[REDSC400]

I think that when all is said and done, a replica car, especially the Cobra genre, is an investment in smiles and good times.

Here is some advice, and I have taken this advice myself. There are some really nice Cobra replicas out there in the used market place. Some are true works of art, owned and lovingly cared for by the guys and gals that gave them birth (as it were). Just listen to the previous posters and you can tell the amount of care and LOVE these folks have lavished on their Cobras!

In my case, I found a real nice ERA in the same state in which I live. Fully documented, meticulously maintained, and perfect in every way. Showroom condition actually. 10 years young. 8,500 miles. Frankly, the same car I would have had ERA build for me.

This car was fully debugged and in perfect shape. The price asked was not the price paid. However, both the seller and I felt we arrived at a good deal. Also, I was gifted with about 600 pounds of spare parts and general "stuff" that came with the car that just never was used or was a future winter project that never came about. (carbs, tonneaus, wind wings, spinners, tools, car covers, turkey pans, MSD boxes, manifolds, fuel pumps, brake pads, various gauges, etc etc the list is too long) you get the picture...

So the moral of this story is... you can find some super nice replica Cobras out there if you are patient and know what to look for. Example... The latest issue of the SCCA Snakebite Bulletin #96 has one or two super ERA's for sale at what appear to be sweet asking prices (one is in CAL if memory serves).

(I mention ERA here only because I am personnally ERA oriented as I own one. I am not suggesting that ERA is the way you should go, but rather the way I went).

The well maintained, second hand Cobra, from a company that has legs (longevity) and good customer service will tend to keep its value if you maintain it well. This is what I have seen. You will not be hurt too much by taking the initial depreciation going this route.

The downside of this methodology is however the fact that you personnaly do not get to "give birth" to your own Cobra. However, you do get to refine it, and make all the mods you heart and pocket book desires.

I wonder what others think of this suggestion?