No, John Storie who was part of Champion (part owner I think) and was owner of Cobra also. That is why they look similar except for the back wedge shape. Due to "no compete" he could not copy that part. The Cobra is a splash of a Ranger 482, with some changes.
Whats your questions?
This is a good read here about the whole story...
http://www.bbcboards.net/showthread.php?t=59135