Cobra 148 GTL
The Cobra 148 GTL is one of Cobra’s best-known vintage 40-channel CB transceivers, built as an AM/SSB mobile set for drivers who wanted more than a basic AM radio. Its front panel combines channel, clarifier, meter, and mode controls in a layout that reflects the high-end CB design language of its era. The model became especially notable for sideband use, base-station-style features such as PA support, and long-lived popularity among hobbyists and restorers.
Radio history and overview
The Cobra 148 GTL was positioned as a 40-channel, solid-state citizens band SSB/AM two-way mobile radio. The manual describes it as covering AM, lower sideband, and upper sideband on the standard 26.965 to 27.405 MHz CB allocation, with a PLL synthesizer for frequency control. That places it in the later period of traditional 40-channel CB radios, when manufacturers were competing on operating flexibility rather than just basic AM voice service. ([manualslib.com](https://www.manualslib.com/manual/223446/Cobra-148-Gtl.html?page=3))
In operation, the radio was designed to offer both mobile and semi-base use. The manual includes installation guidance for mobile mounting, antenna tuning, ignition-noise mitigation, external speaker hookup, and public-address operation. It also highlights SSB receiving procedure and alternate microphone installation, showing that Cobra intended the set to serve users who wanted a more capable communications platform than a simple commuting radio. ([manualslib.com](https://www.manualslib.com/manual/223446/Cobra-148-Gtl.html))
The published specifications show a fairly serious feature set for a CB of its class: AM and SSB transmit modes, a 3-in-1 illuminated meter, RF gain, automatic gain control, noise blanker, ANL, voice lock, and PA output. The receiver and transmitter figures in the manual indicate a 4-watt AM carrier and 12-watt PEP SSB rating, along with quoted sensitivity and selectivity figures. Because manuals can vary by printing and revision, those values should be treated as belonging to the specific documentation cited here, not automatically to every later 148 GTL variant. ([manualslib.com](https://www.manualslib.com/manual/223446/Cobra-148-Gtl.html?page=3))
Cobra’s own legacy support page still lists the 148 GTL among its older CB products, confirming its status as a long-retired but documented model in the company’s catalog history. That ongoing archival presence, together with surviving manuals and service references, is a major reason the 148 GTL remains a familiar restoration and collector radio. ([support.cobra.com](https://support.cobra.com/support/solutions/articles/47001276454-legacy-cb-radio-support))
Technical specifications
- Model / part number
- 148 GTL
- Modes (e.g. AM, FM, SSB)
- AM, LSB, USB
- Number of channels
- 40
- Frequency range (e.g. 26.965–27.405 MHz)
- 26.965 to 27.405 MHz
- Power output (e.g. 4 W AM / 12 W PEP SSB)
- AM: 4 watts; SSB: 12 watts PEP
- Country of manufacture
- Thailand (manual printing origin shown in cited manual page set)
- Dimensions
- 2 3/8 in H x 7 7/8 in W x 9 1/4 in D
- Weight
- 5 lbs
- Microphone connector
- Plug-in dynamic microphone with push-to-talk switch and coiled cord
- Antenna connector
- UHF, SO-239
- Frequency control / synthesizer
- Phase Lock Loop (PLL) synthesizer
- Power supply
- 13.8 V DC nominal; 15.9 V max; 11.7 V min; positive or negative ground
- Receiver sensitivity (test conditions)
- SSB: 0.25 µV for 10 dB (S+N)/N at greater than 1/2-watt audio output; AM: 0.5 µV for 10 dB (S+N)/N at greater than 1/2-watt audio output
- Receiver selectivity
- AM: 6 dB @ 3 kHz, 50 dB @ 9 kHz; SSB: 6 dB @ 1.1 kHz, 60 dB @ 2.3 kHz
- Key features (one per line)
- Illuminated 3-in-1 meter; RF gain; AGC; squelch; ANL; noise blanker; voice lock; PA system
Collector notes
Legacy Cobra CB model still listed on Cobra’s legacy support page; widely documented in operating manuals
Museum information is provided for historical reference. Details can vary by market and production revision; verify against the model manual.
Radio Museum research notes
Catalog record — details may be incompleteManufacturer: Cobra
Recorded research reference: View documentation (opens in a new tab)