When one hears the words luxury cars, Aston Martin's latest cars, Ferrari's racing car lineups, and Lincoln's powerful SUVs may come to mind. Back in the 1960s, the Mercer Cobra Roadster was a glamorous car and certainly had lavish characteristics. While its popularity streak was in the twentieth century, it still deserves to be recognized in 2021 due to its upscale physical appearance and remarkable engine.
A reflection of Virgil Exner's genius, the Mercer Cobra Roadster was revolutionary for its time because of its heavy emphasis on copper and brass. No matter where car fanatics looked, the Roadster was rimmed with copper and brass, a testament to its prestige.
We're examining how this legendary car was created and how its copper and brass exterior was monumental for its time.
It Had A Compelling History
Mercer had its origins in 1909, as this was the year that William Walter created this New Jersey-based company. In later years, the talented car designer Virgil Exner published several of his works in Esquire magazine. Exner was already a prominent leader in the automotive world, as he sketched out designs for the 1947 Studebaker Champion cars that were part of the Studebaker Corporation headquartered in Indiana. He also worked with Carrozzeria Ghia, an Italian car design company, and spearheaded the designs of the Selene II, the Renault Caravelle, and Volkswagen 1500. Exner was even Vice President of Design at Chrysler. His work in Esquire magazine caught the attention of Copper Development Association President George M. Hartley, and this was the pivotal moment that shaped the Cobra Roadster's legacy.
Hartley contacted Exner and asked if Exner can transform this idea into a reality. This car's first name wasn't the Cobra Roadster. Exner initially planned to call it the Raceabout.
Exner and his son finished the design, receiving help from the now-defunct Italian company Carrozzeria Sibona-Basano in Turin. Exner used a chassis, the base frame of the car, from the British company AC Cars. An October 2016 Motor1 article reported that, "That's how the chassis number CSX2451 came to life, wrapped around a body featuring long-nose, short-deck proportions. The ingenious headlights were mounted on pivots that swung back flush with the nose's sides in order to give the car a streamlined appearance when not in use."
A September 2011 ConceptCarz article reviewed this process. The article mentioned that, "The car would be purchased through Shelby American, which was the exclusive distributor for A.C. But not only would the body come from Shelby; but the engine, gearbox, and other elements would also come through Shelby."
The Design Was Impressive
The 1965 Mercer Cobra Roadster was the epitome of elegance. If this car had to be summarized in one word, the word sophistication is the most accurate characterization. The Roadster had a lengthy front and was a gorgeous, creamy color.
It was a pioneer for its time, as the car was covered in both copper and brass. The brake discs were created out of copper alloy too. It wasn't just the exterior that was lush, as the engine was arguably the most glorious looking one car enthusiasts had ever seen: The valve cover, air cleaner, oil filler cap, and dipstick housing were lined with copper and brass. Overall, 11 different alloys appeared on this car.
While the Cobra Roadster's copper and brass accents were enticing, it's important to note that other features in this car was just as admirable. The winged fenders, or the section of the car that surrounds a wheel, appeared unconventional and inventive. The winged fenders and mud flaps also had copper and brass. Rear fenders were an additional triumph. It was impossible not to miss the flashing taillights.
Two passengers could fit inside the Cobra Roadster and were treated to luxurious, comfortable leather seats. There was a Plexiglass windscreen around the seats. If you thought there were no copper or brass furnishings in this section of the car, think again: The steering wheel, center console, doors, and instrument cluster all had copper and brass.
The Elite Owned It
The Roadster was featured in multiple articles, causing the car's fame to grow. One man in 1970 purchased its chassis. The car had a rich provenance after 1970, as three car connoisseurs owned it. It's no doubt that the brass and copper emphasis, along with the stunning, satiny color, attracted many fans.
The Roadster joined the Lyon Family Collection in 1989. It was displayed at esteemed events like the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, further gaining acclaim. The car was later auctioned off for $660,000, even though its expected bidding price was between $800,000-$1,200,000. The company or the name of the person who bought this car remained unclear, as no names were found online.
Altogether, the Cobra Roadster retained a strong sense of individuality and was a trailblazer in the 1960s. The intense use of copper and brass contributed to the car's fame. The use of such materials was both unfamiliar and sensational. Unlike some concept cars, the Cobra Roadster was a winner in both the performance and design categories.