[REAL 1]

Marc: I agree with much of what Istock said.

What is your budget?
What is important to you?
If you budget is $100k+...
There is a cache' and an intangible value and enjoyment in many people's mind in owning a Shelby. They are not considered "replicas" by the SAAC Registry but genuine Shelby Cobras. However, some still do consider the CSX continuation Cobras "replicas". Every one knows where I stand on that issue but that's irrelevant here. CSX's are genuine Cobras and they are Shelbys. No other car can provide that. Further, via a Federal court decision they are the only car that can be legally referred to by their manufacturer as a Cobra or a Shelby Cobra.

As far as value. The buy in price is much higher but they do seem to retain their value and bring more money then non Shelbys.

Will they appreciate in value? I don't think so as long as Shelby is making new ones. Will they appreciate in value if Shelby goes out of business or stops Cobra production? Yes, I believe they will appreciate considerably in that case and your initial buy in price will definitely be money well spent. But who knows what the future brings? Not me.

The other issue is perhaps will current production CSX's have the same value as those produced when Carroall was alive and involved in SAI? Again, who knows, just something else to consider.

Below $100K it's a tough call between a glass CSX and a Kirkham. You need to weigh if the Shelby name and pedigree has more value to you then the aluminum body. Thats a personal call.

Below that and in the "below $$60K" range I would rank them:
1. ERA. Top flight car in every respect. Wonderful company to deal with.
2. Spf. wonderful car, great quality, great company, good dealer net work.
3. Then the rest.

I'm not saying "the rest" are not good and there are other great manufacturers and replicas out there like Backdraft, FFR etc.. but if I were choosing that would be my picking order.

Again, join a club, hang out with the cars and the owners to see if you really want to get involved with a snake.