Some vehicles pose more questions than answers, which is the case with our feature car. The seller lists it as a 1987 Ford Cramer Cobra prototype, but finding information is like looking for a needle in a haystack. It seems like it may have remained hidden for a while, but its simple drivetrain combination should make revival straightforward if it isn’t currently roadworthy. That task falls to a new owner, with the seller listing it here on Facebook in Brookfield, Connecticut. You could take it home by handing the owner $30,000. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder PRA4SNW for spotting this puzzling vehicle.
The listing causes further confusion due to the mixed quality of the supplied shots. I believe the ones in the garage are recent, but the outdoor ones look older. This photo shows the Cramer Cobra in all its glory, and there’s no doubt it has a purposeful appearance. The styling is very much of its time, with sharp lines and enormous fender flares to cover its impressive wheels and tires. I have spent countless hours investigating this mystery machine, but all my search revealed is a series of photos on the Revs Institute website. They tell us nothing beyond the fact this car once wore Utah plates. The seller claims its creators built the car as a prototype for Ford engineers, but the engineers never accepted the vehicle. The Cobra features a handbuilt tubular chassis draped with panels made from aluminum. My instincts initially told me this was some form of kit car, but I wouldn’t bet my house on it. Most cars of this type feature fiberglass panels, but these are a rung above what you might expect from that type of company. The fit and finish are impressive, with tight and consistent gaps. The bumpers are perfectly integrated, suggesting most body components are bespoke rather than rescued from some manufacturer’s parts bin. The dazzling yellow paint shines well for its age, and the alloy wheels show no evidence of deterioration.
With what seems to be a well-engineered chassis and lightweight aluminum panels, the Cobra shouldn’t be heavy. Therefore, the Boss 302ci V8 under the hood should make this classic sit up and take notice when the driver floors the gas. The power feeds to the rear wheels via a five-speed T5 manual transmission. The engine specifications are unclear, but it would be safe to assume that it will churn out at least 290hp. This Cobra is likely lighter than a 1969 Mustang Boss 302. Therefore it would be fair to expect this classic to storm the ¼ mile in well below 15 seconds. The seller doesn’t indicate whether this classic runs or drives, but the clean presentation of the engine bay looks promising.
Any thoughts I had about this Cramer being based on an AC Cobra replica chassis were erased when I saw its interior. The AC interior is quite cramped, with relatively little shoulder room for us larger individuals. By comparison, this classic’s interior is spacious. The interior is a mixed bag because the gauge cluster seems to scream kit car. However, the remaining interior trim is close to production car standards, and the leather-upholstered seats feature “Cramer” and “Cobra” embroidered lettering. There are a few minor quality issues with fit and finish, but none are worse than you might expect from a Lotus or Alfa Romeo from this era. The photos on the Revs Institute website indicate it started life with a radio/cassette player, but it now features a CD player. There is also air conditioning for those preferring their air filtered and refrigerated. There is one aspect of this interior that might hold a clue to the origin and creator of this car. I can see a badge on the dash above the CD player. I believe it may contain manufacturer branding, but the low-resolution photos make it impossible to confirm. There’s another mystery for you to contemplate.
So, we come to the end of this little tale with no further information on who built this 1987 Cramer Cobra, why they made it, or who at Ford rejected it. My search has yielded no concrete information, but I am only one man. I know our loyal readers are plentiful and knowledgeable, and I’m hoping one (or more) of you can shed some light on this car. With what you’ve seen and now know, would you be willing to gamble $30,000 in the hope that this Cobra has hidden historical significance?
Crappy pictures and minimum information sure doesn’t sound like a bright way to try to sell something for that price. Would be nice to know if it even runs.
Just don’t know what to say.Kind of ugly at best.Good mtr though.
Probably nice and quick
Yeah, the engine is not a BOSS 302. Those cylinder heads are regular old Windsors
I’m going to look at car this week owner says block is boss 302 and heads are Hipo 289 and said block numbers are there we will see
Tony, please keep us posted about this car, definitely interested in hearing more about it.
Maybe reach out to the seller…?
I refuse to have a Facebook account, so for those reasons, I’m out!
Jim is right not a Boss 302. Valve covers from a pre 87 Mustang GT.
Hipo heads real boss block ford prototype talked to Peyton cramer was built for ford turned down cool car
Have to agree doesn’t look like a boss 302 under the hood, but hey look for all the beans. Has some unusual body lines but someone will think it’s a beautiful car. Myself not all that pretty.
Just a 302
A lot of ugly plastic.
p u
I think I’d rather have the Fox-body Mustang convertible this came in on, at half the price.
Thanks for picking this one up, Adam. I was shocked when I saw this during a ’69 Mustang search on Facebook, of all places.
It sparked my curiosity, as it did yours, and am hoping that someone here at BF can shed some light.
Yet another seller that can’t take the car cover off.
I know this is a Ford, but when I seen the thumbnail picture my mind instantly went to the movie corvette summer and the crazy thing people do with fiberglass. I can’t buy cars like this because I know me and those rear tires would be bald in a hurry I don’t need the tickets that would follow
Looks like a 80’s era TVR
Unusual car but only thing for certain about it is it has a Ford motor. Which ford motor, and whether or not it runs, calls into question the price tag on this one. Seller needs to provide more details for a serious buyer. As for me the price tag reads no sale.
That big square “hole” in the hood is probably to let out hot air from the radiator, but it’s design screams “Is this where you put the battery?”. For me that hole ruins what could have been a nice looking car.
But who asks $30k without any background on the car? This may have never been certified by DOT and EPA for road use, and if so, it might get flagged by another state DMV/MVA when the new buyer goes to register it. Some states, mine included, won’t allow a 1973 or newer vehicle to be registered without DOT, EPA and ICE/Customs paperwork that it conforms to the federal regulations in place at the time of manufacture.
Yes mighty ugly and crappy photos.
That thing is FUGLY !!
Whenever I see photos that are fuzzy or on their side or upside down or the car is wet or taken at night my interest is instantly gone. I also lose interest when the seller doesn’t tell you anything. I know that calling and talking to the seller is the first step and that’s when you start to really learn things but if they show that little interest in making an ad, it makes me doubt their knowledge or interest in the car. And while I’m bitching, why wouldn’t you take the time to clean the garbage out of the car and maybe even use a vaccum.
The rear view must be even more hideous than the front and side views as there is no picture. Butt ugly.
Here’s a rear view photo that I pulled from the link that Adam provided in the write-up.
I know what’s coming – more fugly comments. I was really hoping for someone to know a little bit about this. Definitely not the prettiest thing, but also not quickly whipped together either.
at least it’s not as fugly as that non symmetrical corvette with the crazy rear tailight.
and do I spy some Countach in that rear fender angle ?
Peyton cramer was Shelby’s manager at Shelby American this car was built by his engineer Shelby American know of this car
Looks like the designer was a closet GM fan. Gm wouldn’t bite so he substituted a carbureted for small block and took a stab at Ford? It has a Camaro front and a Buick rear from the era. Feel pretty sure those are actually Buick tail lights.
I just met the original (and very humble) builder of this vehicle. Such an great experience to talk about this build and get a firsthand look at his current project(s). The amount to time and attention he has put in to creating his current build is truly incredible and a work of art.
If anyone still has any questions about this car, feel free to reach out and I’ll gather as much info as I can about the original build. I can’t speak much about current condition as the current owner is not the original builder, but I’ll do what I can.
What is the builders name where did he build it would love to hear true story of car where panels where made engine everything please contact me anuzzo738@comcast.net thanks or 2035060013
Can you call me 2035060013 I’m owner of car would love to know information about it Tony