Latest Zimmer car mirrors Cobra style

SYRACUSE - Art Zimmer, publisher of the Syracuse New Times and owner of the Zimmer Motor Car Company, is teaming up with vehicle builder Don Goben to sell a new model Zimmer. The latest addition to the Zimmer line is the "American AC Mustang," a replica of the famous Cobra sports car, built around

Four decades ago, famed automotive designer Carroll Shelby created the first in a series of racing cars he called "the Cobra." Over the life of his design, Shelby used several different engines and external stylings. The American AC is based on the design of the "427" model Cobra and incorporates Goben's own styling features.

Because of the cost of the scarce original Shelby Cobras, vehicle aficionados began creating their own versions of the soughtafter originals. A genuine Cobra typically sells in the six-figure range, depending on its condition. A 427 offered in late January on the eBay Motors auction site attracted a high bid of $3 10,000, less than the owner's reserve price. On the site, the pedigree of each car is listed down to the original shipping date and complete repair history.

To meet the demand of drivers who sought the look of the Cobra, without the high price, Goben began creating Cobra replicas in 1991. He built his original cars from the ground up and has subsequently adapted his design to transform a Ford Mustang into the famed Cobra.

The "Gobra" as he sometimes calls the car, starts off as a 1999 or newer Ford Mustang. Goben can use a customer-supplied car or arrange to purchase a suitable model on the customer's behalf. Transforming the Mustang into a Cobra costs $14,900, down from an initial estimated price of $18,950.

Goben removes the body panels of the Mustang and replaces them with a onepiece hood and fenders, as well as other body panels that take the Mustang back to its roots. Shelby designed the first Mustang for Ford in 1964.

Though the newer Mustang lacks the punch of the 427 engine, Goben says the car handles very well. The transformation process lowers and widens the vehicle, improving its road-handling qualities.

"This handles a lot better than a factory Mustang," says Goben.

The Mustang conversion is easier to maintain than the original because it retains most factory systems. The conversion keeps modem safety equipment and allows owners to maintain a factory warranty on the unaltered parts of the car.

Goben has just completed his first American AC for Zimmer. He plans to show off the car at trade shows and will sell the Cobras through the Zimmer dealer network.

Zimmer began selling his Syracuse-built Golden Spirit model cars in 1999. The neo-classic car design was initially created by Zimmer Manufacturing, a Florida-based company with no connection to the New limes publisher. The ornate vehicle adorned with the Zimmer name attracted the attention of the high-profile publisher who first bought the car and then bought the company. Zimmer's other models are made at Sam's Auto Body in Syracuse. The company has 10 dealers from Syracuse to San Antonio and the dealer network includes The Mirage Trading Group of Amman, Jordan. The Zimmer Golden Spirit sells for $109,900.