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Old 01-21-2019, 12:41 PM
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David Kirkham David Kirkham is offline
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Original Shelby Owner


 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Provo, Ut
Cobra Make, Engine: Kirkham, 427
Posts: 6,990
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Quote:
Originally Posted by F355FTS View Post
The hybrid, small block, 5 speed, under car exhaust combo is what I feel held the price down.

People want big block, 4 speed, and side exhaust.
Our customers, by and large, want 427 cars (that's what the numbers bear out). From what we have seen, customers just don't want much deviation from original. The main exception to this rule is the Tremec transmission. It is very rare (even among the die hard, original 289 Street crowd) to install a 4 speed transmission any more. The ONLY guys who install them seem to be guys who are constrained by racing rules. There is, however, some variation to this with our customers from England who, by and large, prefer the Top Loader transmissions. I think a 289 Hybrid is a special case that probably requires a special buyer.

Quote:
Originally Posted by RodKnock View Post
First, David seems to be speaking about the 1,000 replicas he's built. Do you see the words "our cars"?
Yes, my comments are directed around our cars. I really don't know too much about other makes cars.

Quote:
Originally Posted by RodKnock View Post
Second, there are only so many old people left who desire "original" Cobra replicas. Eventually, you have to expand your market to the younger generation, at least that's what I think.
Even our younger customers want the car to look as original as possible--especially under the hood. Interestingly, that really hasn't changed over the years. Every time I think we are going to need to expand our market, I look at our back log and realize younger guys must be buying our cars. Our Coupes are still sold out into 2020 now.

Quote:
Originally Posted by RodKnock View Post
Lots of peculiarities and contradictions here.
Now ain't that the truth! It certainly is an interesting market with very interesting customers.

David
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David Kirkham, President Kirkham Motorsports
Manufacturer Aluminum Body Kit Cars and supplier to Shelby* for their CSX4000, CSX7000, and CSX8000 289 and 427 Cobra
*Kirkham Motorsports is not affiliated with Ford or Carroll Shelby or any of their trademarks.
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