Modern life often feels like a relentless rush, leaving us constantly connected but disconnected from tangible hobbies. For many automotive enthusiasts, the casualty of this hyper-connected lifestyle is time spent in the garage, wrenching and building. Håkan Boqvist, however, found a clever solution: reclaiming his lunch breaks. Instead of scrolling through social media, he immersed himself in oily metal, transforming a neglected Mustang Cobra 2000 into a stunning testament to focused restoration.
The Allure of the Mustang Cobra 2000
“The 50cc Cobra 2000 is a rare gem from the Mustang Bicycle and Moped Factory in Trelleborg, Sweden,” Håkan explains. “Like all Mustangs of that era, it was powered by a robust Zündapp engine, making it a reliable machine when it debuted in 1977.” While mopeds weren’t Håkan’s childhood passion (skateboarding held that spot), his father’s stories of European motorcycle trips on a classic Honda CB750 ignited a later interest in bikes. Already an owner of an SR500, Håkan sought something lighter and more nimble for daily commutes, leading him to the Mustang Cobra 2000.
From Rundown to Rejuvenated: The Restoration Begins
Håkan discovered this particular Mustang Cobra 2000 in a state of disrepair, a four-hour drive north of Stockholm. It had been fitted with a poorly installed 70cc engine and a 20mm Mikuni carburetor, resulting in subpar performance. “Instead of following the common path of modifying the Zündapp engine for more power, I decided to restore it to its original specifications,” Håkan states. This meant reverting to a stock 50cc cylinder and a Bing carburetor. Staying true to the original Cobra 2000 design, scrambler pipes were a must.
The “Lunch Build” Concept Takes Shape
With his garage conveniently located near his workplace, Håkan devised a plan to utilize his lunch breaks for the restoration. “I tend to sneak out during my lunch hour to get some grease on my hands,” he admits. This Mustang Cobra 2000 project became the culmination of countless lunch break sessions, spanning three to four months. Working within the confines of 30-45 minutes each day, dictated by his responsibilities as a father of two, presented a unique challenge, yet fueled his focused approach.
Initially dubbed “The Cobra Wasp” after an unexpected discovery of an old wasp nest in the tool compartment, the project’s name evolved. As the engine returned to its original 50cc configuration, Håkan humorously renamed it “The Lunch Build,” a more fitting testament to its unique creation process.
More from the Builder
Håkan’s passion extends beyond this impressive Mustang Cobra 2000 restoration. About a year and a half prior, he launched A Bourbon Affair, a platform to showcase his inspirations and builds. It serves as a creative outlet and portfolio of his talents. For those captivated by Håkan’s dedication and craftsmanship, exploring “A Bourbon Affair” is highly recommended.
