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.

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.

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