Interesting thread.
Can I ask, how many FFR cars are there in Aus ? How many owner / builders visit this forum? What is their experience?
I have a FFR Daytona coupe that I personally imported direct from the USA. It came as a complete kit but with an IRS option ($4k), Air cond option ($1.2K), high back seat option ($500) plus freight, customs, duty ,etc ($9k).
At the time the Aus$ was comparable to now and I managed to have it on my doorstep for less than the roadster is presently offered in Aus in its basic complete kit form. Despite virtually no price difference from the factory since then and the price differential between the coupe and roadster.
Yeah, I know that the extra cost of buying the car locally funds the distributors support network, etc, but I accepted the risk that I had to go it alone where others may not have. I did my homework and knew that there is a good forum that provides support for builders of FFR cars - FFR doesn’t appear to provide support so I can’t see the benefit in buying locally?
From the complete kit I knew I had to replace all the lights, replace the steering column (to incorporate steering lock), replace the steering rack, convert to RHD, replace the exhaust, put in proper seat mountings and seat belt points, etc. There are other things I have chosen to do that differ from the as supplied kit. I could have used some of the bits supplied but I would not have been happy to do so. Again, this was my choice and it has cost me accordingly.
I did not figure on having to strip the chassis, have it blasted,
zinc’d, and recoated because the powder coat was falling off. I did not figure the brakes, although just OK and compliant, would need to be replaced to something that works more effectively. These were additional unforseen costs.
Regardless of base kit cost, I am sure as most on this forum can attest that the kit price compared to the finished price is a very different thing and that it will vary substantially from person to person and taste to taste and with that whatever mods are required to comply locally in each state.
If I had to purchase from a distributor when I knew I could purchase directly for less, why would you do it. – That’s just me. Others may have a different view.
Would I buy from outside Aus again,...... Probably, after doing the appropriate research and if it ment that I could get what I wanted at the appropriate cost base.