What look do you prefer? The old style on the left or the LED taillights on the right?
For those contemplating a Cobra replica build-or for those who already have-little thought is given to the taillights. There are two choices: the 427's dual round taillights, or the 289's older, rectangular taillight. Since most builders keep their cars' lighting fairly traditional, these choices have been accepted and used universally within the replica-Cobra community. The only variation has been changing the ways the dual round lights are lit when applying the brakes or turn signals, or using different color lenses. Some have recently used clear lenses with internal LEDs, but the look is still the same from the outside.
Presented here is a modern and out-of-the-box interpretation of the classic rectangular taillight. It incorporates the three necessary functions-running lights, brake lights, and turn signals-along with a reflective surface required by the DMV, while trying to retain the classic shape.
Here is the taillight on most replica-Cobras. It works very well and is quite accepted.
The inspiration came from three sources. The shape is obviously from the classic rectangular taillight. The urge to do something different has been my trademark since before building the kit. In the July 2007 KIT CAR, our readers found out about my hydraulic clutch system. Probably the main inspiration and the key to starting this design came from a motorcycle taillight on a sportbike of recent vintage. The main body was red and had both running and brake LEDs, as well as a split field of orange hidden for the left and right turn signals, basically encapsulating all the taillight functions in a single unit. Seeing this burst open the creative dam. This is the first prototype of what could be offered to replica-Cobra owners in the future. Let us know what you think.
Rather than try to explain this taillight with words, we'll let the pictures do the talking to show you this unique interpretation, how it's made, and how it works. Without a doubt, it's different and creative. Most traditionalists won't warm up to this idea, but the beauty of the replica-Cobra hobby is that these cars are a creative outlet for their owners.
