From Dream to RestoMod Reality Louis Robbertse’s Spitting Image Cobras
Some dreams are built on passion; others are forged in fiberglass and steel. For Louis Robbertse of Pretoria, the dream of owning a Cobra burned bright since his primary school days in the 1960s. Now, standing over two stunning builds—a black LS1-powered Cobra and a blue LS7 monster—Louis's story isn’t just about building cars. It’s about honoring a legacy, overcoming challenges, and achieving perfection in motion.
Photos by Jan van Der Walt
Photos by Jan van Der Walt
The Dream and the Journey
Louis always admired the timeless design and raw power of the Shelby Cobra. But at 6'4" (194 cm), finding a Cobra that fit his tall frame was a pipe dream—until he discovered **Spitting Image Cobras**, the brainchild of Warren Grant and Jaen Britz. These custom-built Cobras didn’t just accommodate taller drivers; they also offered cutting-edge road-handling and a modernized take on the classic silhouette.
“I met Warren about three months before he passed away,” Louis recalls. “He initially didn’t want to sell me a kit. He wanted me to buy a complete car. But I wanted to get my hands dirty on this project.” Tragically, Warren’s untimely diagnosis of colon cancer shifted the plans. Before his passing, he entrusted the Spitting Image concept to Jaen Britz. Determined to keep Warren’s vision alive, Louis partnered with Jaen, and the result is nothing short of spectacular.
Building the Legend
Bodywork: Modern Classic
Unlike typical Cobra restorations, Louis’s builds started from scratch, molded locally in South Africa by Collins Fiberglass. “The cars are lower, wider, and longer than the classic Cobra but retain that unmistakable look,” Louis explains. Strength and safety were paramount, with side-impact bars integrated into the design. After a meticulous three-month bodywork process, each panel was flattened, prepped, and sprayed with custom Standox paints mixed to Louis’s exact specifications.
The black LS1 Cobra dazzles with a sinister, understated presence, while the blue LS7 Cobra exudes raw, unbridled power. Both showcase a seamless blend of modern craftsmanship and classic inspiration.
Chassis and Suspension: Homegrown Engineering
The chassis, originally conceptualized by Grant and Britz, received significant upgrades for strength and performance. Louis and Jaen collaborated on further refinements to ensure precise road handling. Custom-built in-house suspension components and a BMW differential add modern reliability, while Brembo six-pot brakes ensure the Cobras can stop as well as they go.
Engines: American Muscle with a Twist
The black Cobra houses a 350-horsepower LS1 crate motor—a masterpiece of balance and power. But it’s the blue Cobra that steals the show with its fire-breathing LS7, producing a jaw-dropping 530 horsepower. Both engines are paired with fuel injection systems and bespoke exhausts crafted in-house for an unmistakable V8 soundtrack.
Interior: Crafted to Perfection
Louis spared no expense on the interiors, redoing the black Cobra’s cabin four times until it met his standards. Plush leather upholstery, Speedhut gauges, and custom touches blend comfort and style. “I wish I’d added red stitching to the black car’s interior,” Louis admits. It’s the kind of perfectionism that makes these Cobras more than cars—they’re works of art.
Rolling in Style
Both Cobras sit on 19-inch rims wrapped in 295/30/19 tires, offering both aggressive aesthetics and road-gripping performance. The choice of wheels complements the stance of these modernized Cobras, giving them a planted, intimidating presence.
Carrying the Torch
For Louis, these Cobras are more than just personal triumphs. They’re a tribute to Warren Grant’s vision and Jaen Britz’s craftsmanship. “Warren’s passion created something incredible, and Jaen ensured that passion didn’t die a silent death,” Louis says.
The story doesn’t end here. Louis and Jaen are already at work on their next build—a Cobra with a Coyote Gen 2 engine paired to a six-speed automatic. But for now, the black and blue Spitting Image Cobras stand as testament to what happens when dreams meet determination.
RestoMod Specs at a Glance
Black Cobra (2022)
- Engine: LS1 crate motor
- Horsepower: 350 hp
- Paint: Custom black (Standox)
- Brakes: Brembo 6-pot calipers
- Wheels: 19-inch rims, 295/30/19 tires
Blue Cobra (2017)
- Engine: LS7 crate motor
- Horsepower: 530 hp
- Paint: Custom blue (Standox)
- Brakes: Brembo 6-pot calipers
- Wheels: 19-inch rims, 295/30/19 tires
Acknowledgments
Louis extends heartfelt thanks to Jaen Britz for his tireless dedication and ingenuity, and to the late Warren Grant for his unwavering vision. Together, they’ve crafted machines that blend the spirit of the past with the technology of today—a true *Spitting Image* of automotive perfection.
Got a Cobra dream of your own? Take a page out of Louis Robbertse’s book: go all in, get your hands dirty, and never compromise on your vision. These Cobras aren’t just cars—they’re legacy on wheels.
Louis always admired the timeless design and raw power of the Shelby Cobra. But at 6'4" (194 cm), finding a Cobra that fit his tall frame was a pipe dream—until he discovered **Spitting Image Cobras**, the brainchild of Warren Grant and Jaen Britz. These custom-built Cobras didn’t just accommodate taller drivers; they also offered cutting-edge road-handling and a modernized take on the classic silhouette.
“I met Warren about three months before he passed away,” Louis recalls. “He initially didn’t want to sell me a kit. He wanted me to buy a complete car. But I wanted to get my hands dirty on this project.” Tragically, Warren’s untimely diagnosis of colon cancer shifted the plans. Before his passing, he entrusted the Spitting Image concept to Jaen Britz. Determined to keep Warren’s vision alive, Louis partnered with Jaen, and the result is nothing short of spectacular.
Building the Legend
Bodywork: Modern Classic
Unlike typical Cobra restorations, Louis’s builds started from scratch, molded locally in South Africa by Collins Fiberglass. “The cars are lower, wider, and longer than the classic Cobra but retain that unmistakable look,” Louis explains. Strength and safety were paramount, with side-impact bars integrated into the design. After a meticulous three-month bodywork process, each panel was flattened, prepped, and sprayed with custom Standox paints mixed to Louis’s exact specifications.
The black LS1 Cobra dazzles with a sinister, understated presence, while the blue LS7 Cobra exudes raw, unbridled power. Both showcase a seamless blend of modern craftsmanship and classic inspiration.
Chassis and Suspension: Homegrown Engineering
The chassis, originally conceptualized by Grant and Britz, received significant upgrades for strength and performance. Louis and Jaen collaborated on further refinements to ensure precise road handling. Custom-built in-house suspension components and a BMW differential add modern reliability, while Brembo six-pot brakes ensure the Cobras can stop as well as they go.
Engines: American Muscle with a Twist
The black Cobra houses a 350-horsepower LS1 crate motor—a masterpiece of balance and power. But it’s the blue Cobra that steals the show with its fire-breathing LS7, producing a jaw-dropping 530 horsepower. Both engines are paired with fuel injection systems and bespoke exhausts crafted in-house for an unmistakable V8 soundtrack.
Interior: Crafted to Perfection
Louis spared no expense on the interiors, redoing the black Cobra’s cabin four times until it met his standards. Plush leather upholstery, Speedhut gauges, and custom touches blend comfort and style. “I wish I’d added red stitching to the black car’s interior,” Louis admits. It’s the kind of perfectionism that makes these Cobras more than cars—they’re works of art.
Rolling in Style
Both Cobras sit on 19-inch rims wrapped in 295/30/19 tires, offering both aggressive aesthetics and road-gripping performance. The choice of wheels complements the stance of these modernized Cobras, giving them a planted, intimidating presence.
Carrying the Torch
For Louis, these Cobras are more than just personal triumphs. They’re a tribute to Warren Grant’s vision and Jaen Britz’s craftsmanship. “Warren’s passion created something incredible, and Jaen ensured that passion didn’t die a silent death,” Louis says.
The story doesn’t end here. Louis and Jaen are already at work on their next build—a Cobra with a Coyote Gen 2 engine paired to a six-speed automatic. But for now, the black and blue Spitting Image Cobras stand as testament to what happens when dreams meet determination.
RestoMod Specs at a Glance
Black Cobra (2022)
- Engine: LS1 crate motor
- Horsepower: 350 hp
- Paint: Custom black (Standox)
- Brakes: Brembo 6-pot calipers
- Wheels: 19-inch rims, 295/30/19 tires
Blue Cobra (2017)
- Engine: LS7 crate motor
- Horsepower: 530 hp
- Paint: Custom blue (Standox)
- Brakes: Brembo 6-pot calipers
- Wheels: 19-inch rims, 295/30/19 tires
Acknowledgments
Louis extends heartfelt thanks to Jaen Britz for his tireless dedication and ingenuity, and to the late Warren Grant for his unwavering vision. Together, they’ve crafted machines that blend the spirit of the past with the technology of today—a true *Spitting Image* of automotive perfection.
Got a Cobra dream of your own? Take a page out of Louis Robbertse’s book: go all in, get your hands dirty, and never compromise on your vision. These Cobras aren’t just cars—they’re legacy on wheels.
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