Review written on 5/1958.
The press around the Philadelphia Motors Cobra may look more appealing than the Inland Taipan. But is it really a better Sports? As long as it's not as bad as the Achiever, Philadelphia Motors should be happy with their results. We luckily have a test model to figure out where this vehicle stands in the market. And if it lives up to what the advertisements are saying about it.
I was giddy when I heard we were testing Philadelphia Motors Cobra. On the track this thing is fast. How fast? Notice there are no pictures on this page? That fast! This is one of the fastest Sports I've ever been in. As impressive as that sounds, the 411 hp @ 5727RPMs 6132 cc V8 engine is even more impressive. Peddle to the metal, this baby will do 173 mph easily. And in a straight line we hit a 5.122s 0 to 60 mph! With 302 lb-ft of torque we were able to drag 9997 lbs on our test trailer. So it can move your spare junk! Do you remember those tea cup rides as a kid? Well the Philadelphia Motors Cobra is like that, but faster. Literally this Sports can turn on a dime. She's that good. There was nothing we could throw at it to slow it down. Mommy can I keep it? Please?!
When we got to interior testing on the Philadelphia Motors Cobra we found it to be below average. While you wouldn't want to use this vehicle on a road trip, it is comfortable enough for short rides and tiny commutes.
When it comes time to get into the Philadelphia Motors Cobra most people will find it to be a little tight. While the 20 cu-ft of cargo and passenger space does limit us, it is almost average for it's class. Overtime we got used to it. But we still think the folks at Philadelphia Motors should squeeze in just a little more space inside.
While not exactly handmade, Philadelphia Motors did put a bit of extra work into the Cobra and it shows. Panels actually fit and are made to last. The finish doesn't fade in the sun, and all the bolts have washers. It begs the question why buy a lower quality car every 5 years, and not buy the Philadelphia Motors Cobra which should last a few generations?
If there was one vehicle I believe would be able to hit 1,000,000 miles easily it would be the Philadelphia Motors Cobra. This vehicle was designed for dependability in mind.
The Philadelphia Motors Cobra's fuel economy is impressive, but not in a good way. The Cobra's 13.1 mpg is one of the worst in class. This might not be troublesome when you look at the numbers, but it will be when you actually have to pay for it.
While being safe is important, Philadelphia Motors did not believe it was a priority in the Cobra. The vehicle does provide enough safety features to be consider average for its class. It does not add anything more than that however.
The Philadelphia Motors Cobra fits the mold of your prototypical Sports. It meets all the necessary requirements of being a good Sports and at times is quite enjoyable. It may not be the best. But it is still a good Sports.