Project Aurora Cobra: Part 1 – Back From the Dead

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The rear brakes consist of an inboard brake design which was initially designed for an advantage of lower unsprung weight since the rotors and calipers are no longer mounted at the hub. This also allows for the use of rigid brake lines (vs. the standard flexible lines most commonly used today) with higher fluid pressures and a smaller rotor. 

The Aurora sits on an “SLA” wishbone suspension configuration, which is a vast improvement over the original 65 Shelby CSX2000’s transverse leaf spring set up.   This is combined with Bilstein coilovers holding spring rates of 200in/lbs all around.   I can definitely attest to the body roll and floating feeling that I have while trying to maneuver this beast through an autocross course because of the soft wheel rate frequency.  The rear differential is a Salisbury limited slip from an early 80’s Jaguar that resides between the tubular control arms and offset coilovers.

 

The rear Salisbury differential is nestled in directly under the fuel tank and above the tube frame chassis. Such a location keeps the differential housing safe from any unexpected road debris… or traffic cones.

Seven years later after the wounds have healed and the fiberglass and rear end damage has been repaired, I am now the proud and sole owner of the Aurora.  So the rebuild begins.  The plans for the car are to keep it as a well balanced street/weekend auto cross build that stays true to its domestic roots while integrating modern technology and engineering for a more reliable and safe vehicle, emphasis on the safety portion!

 

This is how the car currently sits today.  The front bumperette holes were filled in so a more classic Cobra style bumperette can be installed.
The rear tail lights have been fiberglassed over so the fabricator could mold the rear fender shape properly.  These will need to be cut out and installed as well as much of the other miscellaneous hardware.
Unfortunately the car was sitting outside uncovered while at the fiberglass repair shop, unbeknownst to me.  Thus the interior has been exposed to the elements and most of the materials in the interior need to replaced or restored.  Fun fact: Cobra doors sit very nicely where the driver and passenger seat should be sitting.

Although there is a lot of work still to be done to this car, much of which is in basic maintenance and cosmetics, it won't take much to get the car running again.  Basically this car can be compared to putting together a puzzle, all the pieces are there but it is just figuring out how to make it all fit back together again that is going to be the tough part. It's not a lie that blood, sweat, and tears have already gone into this car and I know that it will become something truly spectacular, so stay tuned for more updates as the progress continues!

8 comments

  1. Ashley, whatever happened with the restoration of this beautiful Aurora Mark II…?

    Did you complete it? Do you still own the car? Can you post an update?

  2. Good Afternoon, Great story, would love to see the end result, I am lucky enough to have one of the unfinished Aurora’s, I was told that it was one of two left over when the company stopped making them and the previous owner was the gentleman who manufactured the “Rotus” the Lotus Super7. replica., bought it from the remains of the company… I cannot wait to get started on mine, but have a 1966 MGBGT to finish first…. best wishes.

      1. Hi GIANNI, my apologies, I haven’t looked at this site for years!! Yes, I still have the Aurora, still waiting to be done, about to move it from one storage to another so I will try to answer the other question about how it is labelled, thanks

    1. If you purchased an unfinished or parts Aurora car, did it have a solid rear axle or the Jaguar unit? Was it badged as an Aurora or ?
      Thanks, Ian

  3. Hello from Hamburg,
    we are busy to overhaul axles on Aurora Cobra #158. We do have massive problems to find correct bushes for the rear SLA suspension. Can anyone help and knows where they come from. Every information is welcome.
    Best regards
    Frank

    frank.schauer@morganpark.de

    1. Hey Frank I am building an unfinished from the factory Aurora. I also couldn’t find replacement control arm bushings. I found bushings from Energy suspension that are very close to original dimensions. I ordered them and am waiting for them to get delivered. They are special order and come in bulk. the details are…. bulk-2044 $4 each total of 32. bulk-15.10.13.39 $6.50 each total of 16. This is for the rear control arms only. Hope this helps Regards Randy

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