The Day of the Cobra.

My son, Jake and I both love muscle cars.  I've always loved the looks of them, Jake is learning more about engines and what not.  A few weeks ago, we attended a small show in Rolla, Missouri. 

The highlight of the show, for both of us was a truly beautifully maintained 1967 Shelby Cobra.  We heard this car coming a quarter of a mile away.  I think we both turned in tandem and looked toward the road and watched this car drive down the busy highway, transfixed at the sight.  I had to smile when I heard him murmur, "Oh my freaking god, it's a Shelby Cobra..." 

I do believe we were the first to approach the car as the owner parked it.  While he wiped it off and opened the hood my son stood, hardly breathing, as he look at the car.

Knowing he'd never ask, I went up to the owner and asked if he would mind my taking a few pictures of my son with his car. 

He looked over his shoulder at Jake, who still hadn't moved, his eyes reverent as he looked at the car, gave a little smile and said, "Sure.  Let me put the hood down, first."

I walked over to Jake to tell him we had permission to take a few pictures with him and the car.  I'm telling you, his face lit up like Christmas morning.  Jake walked the remaining four feet to the car and just stood there.  "Oh wow."

The owner had been watching Jake and that little smile of his turned into a big grin at Jake's reaction.  After the first picture the owner came up to Jake and put his hand on Jake's shoulder to move him out of the way.  He reached out and opened the door, looked up at Jake and asked, "Would you like to get in?"

I was thinking this is a rhetorical question, right?

He warned Jake about the very hot exhaust pipe, and Jake got in.  Can we say heaven?  I think my son thought he died and went there for sure.

A happy Jake sitting in the Cobra













Front view of the Cobra & Jake.











After the phot shoot, he and the owner talked about the car a bit and then Jake and I walked away to look at some of our other favorites at the show.  I personally love Camaros and there were two excellent ones at the show.  Jake's favorite, aside from the Cobra, was a Chevy Chevelle. (see photos below)

We weren't able to stay beyond a few hours, but we enjoyed the variety of cars present from old pick-up trucks from the 1930's to various cars from the 20s and 30's to cars of the 60's and 70's.  A few kit cars were present and some looked only a little larger than a go-cart.  Some cars were well preserved and others in need of a lot of work yet.

I don't think either of us will forget the Day of the Cobra.

© Sia McKye 2008 all rights reserved