Users Story - Darren's Tribute Kobra

TELL US ABOUT YOUR VEHICLE.

My car is a BMW Z3 3.0 litre based Tribute Kobra re-body - (An AC Cobra lookalike)

 HOW LONG HAVE YOU OWNED IT?

I have owned the car for about 3 years. I bought it as a Z3 and I changed it over time. I’ve always wanted an AC Cobra but being so tall I didn’t really fit.

The body is made by Tribute and is AC Cobra styled.  I did most of the alterations myself (on our driveway) barring the respray (to my design) and exhaust modifications.

 It has all the modern BMW Z3 equipment such as A/C, electric and heated seats, waterproof electric roof, stability control, (and now LED lighting) all of which aren’t available on most AC Cobras. And more importantly I actually fit inside!

HAVE YOU ALWAYS LOVED CARS? HOW DID THAT BEGIN?

I got my mechanical skills and love of cars from my Dad We used to fix neighbours cars and our own cars in the 70’s and 80’s.  He and my Mam were following my project from afar, as we lived almost 300 miles away from each other. 

Unfortunately, he passed away a couple of years ago. So he never got to see the finished result. 

He would have been so proud!

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST CAR?

My first car was a 1968 850cc mini, the drivers seat was modified so it would go further back, so I could sit in it and drive it reasonably comfortably.

CAN WE SEE YOU AT CAR SHOWS?

I have just got back from Aldershot Classic car show and Simply BMW At Beaulieu Motor Museum.

I am a member at Brooklands Motor Museum and attend various shows there. I’m also a member of Tribute owners Club on Facebook and we organise meet ups and attend various shows throughout the year. 

If you are interested in modifying your Z3 to look like a 50’s / 60’s style car, and you see any of us …pop over for a chat!

WHAT CAR NEXT?

I have a wife, 2 kids and a dog so the family car is a large Mercedes estate, and the BMW based AC Kobra is my fun car. And it really is fun!! 

And I still prefer petrol and diesel cars …. I don’t think I will go electric yet! 

...AND THE FINAL QUESTION - WHAT WOULD BE YOUR DREAM VEHICLE AND WHY?

Dream car….  I’ve driven a Lamborghini, a Ferrari and an Ariel Atom, these were fun. But the AC Cobra was my dream car…. Until I tried a demonstrator and couldn’t fit !! My dream was destroyed…. 

That was until I saw these kits based on BMW modern running gear, I tried a Z3, and I just fit! I was hooked!

Dedicated to my Dad, Alan Nesbitt, who will always be driving with me.