Quote:
Originally Posted by NewYorkGuy
my point is the Cobra replica business will be end up in junk yards if they don't change or adapt to the new playing field.
The computer tablet has been around since the 1980s and it failed in the consumer market until Steve Jobs and Apple reinvented the tablet and made it cool and a must have item.
But I have no dog in this fight. It's financially better for me if the Cobra market falls in 10, 15 years.
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I can appreciate your point, but let me continue taking the other side of this debate.
First, Cobras and other hobby-type or kit cars will probably always be a small niche market. The cars do not meet current emission and Federal safety standards. So, state inspections and licensing will be difficult in most states. As an example, CA has a maximum of 500 new SPCNS (SPecially-Constructed) registrations each year. And there are many hoops to go through to get one.
Second, since this is a small niche market, there isn't alot of profit to be made. Thus, marketing budgets will almost always be small.
Third, one could argue that the Cobra and hobby-type car manufacturers are changing with the times. Examples are:
RCR (Race Car Replicas). I'm no expert of their history, but the owner Fran has introduced other kits like D-type Jaguars and the racy modern looking SL-C.
FFR has introduced the '33 Hot Rod and the GTM.
Kirkham was exploring offering an odd-type vehicle for the Greece-market some time ago, but I don't know what happened to that vehicle and whether it got off the ground. But, starting with Jamo's KMP, Kirkham did introduce the BNL (bare naked lady) option, which was no paint and a brushed or polished finish, which most customers opt for now. Actually, quite modern, since most old-timers prefer painted Cobras. And of course, they introduced the lighter stronger billet-aluminum suspension and other improvements over the years.
SPF and BDR now offer 18" wheels and BDR offers really interesting and unique new colors and the RT3 GT Cobra. SPF started offering the GM-licensed '63 Grand Sport replicas. Also, SPF also has just recently introduced a 289 model as did ERA.
CSX? They've built and marketed 50th Anniversary editions of both the 427 and 289 models.
Is this "changing with the times," adapting and/or reinvention? It's not radical change, but the needle is pointing somewhere on the proverbial "change-o-meter." And while I know you just picked a prominent example with Apple and Steve Jobs, but seriously, you're talking about one of the greatest companies and visionaries of the 20th and/or 21st century. The owners of the Cobra and hobby-type car manufacturers are smart and fine gentlemen, but that's not an apple-to-apples comparison.
Bottom line: Cobra's and other hobby-type cars have been around for 30-40-50 years, so I think they'll survive in some form in the future.