1966 Street Beasts Corbra Replica - Well Sold, Well Bought, Well Built

For an automotive enthusiast, going to car shows can be hazardous to your bank account. The danger is, if you see something you simply have to have, you may end up trailering it or driving it home.

Buddies John Mikolaitis and James Wagner attended the Goodguys Lone Star Nationals at Texas Motor Speedway, in Ft. Worth, Texas, back in 2002. They were so impressed with the Street Beasts display that they both left the show having ordered Cobra kits. Though John is still working on his car, James finished in time for the Texas Cobra Club's Spring Meet in '07, which turned out to be perfect timing for James.

James rebuilt the Ford 460ci... 

   

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James rebuilt the Ford 460ci V-8 himself, an easy task for a Cummins diesel mechanic. Compared to what he's used to working on, the 460ci big-block probably looks like a small-block.

The first time KIT CAR magazine ever attended and covered the TCC Spring Meet was not so coincidentally in '07. We were convinced that the event would be a great one to do an article on in KC, since the Texas Cobra Club has so many active Cobra members. Also, the several day cruise and show takes place in scenic Austin, Texas, and surrounding areas during the spring, which typically offers exceptional weather. In essence, like James Wagner and John Mikolaitis, who were well sold on a couple of Cobra kits from a knowledgeable Street Beasts sales person, KC's editor was well persuaded on the merits of covering the TCC Spring Meet by Houston Cobra Club and Texas Cobra Club member James Yale. Looking back, we're glad that Mr. Yale talked us into attending the Spring Meet ("Texas Tailgating," July '07 KC). It was really fun, and it enabled KC to get some great material for several issues of the magazine. To whit, James and Penny Wagner's Street Beasts Cobra is a very well built machine.

With 40 years of employment working for Cummins Diesel, in Houston, Texas, James is currently the director of Gulf Coast Services. A diesel mechanic by profession, he always wanted to build a Cobra kit. In '02, he took that fateful first step. As you can see from the photos depicting his car, he did a superlative job.

To get his wife Penny to give... 

   

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To get his wife Penny to give her seal of approval on the Street Beast Cobra build, James agreed to install a passenger side rollbar. The Ford 460 badge above the front fender vents came from a '64 Ford pickup.

During one of the daily TCC Spring Meet cruises, we had the opportunity to ride shotgun. The roadster cruised comfortably and kept up easily with the other TCC members' machines. With that 460ci big-block expertly built by a professional diesel mechanic, it's no small wonder that this Street Beasts Cobra feels like there's enough torque to pull the pavement off the streets every time James steps on the accelerator pedal. Mr. Wagner's a quiet, low-key guy. Yet, we could tell he's proud of his Cobra creation. He should be.

Perhaps John Mikolaitis will build the next nice Street Beasts Cobra we see. After reading this story on his buddy's car in KC, John may have an extra incentive in getting his car finished. Who knows. KC might meet Mr. Mikolaitis and see his roadster at the Texas Cobra Club Spring Meet '08. Wouldn't that be great?

Facts Box
James & Penny Wagner
Kingwood, Texas
'66 Street Beasts Cobra
www.streetbeasts.com

The carpet and door panel...        read full caption The carpet and door panel trim came from Street Beasts. Tan vinyl buckets are Cobra Roadster SS from Cobra Seats USA.	A Lokar shifter enables smooth...        read full caption A Lokar shifter enables smooth shifts of the beefy Ford C-6 auto trans. VDO Heritage Gold instruments fit the tan dashboard and Street Beasts supplied tan vinyl seats.	Stainless Steel Brake Corporation...        read full caption Stainless Steel Brake Corporation dual piston calipers and slotted 11-inch rotors provide ample braking in the front, with SSBC single piston calipers and slotted 11-inch rotors stopping the rear wheels. Southwest International Truck, in Fort Worth, Texas, painted the roadster PPG Aspen Green Pearl. They did a spectacular job.
Simpson four-point racing...        read full caption Simpson four-point racing harnesses keep occupants strapped in safely. The 16-inch wood-rimmed Cobra steering wheel is from Moto-Lita, as it was supplied originally in the '60s.	James belongs to the Woodlands...        read full caption James belongs to the Woodlands Car Club, the Houston Cobra Club, and the Texas Cobra Club, which is a superset of the first. Remember your Venn Diagrams in high school math? The Cobra script on the wind wings is a nice touch. Those original bullet side mirrors add an authentic touch to a well turned out Street Beast Cobra.	The trunk is immense enough...        read full caption The trunk is immense enough to accommodate a battery box and battery, in addition to at least a weekend's worth of luggage.