, there are several tips you can follow to ensure a decent finish.

• Inspect the kit before purchase. If you’re ordering from out-of-state, examine the goods before installing them. A badly made kit will look bad no matter how well the installation goes so we can’t stress enough the importance of carefully inspecting it.

• Purchase kits from known makers because the wrong measurements or a bad finish will greatly diminish the end result. Conduct plenty of research into manufacturers and speak to friends or colleagues you know who’ve recently had kits installed.

• If you’re handling the installation yourself, leave it to the pros to fit skirts and fender flares. They’ll do a better job and make sure components don’t fall or break off under low impact.

What to expect after a kit installation

• Cars are not meant to receive an additional body so yours will see some changes post-installation. Expect more weight and lower ground clearance caused by the skirting and fenders which can be a problem if your vehicle is already low. Discard the idea if this is the case.

• If you’ve set aside a budget for a kit, include the cost of a paint job. The AC Cobra has specific colors and details and the auto body shop you approach should be experienced in providing the same. Graphics and additional details will cost more and can rob the kit of its intended look so think hard before getting any.

Body kits, including for the AC Cobra, come in various materials. Fiberglass is the commonest but there’s also polyurethane, thermoplastic and carbon fiber reinforced polymer. All have their advantages and cons with fiberglass being lightweight yet rigid, polyurethane being flexible yet expensive and thermoplastic providing better finish and fit but with a higher price tag. Carbon fiber too is incredibly strong and lightweight but also expensive.

The AC Cobra deserves to be paid proper respect and that can only be done with a kit that’s built close to perfection. Choose a well-known maker and seller and stick with top quality materials. They may be expensive but they’ll last and produce a much finer finish, very close to the real thing.

If you want to make your car look like AC Cobra, make sure that you use a good Cobra kit which will give it a much finer finish. Click here to buy a body kit for your car.

By Tyree Landry | Submitted On January 03, 2014

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Tyree_Landry/1483201

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8223590

The Shelby AC Cobra is a stylish American engined British sports car that is no longer in production. This article takes a look at the history of the Shelby AC Cobra, and it also provides some top tips on how to find Shelby AC Cobra car parts, and how to build a replica model at home.

History of the Shelby AC Cobra

The Shelby AC Cobra was first manufactured in an assembly plant in Thames Ditton, Surrey, in 1961. It was produced intermittently right up until 2004 when production ceased. Originally the car used Bristol Straight-6 engines. It wasn’t until a Texan race car driver called Carroll Shelby had the idea to power the light sports car with a V8 engine that it really took off. The massive increase in power made it one of the most desirable racing cars at the time. The AC Cobra earned itself the reputation as a classic sports car that was not only sleekly designed, but it had great handling and power.

Super Snake Cobras

The Super Snake, also known as a Cobra 427 competition roadster, was a specialist type of modified Cobra which included mufflers, windshields, and twin paxton superchargers (TPS). There were only 23 of these models ever produced in the world.

Car Parts

As the cars and car parts are no longer in production, it can be extremely difficult to find what you need. You can try looking for parts from some specialist dealers, and sometimes they are available on online auction sites. There is also the option of buying replica parts from specialist dealers.

Replica Kits

Authentic Shelby SC Cobras are rare and can be extremely expensive to purchase. In 2007 a 1966 Shelby Cobra 437 Super Snake made history when it sold at auction for a cool $5.5 million. This particular model was owned by Carroll Shelby himself as a personal car, which he sometimes entered into local races.

A great way to own an authentic looking Shelby AC Cobra is to purchase a replica kit. Replica kits have been improved on over the years, so that they are rigorously tested, durable, and faithful replicas of the original car. Replica bodies are traditionally available in fibreglass, kevlar or aluminium. Each of the different materials use the same body shape, so it is hard to differentiate between them.

Where to Purchase Parts and Replica Kits

The best place to purchase replica parts and kits is from specialist retailers. You can find these retailers online, as they will have websites which will display the products that they offer, along with their contact details. To find these specialists, simply open up your favorite search engine, and type in ‘Shelby AC cobra replicas’, along with the area that you live in. Remember, replica kits can be quite hard to get hold of, so you may have to search for them further afield. Always use a reputable and trusted company to ensure that you are purchasing a high quality replica kit that has been tested for safety purposes.

The Shelby AC Cobra is very a popular and a powerful machine. If you love the car and want to build a Shelby of your own, you can contact a professional specializing in Shelby replicas to purchase various parts and replica kits. Get more information here!

By Tyree Landry | Submitted On January 15, 2013

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7464286

I remember back when I was a kid… Dreaming and visioning myself blasting down the road in a red Lamborghini Countach LP 5000. It was “The Car” throughout the 80’s and still held on to its crown into the early 90’s. I remember sitting on the couch, eagerly awaiting for “Miami Vice”, to come on, so I would get to see the Ferrari Daytona Spider and the beautiful Testarossa, Crockett and Tubbs cruised around in, while hoping that there would be some sore of a “Super Exotic” like a Lamborghini Countach in each episode. To my dismay, I never saw anything that insane, but the Ferraris were always a pleasure to watch. I remember watching the “Cannonball Run” and “Gumball Rally” movies, while laughing and wondering what it would be like to drive something Exotic.

My friend Reggie and I would regularly talk about beautiful Exotic Cars, while gazing at the three Exotic Car posters I had mounted on the walls of my bedroom. We would often joke and laugh, saying… “One day, if we ever could actually afford an Exotic Car, there’s no way we could afford the insurance!” And so the dream lived on, in two young boys and like yourself, we went on through life “dreaming” because we never knew, there was actually a way we could afford an Exotic Car. But, guess what my friend… some times, Dreams do come true.

It’s now 2007 and I have owned two Exotic Cars and a handful of other drag cars and street cars. Without arrogance, mind you, I have seen what it’s like to be a “regular Joe” one day and “Celebrity” the very next day. Because I am such an Exotic Car enthusiast, I have spent many, many hours studying and talking to other Exotic Car owners. I have enjoyed many days, cruising around with local Exotic Car owners and had opportunity to become “good friends” with a few of them. I have found out where to find Exotic Cars that are affordable and how to go about purchasing them on a budget. This is the stuff I dreamed about, when I was a kid! As a 10 year old, with his face planted on the living room floor, making “vroooom” noises while rolling his little “Hot Wheels” Lamborghini Countach around, I never thought for once, I would actually be owning Exotic Cars.

Because of the “life changing” experiences, and yes, there have been MANY life changing experiences, from owning affordable Exotic Cars, I felt compelled to write a book, revealing the amazing prices that will have your jaw wide open when reading about them. I’m not talking about Corvette and Porsche, I’m talking about cars like Lamborghini, Ferrari and many, many more Exotic Cars that are affordable. I mean who would ever think that there are real, beautiful Exotic Cars available for $10,000 and $12,000 dollars? The 2005 Mustang, I bought not too long ago, cost more than each one of the Exotic Cars I have purchased over the last few years. I know there are millions of dreamers out there just like you, that would love to see this childhood dream come true, but do not know where to find Exotic Cars they can afford. Some dreamers, get into hobbies like boating and other outdoor motor sports, since they just “assume” an Exotic Car is way beyond their budget. Some even try to fulfill their dreams with different Exotic Car Rental companies, blowing money away on something they will never own but get to drive around for a few hours. I know… I have done the whole Exotic Car Rental thing too. In my book, “Buying an Exotic Car on a Budget”, I provide information and secrets, on how and where to find affordable Exotic Cars. I also provide you with information on insurance, financing and details about the many different Exotic Cars available with prices that will blow your mind! I know this may be the first step in seeing your childhood dream come true so I take the time to “walk” you through the process from showing you what Exotic Cars are available, to owning an Exotic Car that you never thought you could afford!

So what benefits do you get, from owning an Exotic Car? Well, I would have to write about 10 more articles to cover that type of information, but I tell you this… Business opportunities and high end networking await you almost every time you drive your Exotic Car. Personally, I just wanted an Exotic Car to drive down the road and pass people with their jaws resting on their window seal as they look in awe, but I had no idea what kind of “Investment” owning an Exotic Car would be. This was and has been far beyond anything I could have dreamed as a child. Like I said, is has been so amazing, it drove me to write a book, where I reveal more of the benefits from owning an Exotic Car, so other dreamers like me can get the chance of a lifetime. So I invite you, to embark on an opportunity that will change your life and open doors, like you would never believe. Don’t let this dream pass you by once again.

So why not take a second, to find out where you can find these low priced Exotic Cars and how an “Average Joe” like yourself felt what it was like, to be a “Movie Star” over night? Take a look at [http://www.exoticcaronabudget.com] for a free preview, tire smokin VIDEO and much more information about how to go about finding an affordable Exotic Car that you can buy!

By Michael Daniels | Submitted On May 30, 2007

Michael Paul Daniels – “Buying an Exotic Car on a Budget”

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Michael_Daniels/37997

If you want a sports car, but don’t fancy any of the current offerings, why not build your own? There is a huge market for sports kit cars, ranging from the basic Locost right up to Italian Supercar replicas. This article aims to give you a taste of what you could be driving if you decide to build it yourself.

So you have decided to build your own sports car, but where do you begin? I suggest that you take a look at a few models that take your fancy from a variety of manufacturers. Taking for example, a Cobra replica, there is a wide range of build options as well as cost and skill requirements. So you will need to set a budget and look at your own mechanical abilities before you make a commitment to a particular manufacturer.

Next, I suggest that you check out the manufacturers Owners Club. Many have websites or forums where you can post questions or check out potential problems you may have. If the kit manufacturer offers poor support or badly finished components, the forums are where you will find out!

Now you should have a shortlist of potential kit car projects, a budget to work to and a fair idea of the mechanical skills required. You now need to pick a kit. In order to make a selection, I suggest that you go to the kit car shows or manufacturers open days and chat to other kit car builders. Remember, they have valuable experience in building your chosen model and can offer advice if you should get stuck with a particular problem.

Once you have placed your order for a kit, the work really begins. Even before the kit arrives, you should find yourself the cleanest, most mechanically sound donor vehicle that you can. The better the donor, the better the finished sports car you will be driving. All salvagable mechanical parts should be removed and cleaned as per the kit builders manual. If you are not totally happy with the condition of a part then it should be replaced. Don’t take risks with your safety. It is wise at this stage to get insurance for your kit project.

For most kit cars, assembling the car is relatively straightforward. Any manufacturer that has sold more than a few kits will have a comprehensive manual detailing every step, in the right order. If you have questions then go back to the manufacturer, Owners Club or forums. You will be surprised at how helpful your fellow kit builders are. It is in the manufacturers best interests to help you as much as possible, and many have dedicated helplines for this purpose. After all, when you drive the car, you will become a traveling advertisement for their brand.

After you have assembled the car you will need to ensure that any testing and paperwork is in order before taking to the road. Again, the manufacturer and Owners Club are the ideal people to point you in the right direction.

When you take your completed sports car on the road, you will feel a sense of achievement as you drive a hand built car that you built yourself.

Mark Heywood edits Premier Kit Cars http://www.premierkitcars.com, a website dedicated to helping enthusiasts pick and put together their own high performance cars.

By Mark Heywood | Submitted On December 23, 2006

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Mark_Heywood/49912

So you are toying with the idea of building your own car from a kit. You have some basic mechanical skills and a standard toolkit. You even have a bundle of cash burning a hole in your pocket. But there are so many car styles to choose from, where do you even begin?

Well, you need to work through the four basic steps to choosing the right kit car for you and you can’t go wrong.

Step 1 – Set A Budget

This is by far the most important step and one that you need to spend some time working through. Kit cars come in all budget ranges, from the Locost at just a few hundred dollars right up to serious sports cars like the Ultima, where the only limit to the cost is you.

So it is vital that you set a budget and stick to it. Even within a project there are so many little things that can eat up your cash if you let your enthusiasm run away with you. Shiny bits cost money!

Step 2 – Select A Kit Car Style

To narrow down your search for the ideal car kit you will need to look at your driving style as well as the use to which you will put your completed car.

If you are looking to take your vehicle onto the racetrack then you can forget about building a classic tourer such as a Beauford.

However, if you love to blast along leafy country roads with the wind in your hair then a Cobra replica could be your ideal choice.

Step 3 – Gather Information

Now you have a set budget and a specific car style in mind you now need to gather all the information you can in order to narrow your choices down to the last handful.

To do this, your first stop should be the manufacturers’ website. Here you will find all the cold, hard specifications you need to give you an idea of what the finished car will be like.

Then you need to dig a little deeper. Check out the Owners Club to see if there are any underlying problems with the manufacturer or assembly difficulties. Getting involved with the Owners Club is possibly the best investment of your time as they have already been down the path you are intending to take and can help you when things get tough.

Now you need to seek out as much information as you can from a wide variety of sources, such as forums, independent review websites and magazines. Don’t believe everything you read but let all this give you an overall view of the car and manufacturer.

Step 4 – Visit The Factory

By now you should have a shortlist of 2-3 cars. It is time to hit the road and pay the factory a visit. Most kit manufacturers are small time operations, so it is essential that you call ahead of time to book an appointment.

Once at the factory you can get the chance to actually get behind the wheel! Not all factories have a test car sat around for you to inspect and they may call on the services of a previous car builder to offer their car for inspection.

If the factory is holding an Open Day sometime in the near future then make this a priority trip as you will generally see a variety of vehicles from a number of enthusiastic builders. This is where you can see the full potential of the kit car you are intending to build.

The only step you now need to take is to make your final decision and place your order with the factory.

By Mark Heywood | Submitted On November 29, 2007

Mark Heywood is a car enthusiast and runs the Premier Kit Cars [http://www.premierkitcars.com] website where you will find a number of kit car reviews and videos.

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Mark_Heywood/49912

A person who has a car that they have assembled themselves from the parts has purchased has what is known as a kit car. Because these cars are not ones that have been produced by the manufacturer but by an individual to resemble the car made by the manufacturer, they are also known as “replica” cars. If the car you are purchasing or driving is this type of car, then you need to have kit car insurance.

When you are looking to purchase this type of insurance, bear in mind that not all insurance companies offer these policies and you are going to have to search for it. When you find insurance companies that do offer kit car insurance, get quotes from several sources. Many times you can get insurance quotes online from these companies, just as if you were purchasing insurance for a regular car. Once you have decided which company will give you the best quote, you are going to need to speak with your agent about the various details of the car and the coverage you are purchasing. Because things may change as you create the car itself, you can never be completely positive what the end result is going to be. For this reason, you will need to keep your agent apprised of any modifications you are required to make.

Depending on the actual car you are creating, you may also find that you are going to need more insurance than you originally thought. Given the amount of time and effort you have put into the vehicle, you certainly do not want to run the risk of driving without adequate insurance. For this reason, you need to update your insurance yearly to make sure it is adequate. During this update, you may discover that you can get a better deal through another company. You may even discover that you can get an insurance policy with a zero deductible for little more than you are paying for your current policy. You will also need to keep in mind that if you plan to race your car you are going to need racing kit-car insurance. Membership in a kit-car club may also make you eligible for a premium discount on your insurance quote.

Driving a vehicle that you have created by hand can be not only fun, but a very fulfilling experience. Kit car insurance is necessary to ensure that your time and effort are not undervalued.

Andrea writes articles on a number of topic relating to the area of personal debt management. If you are looking for more information on choosing the best kit car insurance [http://tradecourt.com/findingtherightkitcarinsurancepolicy/] policy, or perhaps you are interested in finding out about other types of insurance such as modified car insurance [http://tradecourt.com/tipswhenbuyingmodifiedcarinsurance/] and want to read more, why not visit her site. There’s plenty more information provided, and best of all it is free.

By Andrea M Jones | Submitted On September 22, 2009

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Andrea_M_Jones/322420

Kit Cars are cars that can be purchased in kit form and assembled at home. It is common for Kit Car enthusiasts to obtain their material from several “donor cars”. There are a lot of Kit Car enthusiasts out there and people enter the Kit Car hobby for different reasons. Working with your hands and assembling something from the beginning can be extremely relaxing and riding in a car that you have built yourself is an indescribable experience. Kit Cars are however not for everyone, and if you know that you become frustrated by having to change your wind shield wipers a Kit Car might not be a wise idea.

Assembling a Kit Car can be a way of getting a cheaper car, but you should keep in mind that you will need a place to work in as well as the necessary tools. A lot of Kit Cars are assembled not primarily because they are cheaper than ordinary cars, but because a Kit Car can be made to suit your own particular needs and fill niches where it is hard to find ordinary cars. One of the most well known Kit Cars is for instance the Dune Buggy. The Dune Buggy is also known as Beach Buggy and Sand Rail. This Kit Car is not intended for high ways; it is a recreational vehicle that can be used on beaches and sand dunes where ordinary cars experience problems. The Dune Buggy is small and low-weight and has much larger wheels and tires than a normal car. The engine is mounted on an open chassis that is perfect for hot summer days at the beach. The Dune Buggy is usually constructed from older Volkswagen Beetles.

Kit Cars are also popular due to the possibility to create a car that resembles historic or contemporary cars. One of the most frequently replicated cars is the AC Cobra. The original AC Cobras was powerful and stylish Anglo-American sports car that was creating during the 1960s. In 1968, the last Roadster platform was produced which put an end to the AC Cobra since the AC Cobra was built on this platform. The public had however taken a liking to the potent and beautiful AC Cobra and Kit Car enthusiast started to build their own AC Cobras. Today, there exist more Kit Car AC Cobra cars than original AC Cobra cars. Some of these Kit Cars are exact replicas while others are only inspired by the original AC Cobra. Some replicas can even be said to be improved versions of the original AC Cobra, since the Kit Car builders can utilise the inventions and automobile engineering advances.

The Kit car enables you to have the car of your dreams, You can for exampel use a Hummer kit to build your own hummer to cruise around the city and country in. You can also take your kit Hummer and modify it to create your own custom Hummer.

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/William_Berg/6261

By William Berg | Submitted On November 25, 2005