[Rickd]

This is like "Ford Vs. Chevy" to a large degree. In my opinion the 2 best glass bodied cobras on the market are ERA and Superformance, in that order. Shelby CSX .. is definitely a nice car .. each one different depending on who builds it.

I started with a used Unique FIA (love the 289 cars) that I had for 3 years, and during that time I researched cobras quite a bit .. including visiting the ERA shop a couple of times.

Major differences:

.ERA made in New Britain, CT., each car custom built to the buyer's specs.
Each car is hand built with the wrench turned by a mechanic named Doug!! Who
Has built virtually every cobra shipped from ERA. (Bob Putnam, engineer; John
in the upholstery shop; a chassis welder; a glass layup specialist; Doug and an
assistant).

If you need or want support of any kind (including for example one owner who
was in an accident ... sent his car back to ERA for repair), the FACTORY is
availabe and accesible by highway. So. Africa is a long way off ... even if there
is a 'dealer network' for Superformance. My preferance was to be able to deal
with the factory direct, and talk to the guys who are actually welding, glassing,
and finishing the car.

.The ERA chassis uses 3" * 4" rect tube, vs the 2" * 4" in Superformance, and the
cross member under the passenger compartment + the chassis members that wrap
around the passenger compartment at 'top of seat' height, provide what I believe
is the most rigid chassis in the cobra category. Weighs about 150 pounds more than
most other chassis ... but is rock solid on the highway.

.The ERA is a visually identical replica of the original 289 and 427...right down to
the most miniscule detail. My FIA engine compartment, passenger compartment,
trunk, and body shape are identical to the original ... same with the 427.

I have looked at ERA and Contemporary as the two best glass bodied cars, consistently, in the category. Kirkham = amazing, if you are going to invest in an aluminum bodied car .. or if you come across a distress sale you might get something competitive with a new turnkey ERA. Superformance brought something new to the category ... a standard, very high quality roller.... no surprises. Backed by a responsive factory that has made modifications to correct any early fabrication deficiencies. Everyone knows what they are getting ... and it is a car that is built to last ... just like ERA. Really can't go wrong with either one. In the cobra category, if I could not get an ERA for whatever reason, the Superformance would be my second choice.

I asked Peter at ERA "why don't you build a roller a month ... with standard specs ... for that market segment that is looking for a car 'today' and doesn't want to wait 6 months or longer"? Peter is content with building custom cars .. per each owner's requirements, and steadily building 60 or so cars a year. If I were to purchase another cobra, it would be an ERA. (I would really like to keep my FIA and order a 'street' slabside .. but don't thing my wife is in agreemeent). Good luck on your choice and enjoy which ever one you get.