Bitten by the Snake by Jim Colman

If you've ever dreamed of the sight of a 427SC Cobra roadster sitting in your garage, just waiting for you to strap yourself in and fire up the thundering, 500+ horsepower big-block engine, then this video is for you. If you've ever wondered what it would be like to pilot a Cobra around a racetrack like Mid-Ohio, Charlotte Motor Speedway or Gateway International, this video's for you. Or how about a 12-second sprint down the quarter-mile? 'Bitten by the Snake' is all of this and much more!
Before you buy or build your Cobra replica, you need to experience this video! Interviews with major replica builders will help answer your questions, as well as introduce you to their products. But more important, Cobra replica owners talk candidly about their experiences building and driving their cars.
You'll see some of the best footage ever filmed of Cobra replicas in action! Spins, crashes,150mph runs down-the-straightaway and leisurely cruises down city streets. 'Bitten by the Snake' was produced by Jim Colman, a television producer/director with over 25 years experience and himself a Cobra replica owner/driver who shares his experience of living with a 427 roadster in his garage.
Jim's priceless footage includes interviews with the top personalities in the Cobra replica industry, including Curt Scott, Publisher of 'The Complete Guide to Cobra Replicas'; Bill Moore, former Editor of 'Kit Car Illustrated' magazine; Dave Radtke, owner of 'House of Cobras,' and Dick Smith, the driver who throttled his Cobra to victory at Daytona.
"Bitten by the Snake" took over two years to film and edit. You'll see coverage of SAAC-23, and the 1997 and '98 McMullen & Argus "Run and Gun" events. This is one video you'll want to experience!
(Video uploaded with permission from Jim Colman)

[@Xaunoki]

Man, the 90's and 2000's were better times in my opinion. I was very small during this time, but I still remember people being more polite, self-aware, and kind. Even during the video here, there was a scene where the camera was facing the Cobra outside the RV and another gentleman was looking at it too. He looked at the camera and stepped away to get out of the shot out of courtesy. Something so small is so surprising to me because that'd never happen today. I love Cobras and I loved this video!

[@rhubarbranch4188]

My dad raced sport cars in the '60s. I remember my first ride in a race car in 1966, when I was 6 years old. It was during live practice and it scared the crap out of me! I have never been in a car more insane and loud. Although I was screaming and crying for the duration, I remain an enthusiast to this day. The Cobra is my dream car.

[@024gumby]

Thanks for uploading this video. I was Dave Radtke friend and business partner after he left house of cobras and came to Alaska his history in itself if very amazing on top of his contribution to this community when it was at its most.

[@Hoodamax]

What an excellent show. It looks to be from the late 90's, but still relevant if one is considering buying any sort of cobra, replica or not.

[@DavidAllen-dj7sd]

Amazing video! I've owned 6 corvettes but, this has been my dream car to own.

[@garyhaber333]

I own the same color as he does. Bought her in Vegas 5 yrs ago. Shes an 01 66 cobra in blue/white. I changed alot after I bought her used. Made her look more like a 66 track car. I attend the more bigger car shows(OC Cobra, Boys Nation, Route66) in SoCal that my car club sponsors. I love the culture, and love getting stared at alot more than all these supercars you see here. Theres just the magnetism that a cobra draws. So mean, wide,low, and that loud 427. 💕💕 Love it. My daughters love it.

[@DSToNe19and83]

Time and money means nothing when we are talking about a cobra. In my opinion the sexiest car of all time, a true car guys car!

[@JamesSmith-op7yc]

I built one of the last Classic Roadster 427 kits. Started in 1997 got it on the road a few years later... The automobile was not an "easy build" but with diligence, knowledge, and attention to detail I built an excellent Cobra replica. I used the power plant from my 1/4mile drag car. I sold it (unfortunately) a few years back and the thing surprised the buyer like crazy! I miss it. Thanks for sharing. J.

[@floydrhodesiv5733]

When i was 6yrs old i was fortunate to have a father who helped run the Fleetwood Hill Climb .I remember watch all the performance cars of the day take off at the starting line.There was many AC Cobras running. Small block n Big block.I am fortunate to have experienced that.

[@larrygross7406]

I own this car now- Bought it from Jim 15 years ago- Still runs and drive and looks great !

[@fbandito]

LARRY GROSS Jim Says "Hi and glad my old car is still running!"

[@joshuamichael2473]

Why did you get rid of it?

[@jamesbarber8308]

I have been bitten

[@briansullivan9487]

I really enjoyed this video clip very very well done. A lot of insight and wisdom in owning a Cobra. I’ve had mine for about two years now. Absolutely love it,Brian from Melbourne Australia. 62 years old LOL...

[@dennishoffner8996]

This was a complete tutorial on how to purchase a Cobra well thought out and delivered. Many kudos to you Jim Colman.

[@clutchpedalreturnsprg7710]

Hah, your channel name got me. My brother customized back in 1970 a Honda CL-90 for serious off-road riding. He named it the " Frito Bandido". After a while I found two Frito Bandido pencil eraser add- Ons and placed them on his tire tube valve stems. I have not thought about that good motorcycle in many, many years. Thank you.

[@DSToNe19and83]

Did anyone else check out that sweet matching go-cart? Cobra car guys are something else 🍻

[@xDivinitysCreaturex]

I'm just watching this for the first time. Great documentary

[@oscaraguirre602]

Good morning,,, just special,,, just amazing,,, just SUPER, SUPER, COBRA,,, congrautlations for all the people who made posible this video,,, and of with the main sstar,,, with respect,,, your friend Oscar de Pachuca HGo Estados Unidos Mexicanos,,,

[@SundudeCAN]

This video does a great job at capturing what it's like to buy, build and live with a Snake in the Garage. Well done!

[@rusty383]

First time I heard of mid state. Thank You.

[@chrisgordon6599]

Well, I can say that I worked in the factory in Thames Ditton, Surrey, England where these amazing cars were built..

[@ajwasp]

Hi there. Did the factory in Thames Ditton ever build fully finished drivable AC Cobra’s at all, or did they only ever build the chassis and then ship them to America to be finished over there?

[@chrisgordon6599]

@@ajwasp Good question! I worked there just out of college as a labourer (general 'gofer'). All production of the cars (Cobra and Frua models) had ceased and the production line given over to the production of special, fibreglass bodied three-wheeled, motor cycle engined vehicles for the disabled. It was very sad that only a few AC cars came in for specialist repairs. However, while I was working there, Keith Moon's (drummer of The Who) Frua was brought in for repairs. He had smashed it into a tree on his estate (I think it was in Surrey somewhere, so not that far away). There was a massive V-shaped dent in the front which had pushed the radiator right up against the engine block. It was a mess!!! I remember there was a Cobra there for a while, I think it might have been in for an upgrade in its upholstery but I cannot be sure now. I remember looking round it and at the cockpit and imagining driving it. If memory serves, someone did visit to discuss reviving production of the Cobra at another factory because I remember someone telling him that all the Cobra jigs were still there, in a loft space over the entrance to the main workshop. I don't know what became of that idea. I think AC weren't very keen to sell the jigs to him. Honestly, the place was really badly managed and it was sad to see the birthplace of the Cobra reduced to producing little three-wheelers which were better suited to being produced by specialist manufacturers. Apart from that, I remember my time there with fondness.

[@crewdawg2008]

@@ajwasp Well, they wouldn't have been the V8 powered Shelby versions, as all of those were made by Shelby American, where they had the body/chassis shipped in, then modified as needed to accept the 289 or 427 V8 they would eventually be equipped with.

[@rusty383]

Super Formence Makes Beautiful cars.

[@bigsparky8888]

I MET A MAN & HIS WIFE IN CATHEDERAL CITY DOING GLASS THERE...HE WORKED FOR SMOKEY...BUILDING THE ORIGINAL COBRAS...289 AND ORIG BODYS...SMOKEY OFFERED HIM ONE OFF THE ASSEMBLY LINE...BUT HE TURNED IT DOWN...I THINK HE HAD A CADILLAC AND I PUT A WINDSHIELD IN IT...ALSO MET A MAN THAT HAD A BMW TYPE6 TURBO I PUT A WINDSHIELD IN FOR HIM...BUT HE WAS WITH NEWMAN/ HASS RACING...HAD A 19YO MARINE HEART IN HIM...NEW LEASE ON LIFE...HE WAS ONE OF THE SHARPEST MEN I EVER MET...WE SWAPPED JOKES...HE HAD GREAT ONES!!! HE GAVE ME A CARD...I WAS TO VISIT THE FACILITY IN MICHIGAN...BUT LOST THE CARD...WAH...NO ADDRESS & WAY BEFORE CELL PHONES...

[@johnvest2710]

I’ve lived with my cobra for nearly thirty years and still love it ! Mine’s from Africa and has the original jag independent rear end .

[@dorianwright5999]

Cars Over Baring Racing Acceleration. These Cars are awesome.

[@winstonmace4865]

Watched this last night and to see the South African influence really made me smile. I would love to see someone do an updated feature and interview the guys from Backdraft who also build their cars in South Africa.

[@rusty383]

I really Love this Video

[@ndrettitoo]

Thanks for posting this. It has been awhile since I've seen this. Great video, but I am a little biased, I own a type 65 and a roadster. Love them both.

[@culbycars]

I got bit 3 weeks ago! Been loving it ever since

[@rusty383]

Well Worth it if I had the money. Anything Carol Shelby has got to be fun !

[@stevoschannel4127]

My superformance is running a 30 over 427 windsor ford racing boss block, making 615 hp/605 ft-lb...it’s admittedly scary...

[@samsonian]

Isn’t that the point of a 427 Cobra?

[@polygamous1]

B4 I drove an Elan it was Always the Cobra I loved the most Now its still ONLY 2 sports cars I love ty Mr Shelby thank you Mr Chapman for me the genius engineer of the 20th century, sadly I never drove a Cobra, all the cars I really love are British n Italians classic cars car except the 205 n Golf GTI, thanks for this great video

[@kirk0respite]

This is an awesome video dude!

[@W3BZSL1NG3R]

Factory 5 cars are Great 👍 And the customer service is outstanding. Put together quite a few. From 300hp to 650hp. You just can't go wrong with factory 5 kit.

[@S7midnight]

Nice virtual journey to the 90s :)

[@samsonian]

Especially the music…and even more so, @1:20:00 or so the positively ANCIENT video sequence with mid-90s Netscape Navigator(!!).

[@DSToNe19and83]

I miss it..

[@rusty383]

Totally awesome video. I really enjoyed it. Thank you and God Bless you. Rusty Clarke Chester/Enon Va.

[@richardgreen7811]

Well done Jim. Your pricing on the originals is a bit dated (now starts at around $1.4M and they go up faster than joe lieden's disapproval rating). I got a "find" on the #2 of 8 Cutting Edge Cobra's. A year to take to the frame and back. A great machine and crowd draw. The only Cobra's with Indy Suspension of all four corners. She has a built engine from the Aluminum Ford Racing Windsor 427 short block, AFR 220 Renegades with all the options, and a Ron Iskenderian designed roller cam and lifters. Lots of engine goodies. 648 flywheel HP @ 6,500, with 574 ft. lbs torque. The new weight with the aluminum engine came in at 1,956 lbs. People ask "how fast is she", and my typical answer is always ... "she travels at the speed of money".

[@rusty383]

I have! I have ! I have!

[@stu1944]

Can't wait till I have one

[@allanmcelroy9840]

Nice, well done video

[@378-V8]

sweet... min 47:30: "the first time i have driven my COBRA above 100miles per hour!" This is truly the (minimum) average speed on my daily way home, after the officehours - i love our German Autobahn! You guys have so many nice and powerful cars, but you need to get a permission to pass slower cars on a racetrack! Over here you pass the police on a public road and the don't even turn their heads, as long as there are no speed limits! Come over and test your SNAKEs here... it's definitely safer and you probably will like it! TC D/A/G

[@harveywallbanger2899]

What fun is it not to break the law ?

[@zumwild]

​@@harveywallbanger2899 Might get like America soon. The green party want to bring in speed limits in Germany, and it is looking good for them after the floods.

[@allanmcelroy9840]

@@harveywallbanger2899 hahaha

[@krystalstarrett6760]

All weather Cobra? Bubble top roll bar safe, for people that love Lemans anytime driving, ac defroster, you get it.

[@DSToNe19and83]

Towards the beginning he shows a old hand with his with a top, auto trans and ac! Sky’s the limit I suppose

[@jamessmith-rd3sf]

The Cobra looks like a killer engine put on a go-cart.. Scary !!

[@Combat556]

If you’re in Southern California, try to get to the “Fabulous Fords Forever” meet near Knotts Berry Farm. A lot of cool Fords, old and new, and Cobras. Usually happens in April, so check your car shows calendar.

[@fbandito]

I've been to a few of them at Knotts but it has since moved to the Irwindale Speedway. Reports were they didn't correctly anticipate the post-pandemic attendance as there were huge lines just to park spectator cars. I have one friend who waited 40 minutes in a line that didn't move before he gave up forfeiting his pre-paid tickets. Hopefully they'll do better next time.

[@mikemartenson4357]

I thought I did a lot of research, wish I had seen your video before I bought one.

[@fbandito]

This video has been around for a long enough time that a lot of the specifics are out of date however the basic advice still applies. If I'm not mistaken at least a couple of the companies mentioned are no longer in business. Kit cars have always been that way though. What did you end up buying?

[@mikemartenson4357]

@@fbandito Factory Five, they seem to have great staying power. The Factory Five family gives great support, excited to help a newbie like me. Finally semi-retired and have some extra time. I bought it off Bring a Trailer, had someone check it out before hand but still missed a lot of stuff, so it’s still a bit of a project. Have you ever thought of doing a 2nd edition of the video?

[@fbandito]

@@mikemartenson4357 I didn't make this video. Jim Colman who is now retired did. He's a friend and gave me permission to upload it. He's having a good time in retirement and no longer owns the Cobra you see in the video. I'd love it if he'd do another video as well but it's unlikely. Factory Five is a good choice. I have one as well that I completed in 2015 and have been enjoying ever since. I sympathize with you. Not everyone does a great job building these and you likely inherited a few hidden problems. The good news is there's a huge community with lots of support and you won't have any problem sorting things out.

[@brianswelding]

Two to three hundred thousand dollars for an original??? Well here in 2021 we're talking more like six to seven million. OK, I just sounded like Dr. Evil there for a second.... elevendy billion dollars mwah ha haaaaa!

[@jacksonmarshallkramer5087]

Suerformance is the way to go.

[@fbandito]

Nice cars but some of us want to build our own.

[@rusty383]

Factory 5 in my opinion is the best I have seen.

[@rusty383]

AwwHa finally a Daytona

[@robwinder3108]

Take a Lessons at a Good Company like Bonderant in Chandeler Pheonix they Give Excellent Training !! Kind of Spendy But they Teach you the Right way !!

[@cobrajet8866]

Nice Vidya. A lot went into pulling it together. I want a 260 slab car. got one?

[@fbandito]

I don't but they're out there. Real (original) slab sides are extremely valuable. Good repros are out there for ~100k. Superformance makes a lovely repro. Unless you get an original you won't be getting the 260 motor. Most repros are using a 302 Windsor variant.

[@dmh1367]

RIP IT Jim!!!

[@fbandito]

As of last Friday Jim was fine. You know something I don't?

[@dmh1367]

@@fbandito OMG! I MEANT TO POST "RIP IT Jim" I love the video and I don't know him personally. He seems to be a great ambassador for these cars. I'll change my post. I posted very tired and shouldn't have. My apologies!

[@jamescolman698]

@@dmh1367 the rumors of my demise are over exaggerated! ;)

[@anthonypalise6080]

What kind of Transmission are you running

[@drowepower88]

I'm not sure when this video was recorded, but for the last 20yrs an original cobra has ran right around 1 million, up to as much as $3,000,000 - $5,000,000 depending on its history.

[@fbandito]

The video was made in the 90's. Been a long time and no doubt many things have changed.

[@billashe2108]

1999

[@robwinder3108]

Except Having to deal with the Leg Heat in the Leg for the Gas Pedal The Kits can Change That !! But the Original Kept it Not to Change it !!!

[@krisztm7221]

It's about cobras and haircuts.

[@rusty383]

I drove one with a 283 Chevy with a 2 speed Power slide. It sucked!

[@TheNomadicWrencher]

i think we found madchads dad lol.

[@goodboyringo9716]

I couldn't imagine a 460 Ford eng with alum head in a Cobra.

[@DSToNe19and83]

A triple aaa top notch burn out machine... crazy un drivable I’d imagine.

[@WildDiamond07]

Colman wishes he had Coyote power though

[@johnbuske3862]

Any true hot rider wouldn’t sit on his car and scratch the paint

[@fbandito]

Not sure what you mean by hot rider but with these cars it's best not to be too precious. You cannot drive them the way they're meant to be driven and keep the paint perfect. Clean slacks on a clean Cobra isn't a concern. One of the coolest Cobras I've seen is owned by Lynn Park (Mr. Cobra) and it wears it's age and many battlescars with pride.

[@nobux717]

LOL...they look like little kiddy cars. 😆😆

[@mark12345574]

I'm sick and tired of toxic masculinity, where can I find an electric version of this car?..........OK OK I jest, I jest.....

[@fbandito]

You joke but that's where we are now and Superformance (among others) now sells an electric Cobra. Supposedly faster but that's missing the point as far as I'm concerned.

[@LanceisLawson]

Cobras ARE for old guys. Young guys don't know what a Cobra is.

[@jackg5094]

Everyone always forgets that Carrol Shelby went to Chevrolet first. The Ls would be a good match for one of these cars.

[@samsonian]

I was thinking the same thing…these days anyone that cares so much what others think about their choice of engine in a KIT CAR need to get a life. Remember, Dave said it himself: “the engine isn’t a part of the kit.” I was thinking an LS and T5 or even CD009 (350Z trans, can get brand new from Nissan for about $1700) coupled with an independent rear using Ford 8.8 center section (or 8.8 live) would be a pretty cool setup…that way you can run EFI or even super- or turbo-charged as long as it’s still loud AF! If I had my choice, I’d love to get a Cobra Daytona Coupe…such a sexy body making it much more stable at speed! THAT’s the car Mr. Smith went 198 mph at LeMans to take the record with, not the roadster (they maxed out aerodynamically around 165-170mph).

[@jackg5094]

@@samsonian I'm in the process of putting a Ls aluminium block 5.3 with a CD009 into a '96 Miata.

[@samsonian]

@@jackg5094 sounds like fun!!

[@DSToNe19and83]

@@jackg5094 you that’s gonna be a hoot to drive!

[@jackg5094]

@@DSToNe19and83 Its been on the road for most of the summer. It's a blast to drive.

[@DSToNe19and83]

“God forbid they throw a Chevy engine in it” Apparently he’s not a time traveler or has a crystal ball... LS boys are here to stay

[@Scatpack21]

Then build a kit vette

[@gregtaylor6146]

Remind me to avoid Factory5 cobras .... with the way that hood is flopping about on that silver car, looks absolute garbage!!!

[@fbandito]

That was their first Cobra and it has been many years and generations since. They're not like that anymore.

[@johnchurch8640]

​@@fbandito😮I7 I

[@shortattentionspangarage1312]

So Dave Smith has an accident, the car flips over, and is back on the track in a couple hours and you're whining about a floppy hood? Go buy something else, the Factory Five crowd doesn't want you anyway.

[@gregtaylor6146]

@@shortattentionspangarage1312 - I did, and guess what, my hood does NOT flap around like a pair of whore's drawers.