Original Cobras - how tall can a driver be and fit?

[JWH]

I recently had the chance to visit CSX8011 that is for sale at a dealership here in Colorado. It is a very nice looking car but I found that after pretzeling myself into the driver's seat, my knees were snug up against the lower dash. It has me wondering how tall one could be and still fit comfortably into an original Cobra? I assume that AC built all cars to the same dimension?
       

[427heaven]

Well Dan Gurney was 6-4 and folded in and out, the key word is COMFORTABLE it had to have been a bitch to sit in it for hours and driving it like the devil was catching you.

[Bob Gaines]

I recently had the chance to visit CSX8011 that is for sale at a dealership here in Colorado. It is a very nice looking car but I found that after pretzeling myself into the driver's seat, my knees were snug up against the lower dash. It has me wondering how tall one could be and still fit comfortably into an original Cobra? I assume that AC built all cars to the same dimension?
     

I believe at least some of the 4000/8000 had the back bulk head modified so the seat can go back further compared to a 3000 Cobra. Your fit will be even more cramped in a vintage car.

[acman63]

Otto Werlin bought a 260 Cobra brand new and drove it until he was well in to his 70s.   he was 6 feet 9

[prototypefan]

I'm 6'3" with a 36" inseam.......regularly do 1,000 mile week long drives in a 3000 car.....did over 8,000 miles in the last two years
A couple of the 2000 car guys we drive with are at least my height and do the same

Is it comfortable? Probably not if you're comparing modern terms....but if you're a car nut you just get in and drive
I've never felt uncomfortable......maybe I'm a car nut

[Side-Oilers]

I'm 6'3" with a 36" inseam.......regularly do 1,000 mile week long drives in a 3000 car.....did over 8,000 miles in the last two years
A couple of the 2000 car guys we drive with are at least my height and do the same

Is it comfortable? Probably not if you're comparing modern terms....but if you're a car nut you just get in and drive
I've never felt uncomfortable......maybe I'm a car nut

I'm 6'1" and had the seat track in my Kirkham 427 moved back about an inch.  Gave me some space between my right knee and the dashboard. Very comfortable seating position.

Car nuts also don't mind driving a roadster with no windows, top or radio...plus a crazy-loud exhaust and a blast furnace of an engine serving as the always-on heater.   Yeah, baby!!!

[JWH]

Jim, I remember meeting Otto once at one of the gatherings at the museum up in Boulder some years back -- he was a tall drink of water.

[CSX2259]

Shelby used 427 type foot boxes on all of the early Continuation Series Cobras, CSX4000, CSX7000 and CSX 8000 Series Cobras. The 427 foot boxes are a lot more cramped than an original 289 type foot boxes, especially in width and pedal position.

[SunDude]

Let me know if you need someone 5'10" to try one on for size. I'd be happy to volunteer. 

[BGlover67]

Otto Werlin bought a 260 Cobra brand new and drove it until he was well in to his 70s.   he was 6 feet 9

A nice write up on Otto for anyone who is interested:

https://www.denverpost.com/2008/12/12/ski-chief-loved-loveland/

[CSX 4133]

I agree with CSX2259 in reference to the narrowness of the 427 footbox. It definitely takes some getting use to.
I know to gain a small amount of additional legroom some owners have removed some padding from the seat cushion area, allowing the driver to sit lower. Others have tilted the front of the seat up to gain what they claim is a better seating position. I cannot say that either option actually works as my six foot frame fits perfectly in my CSX.

[shelbydoug]

I spent about 5 hours in the passenger seat of CSX2126 in '77 or '78. Besides having my spine permanently twisted to the right, my right butt cheek left with a permanet tatoo like bruise, the glue on my sneakers melted.

I thought there was a barbecue cooking chicken nearby but when I got out of the car (head first) I couldn't hear and the left sneaker came apart. Puma's too.

You can fit, but so does a sardine in a can. Depends on what you mean by fit?

As a driver you need to learn to tap dance, because that's how you work the pedals. You just move your toes.

The cars are made for mad dogs and Englishmen with slight builds and jockey type physical attributes. There's a reason only a small number were ever sold. It wasn't the price.

[FL SAAC]

all we can say they are certainly beautiful and we will leave it at that....

[shelbydoug]

all we can say they are certainly beautiful and we will leave it at that....

Everything is relative. Another opposum thinks there is nothing better looking then another opposum.

The last one I had was hanging upside down by it's tail pulling the garbage can cover off with it's hands. I thought I had run into Dracula?

[FL SAAC]

we have no opposums....lol

all we can say they are certainly beautiful and we will leave it at that....

Everything is relative. Another opposum thinks there is nothing better looking then another opposum.

The last one I had was hanging upside down by it's tail pulling the garbage can cover off with it's hands. I thought I had run into Dracula?