They say some things are built to last… and this is a pretty good example! 🏁
Here at Image Wheels, we’ve been manufacturing bespoke alloy wheels in the UK since 1987, so it’s always a pleasure when we hear from customers who purchased their wheels decades ago.
But when Andy Stoffel recently got in touch to share the story of his Cobra, still proudly sporting the same set of GTD5 three-piece split rim wheels he purchased over 30 years ago, we couldn’t resist sharing it!
And what a journey this car has had…
Where It All Began – 1995
Andy completed the original build of his Cobra and registered it back in 1995, having purchased his Image Wheels earlier that year.
The wheels of choice were our classic GTD5 three-piece split rims, in a staggered fitment of:
- Front: 7.5 x 15″
- Rear: 9.5 x 15″
A timeless design, and one that looks just as at home on a Cobra today as it did three decades ago.
Little did Andy know just how many adventures, rebuilds and miles across Europe these wheels would go on to see!
An Accident, a Rebuild & a Race Against Time!
Unfortunately, not long after completing the build, Andy’s Cobra was involved in an accident, damaging one of the front wheels.
Andy recalls getting back in touch with us, although after all these years he’s understandably a little hazy on whether we supplied a replacement wheel or simply replaced the damaged black centre.
He does, however, remember visiting our premises and waiting while the work was carried out!
But fixing the wheel was only one part of a much bigger challenge.
The accident also meant Andy needed a replacement chassis and body, which were supplied by L.R. Roadsters in Newmarket. The new body was specially moulded in yellow gel coat rather than the usual grey.
And the deadline?
Just eight weeks!
Andy had already planned a trip to France with his car club, and he was determined not to miss it.
We’re pleased to report that, despite the tight turnaround, he made it! 🇫🇷
From School Runs to European Adventures
With the Cobra back on the road, it went on to enjoy a much more leisurely life.
Well, leisurely by Cobra standards!
Andy used the car for shows, visits to race tracks and, in his own words, “generally showing off.”
One of his favourite memories was collecting his children from school in the Cobra — something we’re sure made him a particularly popular dad at the school gates!
There were also trips to Holland and France for various car shows, giving the Cobra plenty of opportunities to stretch its legs.
During this time, Andy also made some significant changes under the bonnet, upgrading the original Rover V8 to a Ford 302 V8, alongside yet another repaint.
A proper Cobra, with the soundtrack to match!
A New Life in France
Fast forward to 2005, when Andy and his family made the move to France permanently, taking the Cobra with them.
However, getting the car registered in its new home proved to be quite the challenge.
The French authorities initially refused registration, and what followed was an 18-month process costing approximately €3,500 before Andy finally managed to get everything approved.
Quite the undertaking, but clearly worth it to keep enjoying his beloved Cobra on French roads!
And the story doesn’t end there…
Another Rebuild, Another Chapter
Around ten years ago, Andy decided it was time to give the Cobra some more attention.
After years of use, the car was beginning to look a little tired, and Andy also fancied converting it from right-hand drive to left-hand drive, making it better suited to life in France.
So, out came the tools once again!
The car underwent another rebuild, including chassis repairs, the steering conversion and yet another repaint.
Throughout all these transformations, one thing has remained remarkably consistent — those trusty Image Wheels GTD5s!
As a member of the Cobra Club de France, Andy has also enjoyed numerous weekend events known as Cobra Days, joining fellow enthusiasts to celebrate these fantastic machines.
Over 30 Years Later… Still Going Strong!
From its original build in 1995, through an accident, multiple rebuilds, engine upgrades, international moves, European road trips and countless car shows, Andy’s Cobra has certainly lived an interesting life.
And we’re delighted to see that over 30 years later, it’s still proudly sitting on its original Image Wheels GTD5s!
For us, that’s something rather special.
It’s easy to get caught up in showcasing the latest designs and freshly completed orders, but stories like Andy’s are a wonderful reminder of the history behind our wheels and the vehicles they’ve become part of.
We’ve been manufacturing wheels here in the UK since 1987, and knowing that sets we produced three decades ago are still being enjoyed today is something we’re incredibly proud of.
A huge thank you to Andy Stoffel for getting in touch, sharing his memories and allowing us to tell the story of his Cobra.
Here’s to many more years, miles and Cobra Days! 🏁
30+ years. Countless adventures. One set of Image Wheels. ❤️
🇬🇧 Image Wheels – Bespoke alloy wheels, proudly manufactured in the UK since 1987.
