KOBRA PROJECT - BMW Z3 based body conversion kit

[Tribute Automotive]

Having purchased a Cobra body shell to use elements of in Geoff's BMW Z3 based 250 SWB project, it seemed logical to develop another kit in tandem.

An hour with the angle grinder has produced this:





And another couple of hours with Photoshop has produced this:



Thanks to Richard for the loan of his Z3 for the development. We are aiming for a March 2014 launch and a visit to Detling Show with a finished car.

[WorldClassAccident]

Like the sill covers - can I have some? (about to email you)

Do you want to borrow a set of wire wheels for the show?

[Tribute Automotive]

Originally Posted by WorldClassAccident

Like the sill covers - can I have some? (about to email you)

Do you want to borrow a set of wire wheels for the show?

Yes you can Nick, I have emailed you back.

Don't need the wire wheels for the Kobra, it will have 19" alloys for a more modern twist, but maybe for the MXAMZ

[Jonno]

Another project I'd be interested in.. stop making these good looking cars

[obr]

Damn, you guys are good!

[Tribute Automotive]

Originally Posted by Tribute Automotive

Don't need the wire wheels for the Kobra, it will have 19" alloys for a more modern twist....

It was always our intention to go with more "modern" styling features on the Kobra (German for Cobra BTW), I have always liked the BACKDRAFT COBRA, blacked out chrome, black alloys with low profiles, LED versions of traditional lights etc.

I really like the GTSR. We have the original Z3 front bumper/spoiler that Geoff has kindly donated from his SWB project, that has a good lower lip as a starting point. We also have moulds for an E Type Jag bumper that are similar to the splitters in the front air intakes. The rear spoiler looks very much like an MX5 one, have a couple of those. And this looks good for the diffuser:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ford-FIEST...item3a5e4ae8c1

Game on!

[Hammy]

Originally Posted by Tribute Automotive

It was always our intention to go with more "modern" styling features on the Kobra (German for Cobra BTW), I have always liked the BACKDRAFT COBRA, blacked out chrome, black alloys with low profiles, LED versions of traditional lights etc.

I really like the GTSR. We have the original Z3 front bumper/spoiler that Geoff has kindly donated from his SWB project, that has a good lower lip as a starting point. We also have moulds for an E Type Jag bumper that are similar to the splitters in the front air intakes. The rear spoiler looks very much like an MX5 one, have a couple of those. And this looks good for the diffuser:


http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ford-FIEST...item3a5e4ae8c1

Game on!

Totally with you on the concept, bit like the new GT40, Mini, Beetle stuff. Retro modern. Cant wait to see one in the flesh and see about placing an order

[Tribute Automotive]

Hi Hammy

So far we have produced 4 Kobra kits, one is on Richard's car (shown above in this tread) currently being painted for an appearance on our stand at Stoneleigh. Another has gone to a guy called Russ who is going to take his time building it (especially the paint), another is awaiting delivery to Torsten in Germany. And this one is mine, being built for the drive to Stoneleigh:



The coilovers are on their way, so it should look more like this very quick photoshop image:

[Mister Towed]

Like the rising curve on the rear wings, very 250swb, and love the D24 Spyder front end (obviously) but needs to be a coupe or open racer with a perspex flyscreen and shaved door handles I feel. Decent folding top and proper doors gives it away as a kit car imho. Looking 'king good though...

[Mister Towed]

Something like this maybe?

http://th00.deviantart.net/fs71/PRE/...pp-d66ba63.png

[Ollie]

Chris, if you get this one right, esp with the wheels filling / hugging the arches i reckon you'll have another winner.
Stance skills, or stance kills.....

[y cymro]

Originally Posted by Mister Towed

Something like this maybe?

http://th00.deviantart.net/fs71/PRE/...pp-d66ba63.png

Tribute's already built this for WCA

[Mister Towed]

Originally Posted by y cymro

Tribute's already built this for WCA

Not exactly. I'm suggesting getting rid of the raked windscreen and side glass and fitting a perspex flyscreen and maybe side deflectors. I know that would reduce practicality, but if you want a practical car buy a Golf.

It could even be done in glass, something like Claude Storez' ill fated Zagato Speedster had (the silver car's a zillion dollar recreation made recently by Zagato for a very rich customer)-





Alternatively, a Coupe version similar to Geoff's 250swb but with the Cobra/D24 nose would provide both looks and practicality.

I'd also prefer to see the rear arches sit higher than WCA ended up with, like on most (but not all) Maserati 300S's -



No disrespect to WCA's car or the effort Chris put into creating it, it's going to look stunning once it's painted, polished and detailed, I just feel that the production version would look more authentic with the windscreen ditched and the rear arches raised to match the high curve of the 300S.

I know there'll be those that disagree, but vive la difference!

[y cymro]

Whilst I agree with you about the windscreen I'm told that replacing the windscreen surround will mean the car will need to pass an IVA test - which might be difficult for a 14 year old car to do. I have no personal experience of IVA but it seems it is 'feared'.
Thinking about it, perhaps a Z3/mx5 should be inspected with the IVA manual in hand to identify any changes necessary to comply.

Your statement about the windscreen affecting the authentic look is spot on, particularly as Chris and Dan do such a great job on the shape which perhaps deserves a classically upright screen. But the approach to create a new skin over a production model will always be a compromise, and one which makes the build easier too.

[zagmad]

i don't want to complicate things but, what if you kept the fame round the windscreen and raised the shell and lowered the suspension at the same time . and had a smaller screen fitted within the existing frame. structure stays glass lowers visually. i've tried contacting kit car magazines with this query but no reply and don't know anyone in an iva centre. just options.

[y cymro]

Originally Posted by zagmad

i don't want to complicate things

That's not like you ha ha!

[y cymro]

Looking again at the Kobra I think the screen looks good, and possibly better than the original. The problem is that because the original is such an icon any changes will not be received well.
After seeing it last might, my thoughts were around using the Kobra front with a 250SWB rear. Thanks a bunch Chris. If you make an Alfa 8C next I'll have to buy more Z3s.

[zagmad]

coupe version. why not a hard top molded and then blended with an alternative rear window that still demists. keeps the line simple and keeps within the theme of the lightweight kobra style. just ideas. plus door seal would be easier to source or replicate etc. or slightly lengthened backwards to allow for roll cage options

[Mister Towed]

Is the screen and frame structural in the Z3? If not, I can't see why cutting it off would bring on the dreaded IVA test. After all, I cut the whole body off my Vitesse and it didn't need IVA.

Does anyone know if there's a definitive reference work detailing what changes need IVA and what don't?

[y cymro]

Originally Posted by Mister Towed

I cut the whole body off my Vitesse and it didn't need UVA

That's interesting. I did the same and was told (admittedly by a number of people who build kit cars as businesses rather than by vosa or DVLA) that I would need one. I was also told I wouldn't have if the bulkhead and windscreen surround was retained, just after the body was sold.