1965 Mercer Cobra Roadster beautiful car

1965 Mercer Cobra Roadster beautiful car

AUTO 16.01.2024 0 Comments Add to Reading List

1965 Mercer Cobra Roadster

Unveiling the 1965 Mercer Cobra Roadster: A Copper Dream Takes Flight

The year is 1965. Swinging skirts and beehive hairstyles dominate the scene, and the roar of muscle cars echoes through the streets. But amid the chrome and horsepower, a different kind of beauty emerges - the 1965 Mercer Cobra Roadster. It wasn't just another flashy car; It was a breathtaking work of art, a copper masterpiece that redefined automotive beauty.

Born of vision in copper:

The Mercer Cobra Roadster wasn't born off the assembly line. It was born from the imagination of famous car designer Virgil Exner. Tasked by the Copper Development Association with showcasing the versatility and beauty of copper in modern design, Exner poured his heart and soul into the project. Result? A car that shines with copper accents, from the gleaming radiator grille to the intricate engine bay (check out this photo for a glimpse of its copper glory: ).

1965 Mercer Cobra Roadster Exterior Nice

A symphony of curves and chrome:

But copper was just the beginning. The Mercer Cobra Roadster was a symphony of curves and chrome. Its long, elegant hood flows seamlessly into a low-slung cockpit, reminiscent of classic European roadsters. The wraparound windshield emphasizes the car's sleek profile, while the exposed rear wheels hint at its hidden power. From the handcrafted leather interior to the iconic Cobra emblem, every detail was meticulously designed to create a car that was as much art as machine

Beneath the shiny surface:

The heart of the Mercer-Cobra Roadster was not copper, but a powerful 4.7-liter V8 engine. This beast can propel the car from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.5 seconds, a respectable performance for its time. But the real joy of driving this car wasn't just about speed; It was about the unparalleled relationship between driver and machine. The responsive steering, smooth suspension, and throaty roar of the engine all conspire to create an exhilarating driving experience.

The Mercer Cobra By Virgil Exner - MyCarQuest.com

Short term dream:

Sadly, the 1965 Mercer Cobra Roadster remained a masterpiece. High production costs and a limited market for such a niche vehicle prevented it from entering full-scale production. But his legacy lives on as a testament to the power of design and the enduring beauty of copper. Today, the only surviving Mercer-Cobra Roadster is a prized possession, a reminder of a time when cars were more than just transportation. They were rolling works of art.

1965 Mercer Cobra Roadster Speed and Engine Type

Beyond the facts:

The story of the 1965 Mercer Cobra Roadster isn't just about technical features or historical details. It is a story about passion, innovation and the pursuit of beauty. It's a reminder that sometimes, the most breathtaking things in life are the ones that never make it into the mainstream.

1965 Mercer Cobra Roadster Speed and Engine:

Speed:

Unfortunately, due to the unique nature of the car, there are no official recorded high-speed tests for the 1965 Mercer-Cobra Roadster. However, estimates based on its engine and power-to-weight ratio suggest that it could reach around 140-150 mph.

engine:

The beating heart of the Mercer-Cobra roadster was a powerful 4.7-liter V8 engine, derived from the Shelby Cobra 428 Cobra. This engine has about 360 horsepower.

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Some additional details about the engine:

Pushrod Overhead Valve (OHV) Design – A classic, reliable technology
Aluminum heads and block - lighter weight for better performance
Four barrel carburetor – for maximum fuel delivery and power

While specific speed figures may be lacking, the combination of a powerful V8 engine and lightweight construction ensured that the Mercer-Cobra Roadster was no slouch on the road. It certainly lived up to its sporty looks and offered a thrilling driving experience that could only be imagined through historical accounts and video footage.

Have only one unique color of Mercer-Cobra roadster

Interestingly, because the 1965 Mercer Cobra Roadster was the only prototype designed to showcase the versatility of copper, it was only available in one color: a shiny, metallic copper finish. This stunning metallic hue accentuates the car's striking curves and complements the intricate copper accents throughout the exterior and engine bay.

Interior of Mercer-Cobra roadster

Stepping into the 1965 Mercer-Cobra Roadster was like stepping into a luxurious time capsule, a fusion of futuristic design and classic elegance:

Seat:

Two bucket seats, deeply trimmed and padded in black leather, with contrasting copper stitching that echoes the exterior theme.

High back design with integrated headrest for comfort and support during spirited drives.

The center armrest provided a convenient storage space and added luxury.

1965 Mercer Cobra Roadster Roadster by SibonaBasno Chassis CSX2451

dashboard:

Sleek and uncluttered, dominated by a large speedometer and tachometer set in polished bronze bezels.

Small gauges for oil pressure, water temperature, and fuel level provided essential information at a glance.

Switches and knobs were minimal and chrome-plated, adding a touch of sophistication.

The entire dashboard wraps around the driver in a cockpit-like fashion, enhancing the vehicle's sense of control and connection.

Concept We Forgot: 1965 Mercer-Cobra Roadster

Flooring and Trim:

Black wool carpet with copper flakes, adding a subtle shine and highlighting the car's signature materials.

1965 Mercer-Cobra Roadster Goes Under The Hammer – eXtravaganzi

Other details:

A wooden-rimmed steering wheel studded with copper spokes felt substantial and comfortable in the driver's hands.
A short, center-mounted shifter, perfectly positioned for quick gear changes, adds to the sporty feel.
Hidden storage compartments behind the seats and in the doors provided space for essential items.

Overall, the interior of the 1965 Mercer-Cobra Roadster was a masterpiece of minimalism and luxury.