Well I am finally in a position to get the car I have dreamed about since I was a kid. I would love to build one but one has come up that is a good deal. I have a few questions. It is an early Mark 3 that I am looking at purchasing. I was wondering the major differences in the current roadster and that Mark 3? Specifically is the foot pedal space about the same? I also would like to know if there is someone in the Maryland area that I can see how I fit into the car. I am not to worried about the height but the width is a concern. Anyone local would be great. The car I am looking at is a 24 hour drive.
Thank you and I look forward to talking.
Thanks Jim
KDubU
09-07-2020, 04:13 PM
Here is some good info from Bill, aka MrMustang:
MK I
Mk I.5 (affectionately known as a tweener, could have backbone in the transmission tunnel, or curved bar for upper trunk, but not both)
MK II (adjustable doorhinges, curved bar in the upper trunk, backbone framing in the transmission tunnel, better mounting for front control arms, more adjustment)
Mk II.5 (some received removable transmission mounts and tweak to rear frame)
MK III (removable transmission mount, wider body flares in rear, slight tweak to rear frame to allow larger wheels and tires, change to front "X" member, tweaks to engine compartment to allow the use of the 4.6L drivetrain)
Mk 3.1 (minor tweak, 1st time offering of the "complete kit"
MK IV (current design, completely revamped chassis, suspension tweak, complete new body)
And more from Bill:
I've owned quite a few FFR's from very early (white gelcoat body) to 3.1's, have not owned a MK IV, but have seen a number of them both in raw kit form as well as finished products. I believe if you start with a MK II and up chassis (FFR 2300 and up for the earlier cars) you can find a nicely done, wonderfully driving car. Personally, I suggest finding a car with a 3 link rear, or IRS, stay away from the straight axle with quad shocks. Once you drive it, you'll understand where I am going with this mindset. Depending on your location, wipers and a heater is suggested as well. Top is optional, and I can honestly say, after 20+ years of Cobra ownership (various makes and models), I've only used a convertible top 9 times that I can remember. 7 of them with SWMBO insisting due to the cold weather., the other 2 times, because of the heavy rain storm I was driving through on a 400 mile trip. Expect the top to keep you as dry as any vintage British convertible. In other words, expect to get slightly wet in places.