[What'saCobra?]

We agree. Unless you are trying to flip the car for a margin in the next few weeks, even a less than perfect MKIV is easily worth $50K, even if they sell a little slow at much more than that.

The car has a real history of merit, a very high build quality, a nice design variation and excellent mechanical potentials that will take any engine/tranny combination or upgrade the owner could dream-up.

Maintenance is easy and cheap, not much different than driving an old MG or Sprite and engines/trannys are swapable at will. Repairing the body, while a specialty, isn't much different than fiberglass, just usually different people. But, it shouldn't be smacked too hard as a complete replacement would be pricey, like any fine toy. You could always get something nice from the Kirkham boys and bolt that on as a replacement; so, it isn't impossible.

The workmanship is top drawer, with high quality finish on all interior and exterior surfaces, plus high spec. bits. A few things are idiosyncratic, like the wiper motor escapement and Salisbury axle set-up if you change ratios, but there are now enough specialists around the US that even those are available at sensible service rates.

Parts are pretty much all available from a handful of vendors, but don't expect anyone from a FORD dealership to have any idea of what you have or are looking for... they are completely at a loss to comprehend any issues. Having said that, there are plenty of great folks around that would love the opportunity to service any issues on your new MKIV, you just have to search them out. But, you will not have to find a Hans or Herr Schmidt to fix your 30 year old MB190 with astronomical parts prices, hen's teeth availability and geld investor service rates.

Consider also that while FF and Superformance will still build another nice runner tomorrow for the next available customer, there will be no more MKIV's being built by AC. This is not a slam at the former. They build very nice autos indeed.

The other day i had the pleasure of visiting McMichael Motorsports across from Road Atlanta raceway for the first time and was suitably impressed with the build quality and sparkle of their new Superformances and their shop. No kidding, they were beautiful. And what nice folks. Rob, the owner, was particularly knowledgable and gracious, with an open interest in all things Cobra. And he has everything you ever wanted, Cobras of any sort, Daytona Coupe, GT40, Roush motors... the works.

But, he also had a very nice MKIV available i would recommend to your interest. Like any used vehicle it had a few issues that need your patient attention and a bit of skill, but the price was very fair at that consideration. And it was real, with an all aly bodyworks and a nice history. i would choose to modify the dash slightly to suit my personal taste, but it would be a nice patient project on which to learn several skills and the dash's details.

i still think MKIV's are sleeper investments and are meanwhile great drivers that become serious equipment with a stroked Windsor installed. And you can do the engine build/swaps yourself, if you wish. Don't try that on your Maser/MB/Lotus.

You will not make a killing on a quick flip, perhaps, but you will not find the sister cars built-out to a poor quality and later re-selling at $15K either.