Cobretti Viper - Decision to buy

[rphilcox]

All,

I have the opportunity to purchase a Cobretti Viper V8 kit, rolling chassis and two engines (5.7 litre V8 Chevy and 3.5 litre V8 Rover)for £2500. I am tempted by this but my only reservation is that the body has one door, bonnet and bootlid missing.

My question to you is whether Cobretti body parts are easy to come across, does the company still exist, or whether I am running a high risk that my finished project may be short of a few critical pieces?

Any advice/thoughts welcome

Cheers
Rich

[wilf]

Rich - do a search on this site for "viper".

You will find that these kits are reckoned to be the most difficult to complete. Those who get there deserve medals.

If the engines have been (properly) reconditioned, they may be worth the asking price - but taking someone's word for it is risky. If they are unknown, £2500 is too much.

And no - moulded parts are not available, except from abandoned projects.

[Iain]

The last time I spoke to Bob Busbridge (Cobretti) he was still in business. I'm sure that you would be able to get hold of some panels if you went ahead.

However, I would not part with any hard earned until I had spoken to Bob Busbridge himself to confirm all this. Please send me a personal message if you want his last known telephone number.

The Cobretti web site address is :- http://www.cobrettiviperv8.com

Hope this helps!

[Dek]

Originally Posted by wilf

Rich - do a search on this site for "viper".

You will find that these kits are reckoned to be the most difficult to complete. Those who get there deserve medals.

If the engines have been (properly) reconditioned, they may be worth the asking price - but taking someone's word for it is risky. If they are unknown, £2500 is too much.

And no - moulded parts are not available, except from abandoned projects.

I'll have my medal now!
The Cobretti Viper 'enjoyed' a chequered history-mine was an early one supplied to Bob Busbridge and I can't fault the quality of the body/chassis.
If you have the skills to make internal panels, upholstery etc then no problem (or you can farm these jobs out). If you you just want to assemble go for one of the more 'mainstream' models. However, if you do take it on and get to completion it is far more satisfying knowing that you have developed skills along the way and were not just a 'fitter'.
Speak to Bob Busbridge-he is still in business and I am sure can supply the moulded parts you require. Iain has given you his contact details I believe.
Good luck.
Dek

[Purple AK]

Originally Posted by Dek

I'll have my medal now!
The Cobretti Viper 'enjoyed' a chequered history-mine was an early one supplied to Bob Busbridge and I can't fault the quality of the body/chassis.
If you have the skills to make internal panels, upholstery etc then no problem (or you can farm these jobs out). If you you just want to assemble go for one of the more 'mainstream' models. However, if you do take it on and get to completion it is far more satisfying knowing that you have developed skills along the way and were not just a 'fitter'.
Speak to Bob Busbridge-he is still in business and I am sure can supply the moulded parts you require. Iain has given you his contact details I believe.
Good luck.
Dek

Dek. A Cobretti owner strolled over to chew the fat only last weekend when we were stopped for an ice cream on Ashdown Forest! He had entrusted his build/Sva to Mr Busbridge! After 3 Sva failures (on scarey stuff) He is still without a car, And has a tidy legal suit, Won but still unpaid with him!! Beware!

[steamyrotter]

Originally Posted by Purple AK

Dek. A Cobretti owner strolled over to chew the fat only last weekend when we were stopped for an ice cream on Ashdown Forest! He had entrusted his build/Sva to Mr Busbridge! After 3 Sva failures (on scarey stuff) He is still without a car, And has a tidy legal suit, Won but still unpaid with him!! Beware!

That is not saying that Vipers are not SVA'able, but a comment on someones experience of having the car done for them.
(Chris I Know you didn't mean it that way)(I hope!!)

KevChard should have his MAC on Monday, with Iain not far behind, not to mention there are many many many vipers around (Mine will be following up the rear in the very far future...).

Yes they are a trial, and a challenge but anything is achievable to those willing to put some effort in, And the result WILL be worth it. You will emerge a more talented and skilled individual at the "end" (although there will never be an end with any cobra) of the project.

Bob should be able to provide the parts you need, and there is a distinct chance that other makes could fit with some fettling.

At the end of the day read all the info available, ask questions (There is never a silly question) digest the viper forum and then make your own mind up if that is the way you want to go.

I have found mine to be satisfying and frustrating (usually on the same day) but now the body is starting to go together it is giving me a boost and I cant wait to get it moving.

Good luck

[T-Bone]

It has been suggested that my project (see photos in 'What was it' thread) may be an early Viper. Is it possible that Mr Busbridge might be invited to look at my piccies and see if he recognizes the chassis? If so, what would be the best way to contact him?

My chassis appears very 'Viper like' but the bodywork looks more like Pilgrim?! (Thanks Martin for pointing this out).

Oh, and if you fancy a real challenge, get a kit of inknown origin and fabricate and fettle like a man possessed! What fun.

[rphilcox]

Hi all,

Thanks for all of your comments. I went and viewed the car again yesterday and have decided not to go ahead with this particular car. I took a mate of mine along who is a mechanic and he said that both engines would need completely rebuilding.

We may try to get the price down as we think in its current state the kit is over priced.

Thanks again for all your advice

Rich

[kevchard]

Regarding the SVA, it is possible to get it through without any major mods.
As long as you can get the height of the indicators right (the same as any other cob), then the design is there for strength and SVA passing.
If you are not handy at DIY and adaption before starting, you will be at the end.
Cheers
Kevin

[Deck]

I'm inclined to dissuade you from this Rich. You're not really going to save yourself any money with this "kit" and if you want to build one there's plenty of quality kits available.

Even after the mechanics have all been redone cos they've been poorly done or reconned so long ago they've siezed again, you will then have the body to contend with. Missing panels are easy! Pourous glass fibre and starring and miss matched split lines and mis-shappen bodyshells are terribly time consuming and expensive to repair properly.

If you view it as a bad kit with a poor donor car thrown in and you're handy with a welder and have access to a professional workshop then offer a few hundred and you've nothing to lose.

Otherwise £2500 will start you on a good kit and you'll still have the same amount of work to do and money to spend.

I must admit I'm in one of my "Why didn't I get an easy kit" phases which my Viper periodically induces in me...

As a final note, check out Kevchard's latest thread!

Cheers
Dec