[Chuck Hurley]

I am a builder who has built two (2) Everett Morrison Cobra 427's in the past couple of years. The fit, finish and integrity of the structure are excellent.

The first kit I ordered was missing parts, some of which were the result of my misunderstanding of what was included. I also decided to fabricate some of the sub-assemblies myself and do things a little differently. There were a number of parts that I had to have shipped from E-M to complete the project. Ups charges do add up.

The second time around, January 2001, I was determined that I was going to order everything possible from E-M as I found that fabricating sub-assemblies, wiring harnesses etc. was not worth
the aggravation. There were a number of items that were related to exterior trim that I acquired elsewhere. I visited the factory and felt assured that everything was in order just prior to the kit being shipped. I quess I am a little idealistic. Although most everything was there, I was missing a number of small parts. Through the efforts of Bob Spedding I was able to get everything I needed. Bob has a calming effect as a result of his extensive knowledge.

I have talked with Buford a couple of times regarding the future and I am cautiously optimistic. I am not saying that E-M is the best kit available but from my limited experience building several manufacturers kits I am more comfortable with the E-M product. Like anything else we become comfortable with what we get to know best.

Part of the problem with E-M is their desire to customize the vehicle to every customer's specifications. Although it is to their credit that they try to satisfy every customers's desires it leads to many different configurations. Everbody wants to build a Cobra to their specifications and part of the reason that we have unhappy customers is that the completed vehicle might be the result of incompatible combinations that work marginally or not at all. Building Cobras is a hobby for me. My full time job is President of a small corporation. I know that from a business perspective the way to make money is to standardize your product, buy quantity at discount and offer a limited number of options.

The hand writing is on the wall and I suggested to Buford that he standardize his product with a limited number of options to cut his overhead and be able to buy components in quantity based on a years projected production. What I mean by hand writing on the wall is that the days of picking up an old 427 and transmission and customizing them to the owners needs are almost gone for practical reasons. Here in Massachusetts you better have documented evidence of where every component came from including Vin#'s for each car that a component came from and a salvage title. For each car I have completed and applied for a Mass VIN (required) it takes me no less than 12 hours with the Registry of Motor Vehicles. The last one took 20 hours! Each time I build a Cobra I get better at identifying what is required to put in on the road and believe me when I say that if I did not take the time to get the VIN for the customer they would be tearing their hair out and screaming at me. Additionally in order to waive the emissions test in Mass the registration has to read in a particular sequence or else you will not get an inspection sticker. The problem is that the Registry wants to say that the car is year it was completed not the year of the replicar,
i.e. 1966 Cobra. The problem is easily solved if you know what you are doing but beware the first time! I know!

What is the point of all this rambling on? The point is that with all the requirements for parts documentation, emissions requirements (some states are now mandating OBD II computers for kit cars) E-M should take a hard look at the future of kit cars and market a kit that has a limited number of options, has engine drive train combinations that are off the shelf and readily available, have OBD II computers and meet current emissions standards. Buying a recommended crate engine, new transmission and rear end will simplify the acquisition of components, lead to easier customer completion, fewer operational problems and ease of registering the vehicle. I would love to build a car that is state of the art with a brand new fuel injected computerized engine, new transmission and new rear end. The problems for the builder and owner would be minimized. I think this is the future not only for Cobras but for all kit cars. It is too hard, too costly and too time consuming to find the vintage parts to make a real 427 Cobra and when you are all done you still only have a replicar!