[REAL 1]

Speed: I just think that a USA CSX will never be worth less than CAV CSX ie., in the $70,000 range or better depending on finish and equipment.

A $65,000 ERA or SPF in my opinion will suffer comparatively more in value because when given the option of buying a Shelby or brand X replica, most will, again in my opinion opt for the Shelby therefore driving the price of brand X replica down if its going to sell. How much will brand X values drop? Who knows. This is just MHO.

Remember even at the height of CSX prices the most guys had into glass CSX's were around $100K with all the whistles and bells and a killer aluminum block 427. When I priced glass CSX's when I had my ERA a nicely finished CSX with 428 was about $80,000.00. Since '98 the prices actually came down and sales started to pick up.

I'll bet most CSX owners have paid in the area of $80K to $85K after the roller program began for a finished glass car. I think its safe to say even under the expected new $39K roller price it will take $70K to finish the car top shelf with all the right stuff done right.

If I see a used glass CSX done right, built by one of the top dealers, well maintained and its available now would I pay as much maybe a little more for it than a new glass roller 90 to 120 days away? Maybe.

If I'm looking at a used Spf for $60K with a BB and I now can wait 90 to 120 days and get a Shelby Cobra for $70K, do I add $10K and get the Shelby or look to buy the Spf for $35K to $40K to make it worth my while to pass on the Shelby? I would.

Alot has been said here about guys who buy CSX's only buying it for the name and its just a replica, blah, blah, blah. Well I think were gonna see alot of guys who used to say that look to buy the "name" now.

Manny: We can't go back in time. Sometimes I wish I could.

Heritage? While the new continuation series are replicas of the original series as they share the same design and specifications, same equipment in many parts of the car, same feel, same look, same performance, same aura, same personality and were created by the company that brought us the original series from the creators company (SAI) they are also REAL Cobras. Ironically, while they replicate the original Cobras and are replicas in a sense they are also REAL Cobras being of the continuation series. In short thats why they are called "continuation" Cobras. They are continuing the production stopped years ago.

Are there some differences in the manufacturing process. Sure. Are the people making the chasis and various parts and body different today. Sure. Is the car the same as it was, except for some slight variations in main rail thickness and materials, Yep. Would you expect some things in the process to be different 40 years later. Yeah. I think thats fair.

So when we talk heritage, ie, some right, trait or character passed down or received from a predecesor, the new Cobra is clearly all Cobra and shares not only the same performance traits and ability as it predecesors but is also created by the same guy and Company (SAI) that brought us its forefathers and shares the right to legally wear the Cobra name and emblem. The subcontractors and the hands who build it today have changed as one might expect after 40 years. The creator is the same though.

If CAV builds the Cobra to Shelby's original specs then they will be Cobras. Period. Today CAV is building the chasis instead of AC for the glass cars as Kirkham is for the aluminium cars. Paranthetically from what I've seen from the original tubing and welding quality from AC, personally I'm glad I had the Kirkham boys built my chasis and used the same aluminum used in MiG fighters for my coach work rather than heavy duty Reynolds wrap.

Would I still love an original CSX. You bet. Would I drive it. No way!