Something about a well-styled, aerodynamic piece of automotive technology tugs at the tear ducts. Sure, performance upgrades and ICE are key in a show vehicle, but you can't neglect looks. When Ivan Tampi rebuilt his 2001 Cobra, he certainly didn't ignore aesthetics. In fact, due to Tampi's background as a body kit designer, appearance was the priority.
Tampi's urethane creations transform stock bodies so much that the unseasoned eye can't recognize the end result at first glance. The initial build began several years ago in Tampi's garage as Tampi strove to make the Mustang look as different from factory as possible. After the car had earned notice galore at shows and on the newsstand, Tampi refreshed the Cobra into the vehicle you see here. Under a new Hot Rod Red paint job, the full Black Widow kit by itcmotoring consists of a front bumper, rear bumper and skirt in urethane; the sweeping tonneau and spoiler in ABS plastic; and the hood in fiberglass.
Aiming High
For the Cobra, Tampi aimed for an elegant look reminiscent of a Lamborghini or Ferrari. In order to incorporate the Ferrari-like tonneau into the interior, Tampi had to rip out the back seats with audio installer Greg Chang. In their place, Chang built the enclosure for the two subs and mounted the amps alongside them. With the goal of making the Cobra look like a more high-end vehicle, some high-end gear was chosen-a pair of McIntosh amps. Chang mounted these to a span of MDF bolted to the trunk wall. Red-painted trim hides messy edges and meets the sub enclosure below. Constructed of 3/4" MDF, the 2ft3 box is bolted to the floor and holds a pair of 12" Alumapro subwoofers. Chang smoothed the box over with body filler before sanding and coating it with a smooth gelcoat.
A Metallic Taste
Opposite the tonneau-shadowed amprack and sub enclosure, the factory dash received its own upscale treatment. Tampi had the main portion of the dash, and the rest of the vehicle for that matter, reupholstered in carbon-fiber-look vinyl. Meanwhile, factory plastics were chucked in favor of a chrome dash kit from Woodview and various UPR Products billet accessories. This step alone helps give the interior a new look. Within the center console, Chang mounted a Clarion VRX935VD receiver with a flip-up monitor. Directly beneath it, a Clarion TTX75D12 DVD player provides an additional source.
Flanked by the carbon-fiber vinyl upholstery, the door inserts were covered in vinyl embroidered with "Ground Designs 2000," Tampi's previous company. The tweeter enclosures by UPR Products maintain the factory spot at the front of the doors, while the midranges lodge in the factory locations. To place the larger Oz Audio speakers in the door panels, Chang lifted them up on MDF rings that were bolted to the panel. Oz Audio crossovers hide beneath the door panels, which, along with the entire vehicle, received a layer of Dynamat damping material.
For shows, Chang installed a Clarion 11.3-inch monitor in the last area of the A/V enrichment, the trunk. The monitor attaches to a steel plate that arches up from the nitrous oxide bottles' chromed rack. Behind the monitor, in the right corner, the additional Optima battery is visible. Connected with Monster Cable cables (which were the wiring of choice throughout the build), it stores the output of the upgraded 150-amp alternator. The other occupants of the trunk, the pair of Nitrous Express bottles, shine against the black background.
Elevation
The completed interior, in conjunction with the stunning Black Widow body kit, elevates the Cobra to a higher level. With the new A/V system, cosmetic upgrades and Cobra Misano leather seats, the interior certainly echoes those of high-end sports cars. It looks "night and day from the stock interior," states Tampi. He intends to continue taking this iteration of the Cobra to compete at car shows, where everyone can appreciate its honed good looks.
Tech
Black Widow body kit
Chrome rollbars
19" x 8.5" front, 19" x 11" rear GFG
Beverly Hills wheels255/35/19 front, 305/30/19 rear
Pirelli tires
4.6-liter Cobra engine, fully polishedVortech S-Trim superchargerVortech Power air-to-water aftercoolerVortech fuel pressure regulatorVortech in-line fuel pumpVortech FMUVortech blow-off valve
NX Nitrous Express
JBA long tube headers
UPR Products cross pipe
Canton Racing Products oil pan w/ windage tray
JBA mufflers
SSBC big brake rotors and chromed aluminum calipers