Shelby Cobra replicas are not uncommon, there have been various versions of the iconic sports car created over the years. A “Goben” branded one, however, is a new one on me but fortunately, we have one for review. Located in Las Vegas, Nevada is this likely 1991 model that is available, here on craigslist for $25,000. Thanks to rex m for this most interesting find!

The Goben Cobra was produced by Dan Goben’s G. Cobra Cars of Madison, Wisconsin. Goben owned a Chevrolet dealership and used his business connections to source Chevrolet engines for his Cobra replicas though there was a Ford 351 Cobra-Jet engine available too. The undercarriage and suspension were scavenged from a Ford Mustang and there were some GM “J” car parts thrown in for good measure. Goben’s operation handled the manufacture of the fiberglass bodies. According to www.clubcobra.com, only fifteen Goben Cobras were produced in 1991 before a lawsuit, filed by Carroll Shelby, brought the short-lived production to an end. The listing claims this Cobra as a 1967 model but that’s not possible. I have found several examples on various websites with model years of ’90, ’91, and ’92. The total production volume of fifteen sounds suspect but I cannot find corroborating or contrary information.

Power appears to be a 350 CI, Chevrolet V8 engine, supposedly a 365 HP variant – the seller isn’t specific but that’s the more powerful of the two Chevrolet engines offered and it works through a three-speed automatic transmission. The seller provides no information regarding this Cobra’s operating prowess other than to say it “runs drives”.

The interior has an early ’90s “chunky” vibe to it with some of the components reportedly boosted from the Cadillac Cimarron. The lighting of the image causes the upholstery to appear as being blue but I believe it to be black in actuality. Both seats obviously need some attention but the rest of the environment presents itself well enough. The instrument panel looks like it was borrowed from a boat.

There is only one image of the exterior presented and it’s not that telling. That being the case, for your review, I found an image of a Goben Cobra in top-up mode. Critics have described the Goben Cobra as the “worst”, “butt ugly” and an “aesthetic abomination”. I don’t think that I would go that far but from other images that I could find, this Goben does have a squished together bearing about itself. There is a removable top in place that doesn’t help with the lines of the car – it’s too tall and not a design that flows effortlessly – but it’s not all that bad either. Nevertheless, the sale subject looks to be in nice condition in terms of its finish and fiberglass integrity.

So the Goben Cobra is rare but apparently not in a valuable way. And since acquiring a real deal Shelby Cobra is beyond the reach of most mortal men and women you could buy this replica on the relative cheap. And then again, if a Cobra scratches your itch, you could also buy a Shelby authorized reproduction that’s been produced by a reputable manufacturer. Though still expensive, it is probably a better way to go, don’t you think?