[hinds57]

Hey guys! I've read the posts here for quite awhile,. and told myself that I wouldn't write until I owned a cobra of my own. I couldn't stand it any longer. I just had to write of a couple things.
I remember being about 13 years old when my infactuation with the cobra began. I collected every piece of literature and information that I could get my hands on. For one reason or another my cobra interests lead me to ERA. I had the guys from ERA send me all the info and a video also, which I've since wore out. I talked to Peter Portante on the telephone, but told him that I was in my twenties, so he would perhaps take me seiously, which he did.
I immedietly began packing groceries at the local store and took on a few other odd jobs to raise money to make my purchase from ERA one day. Weeks, months, and years have passed and I continue my battle to acquire the funds to own the finest example of a cobra. I have a ready-to-go 428 scj w/ a toploader. I also have a stadard bore sideoiler, but I still have to build it.
I live in British Columbia, Canada and our dollar suffers in value compared to the U.S. dollar. So, for me to order my 427 sc from ERA I need about fifty percent more dough to do so.
I've made three trips to Vegas to watch SAAC does Vegas, and have loved it every time. Last year was the first time that I saw an ERA 427 there, and it was fantastic.
I figure maybe another year or two before I can call ERA and put a deposit down for a car. This has been a life long dream and I'm so excited. I read through the ERA board and see nothing but happy customers. Bob Putnam spends a lot of time answering questions, comments, etc... These guys are running a quality show.
I also admire Carroll Shelby who started this whole thing back in the sixties. However I hear so many battles going on between the replica business and Shelby American. This is crazy stuff, don't you think? Shelby American overcame so many great obstacles and challenges in the sixties. That was the sixties, and as exciting a time as it was... it's over. The cobra's popularity today has been built from companies like ERA who have continued to keep the great image alive. What kind of popularity would the cobra present today after 36 (or so) years if only original cars were out there, and no replicas. I'm sure the image would be strong, but don't you think ERA and Contemporary, etc.. have kept the image alive.
This is what I say, "Thanks Carroll for starting this whole deal. I respect love the cobra and the era which surrounds it." and...... " ERA, you guys keep doing a fantastic job like you have been for the past 20+ years. You're the reson that this dream of mine is still alive. Shelby American should be thanking you for preserving the cobras image and increasing the demand for the car. Without you Shelby American would certainly have remained in only the historical automobile archives. You are the reasons that they are here today, THANKS!!."

Anyway, sorry for rambling on, and to the guys at ERA, you'll be seeing me one day.

Take Care everyone.......Ryan