[Buzz]

ERA's rear end proportions, stance and wheel-to-fender relationship are far more accurate in execution than either Contemporary or Superformance. This is not a critique of their overall quality, just an aesthetic observation. Much is made about Contemporary supposedly having splashed their body from an original CSX and that may well be true, but something went south in the way they set the body - in particular, the rear clip - on the frame.

Looking at the body from the side, there is a much wider gap between the bottom of the door and the bottom edge of the body than you will see on any original - the body appears to sit too high on top of the frame rails. I am not dumping on Contemporary - these are just pet peeves that bug me on an otherwise meticulously crafted replica. For a car that goes as far as replicating the frame so accurately, I just cannot get past the high, perky butt and the body looking as though it sits up high way above the sidepipes.

I always draw angry responses when this topic comes up, but just look at the cars from the side, rear quarter or front quarter and compare to any original Cobra you choose. The low slung sleekness is captured beautifully by ERA while the Contemporary misses the mark in that regard. If you absolutely must have a round tube frame, then the CCX is the way to go. Personally I care far more about how the car looks overall than what kind of tubing is hidden under the skin.

I hope nobody takes this personally and gets all upset - just discussing my observations, that's all.