Help me start with Cobra builds - finding the right kit

[Pierre Rivard]

A question for Cobra experts. I've never built one. looking for the right kit to get started.

I want to build a race version.

I plan to eventually build a few and all the same scale, so direction about 1/24 or 1/25 will be foundation for the whole collection.

I have a preference for early narrow body cars but I plan build more variants eventually.

Looking for the first kit I could build into a racer. Something "findable" and with a reasonable chassis/engine representation.

Thanks.

[Miatatom]

I built the Essex Wire replica. Easy to build.

[Gramps46]

The Monogram-Revell 427 Cobra kit is the best kit for the 427 version in 1/24 scale and can be found in race or street versions.  Fujimi also released a 427 but has not had as good reviews as the Monogram-Revell kits.

The AMT Cobra kit represents the 260/289 slab side Cobra in 1/25 scale and formed the basis for follow on kits from Academy and recently Revell Germany.  The only 1/24 scale slab side Cobra I have is the Shelby Collectibles diecast of CSX 2000.

Let me know if you need pictures, model or 1:1.

I hope this helps.

[4mula1fan]

I enjoyed the 1/16 scale kit. 

[cobraman]

For your first I would recommend any of the Monogram versions. Pretty easy to build. I built a mess of them.

[afx]

• Revell produced a very nice kit of the wide body 427 in 1/24 scale both in street and racing trim, here are a few examples of the kits

 

• Fujimi also produced a 427 bodied kit in 1/24 scale, it has some nice parts but is not as accurate as the Revell, again a few examples

 

• AMT produced the narrow body 289 Cobra in 1/25 scale, a few examples
• nice kit, with some kit bashing and aftermarket parts you can build a pretty accurate replica

 

 

• Sunny/Minicraft/Academy produced a 427 bodied kit in 1/25 scale.  
• kit is based on the AMT 289 kit, it has its good points but not accurate out of the box to build a 427

• Revell has recently re-issued the Sunny/Minicraft/Academy kit

 

• I have built a few of the AMT and Sunny kits into race cars of the period

Historic Racing Miniatures offers some nice Cobra resin kits both in 1/24 and 1/25 scale.

Edited May 22, 2022 by afx

[vamach1]

Someday three will be these aftermarket decal for the 427’s but it’s been about seven years since they appeared on the website.

As others said us the Monogram kit for the 427 and AMT for the 289.  You can kitbash a racing 289 with some of the Sunny/Revell parts but after you’ve spent money for two kits perhaps spring for a HRM resin kit of the FIA version if the complexity and price of resin kits do not intimidate you.

[Gramps46]

Good responses guys!

For comparison here are left to right the 1/25 AMT 289 narrow body, 1/24 Shelby Collectible 289 narrow body, and 1/24 Monogram/Revell 427 wide body.

[Pierre Rivard]

Gentlemen, I am overwhelmed by the response. I did not expect so much help. Thank you.

As I was waiting for feedback I did some online search to start understanding the rich but complex history of the Cobra. I have a long way to go.

So far here are my thoughts, and please chime in if you think I am losing my way.

Since I want some slab sided cars as the foundation and I want one scale for all cars I have to go 1/25 scale

AMT takes care of the narrow cars...the only game in town.

The Revell re-issue of the Sunny/Minicraft could form the base of the 289 FIA with a nose job

The same kit could also be a modified into a 427 with an engine swap, coil over front and 4inch frame. I think the MkIII 427 cars were a bit longer but that's ok. You do what you can.

I still need to do some work on getting good wheels (wire and mags), decals, etc

Again, thank you all for getting me started. Definitely doing a Cobra after I finish my AM Corvette GS.

[Gramps46]

Glad we could be helpful.  One word of caution, the AMT kits do not have the front fender side vents so if you are doing a 289 version you will need to make your own vents or take an impression mold from an Academy et al kit and cast your own.  Please keep us posted on your projects.

[afx]

1 hour ago, Pierre Rivard said:

The Revell re-issue of the Sunny/Minicraft could form the base of the 289 FIA with a nose job

 

Here is my effort to convert the Sunny kit into a FIA Roadster:

And the aforementioned nose job

[Pierre Rivard]

2 hours ago, Gramps46 said:

Glad we could be helpful.  One word of caution, the AMT kits do not have the front fender side vents so if you are doing a 289 version you will need to make your own vents or take an impression mold from an Academy et al kit and cast your own.  Please keep us posted on your projects.

Thank you Gary for the advice and sharing pictures of your beautiful Cobras. I will post when I start this project.

[Pierre Rivard]

2 hours ago, afx said:

Here is my effort to convert the Sunny kit into a FIA Roadster:

And the aforementioned nose job

Thanks JC for the invaluable advice and showing me a path to follow.

[afx]

19 minutes ago, Pierre Rivard said:

Thanks JC for the invaluable advice and showing me a path to follow.

Look forward to seeing your Cobra build(s) Pierre.

[vamach1]

My friend sent me some pics of his 289 Cobra.  Iit has had many body mods made by previous owners so it could compete in vintage racing.  He just had the wheels redone and it has been to a few concours shows already.  Here are some older pics too.

Edited June 17, 2022 by vamach1
Before wheels added