It would be an exaggeration to describe this car as a Falcon with a different body, but it's not that far from the truth. After all, the major mechanical components are from Ford.
Ford fanatics love them and there are few major Ford shows in which there's not a Cobra replica or two on display.
Motive Power
The car shown here runs a Ford 302 Windsor unleaded V8 from 1984 Mustang. It is similar to the injected engine used in the current model Mustang and the EB Falcon. This motor has been taken out 30 thou and fully balanced internally but is otherwise basically stock.
George Vidovic, the car's owner and the proprietor of Python Cars says, "The 302 puts out 190 horsepower and it gives more than enough performance. The car will wheelspin all through first, give a big squeak in second and a mild chirp in third and top."
Up back is that old hot-rodder's favourite - a Jaguar independent rear end. In this application it has shortened lower control arms.
The radiator is built by Python. GMV Performance assembled this car and coated the fibreglass panels in two-pack blue and white. GMV Chrome provided the shiny bits, particularly those under the bonnet. This car is frequently shown, so there's a host of detailed items.
Many parts can be purchased either secondhand or already reconditioned if you need to keep the cost down.
Do it yourself
The kit is based around a 100x50mm box'ladder steel chassis to which all of the mechanical, suspension and body components and has locating points for them. The chassis can be bought either painted or unpainted.
The front suspension can be bought either as a complete unit or as individual components (at a lower cost) and you do the assembly work yourself. It is based on an MGB front end and caster and camber are already set. It is necessary to use a wheel aligner for the final setup.
Commodore brakes
VK Commodore brake discs and callipers are the recommended fitment for the car. These can either be bought new, or you can go to a wreckers and buy and recondition secondhand bits.
The rear suspendsion can only be bought in its individual components. Many buyers choose to go the secondhand route for the jaguar rear and have the differential overhauled. Much the same applies to the Jaguar rear disc brakes.
Wheels and tyres are left to individual choice. The guards can accept decent sized rubber, which really fills them to perfection thanks to the purity of the original Cobra desigh.
Glass is specially built for the Python. The laminated windscreen is supplied complete with the frame, rubber and side mounting posts. Python also sells wipers and washers to suit the car.
There is a lot a ancillary bits. Everything from seats, trim, steering wheel and gauges to lights, door handles, tonneau cover, soft-top roof. The list tends to grow and grow but, after all, you are building a complete car.
Fully legal
If the job is done correctly the car meets all Australian Design Rule and other registration requirements.
(engine is a 302 Windsor overbored 30 thou and running unleaded fuel. It began life ina n 84 Mustang. This car uses a four-speed toploader gearbox, but a Doug Nash five-speed is a popular, though expensive, option.)
By necessity, this can only be a very general description fo the Python replica of the historical Cobra sports car. What we have tried to do is give an overview of the major parts of the car. There is a lot more to it than meets the eye. People who have built Pythons report that there are periods of intense frustration…and deep depression. Intermingled with those is the incredible joy which they experience when their baby finally hits the streets.
It is difficult to describe the feeling you get when you build a car by yourself. When you take it cruising and attract an amazing amount of attention you know it was all worth while.
