So this is the 2nd part of my Z3 Kobra build, read on to enjoy the progress...
For part 1 in the Zshed see here: https://zroadster.org/threads/bmw-z3-cobra-kit-zag2.42139/
Why?
I always wanted an AC Cobra and it was the picture on my wall as a kid. Inspired by the images below I knew I could finally get one but the reliability and sheer costs of the bespoke DAX, GD and Pilgrim replica's put me off a little. I wanted something that looked unique but drove like a modern car and most importantly worked when I turn the key!! Luckily I saw an add on eBay for the Kobra replica based on the Z3 which was pretty much what I have been looking for. Building it in Kit form seemed the way forward as then I could choose the spec and design.
Some original Cobra replica examples
Tribute Kobra examples
Donor Car
I bought the Z3 last month from a guy in Northampton. Its had 3 owners and the last guy had only used it as a summer runabout so it had sat on the driveway for a while. Its a Silver 2.8 with 88k miles on it. The car was advertised at £3,750 but when I went to see it the rain had got in and it was a pretty bad 1st viewing with the roof not closing properly and clear a few bits needed fixing. I offered the guy £2,500 and settles on 2,750 in cash so was pretty happy with the end result.
ZedShed Treatment
I took the car down to @Lee and his dad at the Zshed just before lockdown, one thing I was interested in was learning how everything worked so it was great to get Lee's expertise on all the bits as I am a novice but learn fast! I decided to go for the "full works" which involved new brakes, suspension, clutch, and reconditioned front and back sub frame. All went well and you can see the whole thread above.
Tribute Automotive
Tribute build the replica fiber glass shell for this project. Its quite unique in that it incorporates the BMW Z3 doors and gives it a new shell essentially. The kit is supposedly bolt on but lets see about that 
The cost is around 4K for the kit.
Kobra Plan
So now the donor car is completely upgraded its time to look at the next stage. I've joined the tribute owners group on Facebook and they have been really helpful on there with a lot of the research things needed. There is also a company called Classic Coachworks (@BelleClassiccoachworks on here) that are going to help build it with me as I have limited space.
- Colour (Dark Gray or Light silver) with contrasting double stripe.
- 19 Inch Alloy Wheels
- Ride Height as low as possible
- Standard interior (or may treat that as a later project)
- Modern LED lights
- Silver Roll bars
* Everything subject to change depending on the wind direction!!
Costs
See the next posts for a full breakdown but my budget is between 15k and 20k for the full build. So far I have spent about 7K already and its only the first post
Timescale
I want it ready for the spring/summer 2021
This build will be totally in the open to help others as well as so that I can keep track of whats going on and hopefully the budget! So subscribe to this thread for an alert each time I update it. I hope you all enjoy the journey as much as me!
For part 1 in the Zshed see here: https://zroadster.org/threads/bmw-z3-cobra-kit-zag2.42139/
Why?
I always wanted an AC Cobra and it was the picture on my wall as a kid. Inspired by the images below I knew I could finally get one but the reliability and sheer costs of the bespoke DAX, GD and Pilgrim replica's put me off a little. I wanted something that looked unique but drove like a modern car and most importantly worked when I turn the key!! Luckily I saw an add on eBay for the Kobra replica based on the Z3 which was pretty much what I have been looking for. Building it in Kit form seemed the way forward as then I could choose the spec and design.
Some original Cobra replica examples
Tribute Kobra examples
Donor Car
I bought the Z3 last month from a guy in Northampton. Its had 3 owners and the last guy had only used it as a summer runabout so it had sat on the driveway for a while. Its a Silver 2.8 with 88k miles on it. The car was advertised at £3,750 but when I went to see it the rain had got in and it was a pretty bad 1st viewing with the roof not closing properly and clear a few bits needed fixing. I offered the guy £2,500 and settles on 2,750 in cash so was pretty happy with the end result.
ZedShed Treatment
I took the car down to @Lee and his dad at the Zshed just before lockdown, one thing I was interested in was learning how everything worked so it was great to get Lee's expertise on all the bits as I am a novice but learn fast! I decided to go for the "full works" which involved new brakes, suspension, clutch, and reconditioned front and back sub frame. All went well and you can see the whole thread above.
Tribute Automotive
Tribute Automotive - Kitcar Body Conversions
MX250 / MX250C Mazda MX5 based 1960's style hardtop / softtop, A352 Triumph Spitfire 1950's sports car, Jaguar D Type race replica, MRS200 Toyota MR2 based Group B Rally Car, Mistral and Kobra 1950s replica, Z300S BMW Z3 1950s GT, AMZ Mazda MX5 1960s hardtop
www.tributeautomotive.co.uk
The cost is around 4K for the kit.Kobra Plan
So now the donor car is completely upgraded its time to look at the next stage. I've joined the tribute owners group on Facebook and they have been really helpful on there with a lot of the research things needed. There is also a company called Classic Coachworks (@BelleClassiccoachworks on here) that are going to help build it with me as I have limited space.
- Colour (Dark Gray or Light silver) with contrasting double stripe.
- 19 Inch Alloy Wheels
- Ride Height as low as possible
- Standard interior (or may treat that as a later project)
- Modern LED lights
- Silver Roll bars
* Everything subject to change depending on the wind direction!!
Costs
See the next posts for a full breakdown but my budget is between 15k and 20k for the full build. So far I have spent about 7K already and its only the first post
Timescale
I want it ready for the spring/summer 2021
This build will be totally in the open to help others as well as so that I can keep track of whats going on and hopefully the budget! So subscribe to this thread for an alert each time I update it. I hope you all enjoy the journey as much as me!
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