Prospective Replica Buyer Needs Input

marcocsx3121 · #1 (**permalink**) 07-17-2004, 08:15 AM

OK all you Atlanta area Cobraphiles: this is a former "real" Cobra owner who is thinking about jumping back into the game. I'd like to attend one of your get togethers to gather as much info as possible about dos, donts, and things to avoid before I take the plunge. Any and all advice will be sincerely appreciated.

Russ Dickey · #2 (**permalink**) 07-17-2004, 08:50 AM

Check out Unique Motorcars. They are in your neck of the woods (Gadsden, AL) and produce a pretty accurate 427 S/C and 289 FIA. Both are reasonably priced as well. The Weaver family owns and operates Unique (and has since '77). They are extremely customer-service oriented and will be happy to give you a factory tour.

www.uniquemotorcars.com

Russ

casaleenie · #3 (**permalink**) 07-17-2004, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Russ Dickey

Check out Unique Motorcars. They are in your neck of the woods (Gadsden, AL) and produce a pretty accurate 427 S/C and 289 FIA. Both are reasonably priced as well. The Weaver family owns and operates Unique (and has since '77). They are extremely customer-service oriented and will be happy to give you a factory tour.

www.uniquemotorcars.com

Russ

I second this.......

BB427 · #4 (**permalink**) 07-17-2004, 10:19 AM

DITTO !!!!!!!

UNIQUE AND THE WEAVERS

Brent

MOTORHEAD · #5 (**permalink**) 07-17-2004, 11:00 AM

Unique is a good choice, but since you used to own a "real" one, I
say check out the Kirkhams!!! Alum or F/G, you'll feel right at home!!
Good Hunting !!

Dream Master · #6 (**permalink**) 07-17-2004, 11:14 AM

Marco, Take your time and make the right decision after seeing all the upper-end players like Superformance, ERA, Unique, Kirkham, and E-Morrison. All good upper-end cars. Check the resale on used types. Most everyone here will tell you that there car is the best, and it is for them, as they spent the $$$'s and certainly did not make a mistake.

Call me if you like, I have a customer in your area that is wanting to sell his car with less that 1000 miles on it. 427SO with removable hartop etc. 604-271-2013, Doug Reed. Certainly worth a look-see, should it be in your price range.

Good luck

ST · #7 (**permalink**) 07-17-2004, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by marcocsx3121

OK all you Atlanta area Cobraphiles: this is a former "real" Cobra owner who is thinking about jumping back into the game.

Why not just get a new CSX4000 series car and own another "real" one?

marcocsx3121 · #8 (**permalink**) 07-17-2004, 02:22 PM

Simple answer: when bought CSX3121 in 1969, even as a lowly project engineer, I paid the equivalent of four months gross salary. Today, as a retiree depending on the kindness of others (mainly my wife), the Shelby "continuation cars" cost a couple of years worth of my retirement income. Besides, as an arrogant former owner of a "real" Cobra, I view the CSX4000 cars as just another replica. I'm looking to recapture the excitement of Cobra driving, and not necessarily the snob appeal of owning a particular brand.

GeorgiaSnake · #9 (**permalink**) 07-17-2004, 04:41 PM

marco we have a huge assortment of cars in the Atlanta area - Johan's real one, TC's Kirkham, SFCJ's Kirkham (in pieces) several SPF's, several FFR's, EM's, Shell Valley's and plenty of Unique's.

We haven't been getting together much lately and it is usually spur of the moment type gatherings.

Randy

svobud · #10 (**permalink**) 07-17-2004, 06:35 PM

marco - sounds like you need to look at FFRs. They average around $27-35k for a recently built/low mileage example. You will get a whole lot of bang for the buck from one in the upper $$. If I had my choice and money wasn't a BIG deciding factor - I would have a Kirkham. As it is - my FFR fits me and my station in life. And - IMO - it looks just as good as a $60k one .. and just as fast.

Money was a big deciding factor for me - let's face it, the only rich Cops are the dirty ones. I saved my pennies, dreamed for years, and when it came time to decide which brand, I really like the engineering concept that FFR put on the table - built to use everything Mustang - and plenty of support. No huntin - No searchin for parts to fit - No having custom made 'one of' stuff..

There's a couple of FFR guys in your neck of the woods or you're welcome to come out this way (PM me). Jump on ffcobra.com and ask around.

Anthony · #11 (**permalink**) 07-17-2004, 07:28 PM

As you did go to the dark side, here is the perfect replica for you, as you can satisfy everybody, and it's inexpensive.

http://www.vipercarparts.com/group/cobrette.html

Turk · #12 (**permalink**) 07-18-2004, 12:03 AM

Marco,
Don't know exactly what 4 years of income on retirement is, but how much more do you think you have to pay to get a Shelby replica?

You might be surprised! There is no snob appeal.....
Just another replica, with some name recognition. If you are not paying a large premium for it, why NOT?

TURK

Cracker · #13 (**permalink**) 07-18-2004, 04:15 AM

Marco...Polo.... Maro.... Polo - Sorry I couldn't resist and yes I'm twelve years old!

We spoke a month ago or so and at the time you were thinking of selling the go-wiz-vette to do the Cobra thing. Have things changed? Based on what is described above I'd lean towards the FFR or Uniques as both are widely available for a fair amount and are excellent copies of the "real" thing - like most To A DEGREE! I will say the FFR is Faster with equal motivation do to the sheer diet it was raised on but both and other's would surely satisfy. Come on over to the Canton cruise in across hwy 20 this afternoon and I'll take you for a drive-n-mine - bring the vette though!

bk347 · #14 (**permalink**) 07-18-2004, 06:00 PM

Marco. I'm new here and don't mean to step on any toes. I moved down from Plymouth, Mass (read 1/2 hr from FFR) and have built a roadster, a spec racer and am now building a coupe, all FFRs(I can't make up my mind which one I like more). I spent about every sat am at the factory for over 3 years giving tours, helping with shipping and answering questions. They are a great car and the company is excellant to work with. I will be opening an FFR sales outlet/showroom in Cumming very soon and should have a few finished cars for display as well as 6-8 kits in stock. If you'd like a look at the coupe, I'm in Dawsonville. It'll be moved to the "shop" as soon as I clean and paint the place worthy of cobras. I do have what FFR calls the info packet which contains all current info on the cars and the company, which you are welcome to. There's also a great video included.
As was mentioned above, each replicar company offers something a little different, not just price. Visit as many as you can and talk to the owners. If I can be of any help with FFR info, just e-mail or call. Good luck and welcome back to the "right" side.
Bob Kay
706-265-9889

marcocsx3121 · #15 (**permalink**) 07-19-2004, 04:09 AM

My comment on the Shelby cars was based on the complete, aluminum SC I looked at at the SAAC convention in Michigan: $125K with his 427 FE motor with the bells and whistles. I'm currently leaning toward a 289 FIA replica with a serious 351 stroker and 5 speed Tremec box. I appreciate the local contacts who have offered both advice and (maybe) rides; I will take you guys up on yoour kindness shortly. As for the Vette, I'm having a tough time on the selling decision. I have a lot of time money invested in it and it does do a lot of seemingly incompatible things very well. I have a few other toys that can be sacrificed to provide at least a part of the funding for a Cobra.

RGINN · #16 (**permalink**) 07-19-2004, 02:34 PM

Marco:

There any number of good replicas out there... new and used. Since we are in your home town feel free to stop by and check us out. We are on Hwy 53 located across from the entrance to Road Atlanta. Give me a call at 770-965-9330. We are the local Superformance dealer. And yes you can test drive one....

Rob Ginn
McMichael Motorsports

chill · #17 (**permalink**) 07-19-2004, 04:23 PM

Marco,
You've heard this before, but ... go see the Weavers at Unique Motorcars. Great people and a great product. Definitely go look at a variety of kits/replicas, they vary widely in price, finish quality, and build effort. I'd be happy to show you my 289FIA if you are in the Alpharetta area.

GeorgiaSnake · #18 (**permalink**) 07-19-2004, 04:26 PM

Ditto Chill

Randy

Bruce Edwards · #19 (**permalink**) 07-19-2004, 05:56 PM

Ok so I am going to plug my shop.
Turn keys built starting at $40,000 with 302 and 5 speed and we provide everything. You pick the color inside and out. Options raise the price. We can install most any engine and trans combo. Add AC, CD players, power seats, tilt, powersteering, powerbrakes all can be done.If you want to provide some of your own parts we are happy to obliged.

ToyCollector · #20 (**permalink**) 07-22-2004, 08:41 AM

Marco,

All I will add is that if you are more into the driving than the building, look at the classified section here on this board and over at www.cobracountry.com. If buying a complete car, I'd look for a one or two year old low mileage car. You can find a great SPF, Unique, FFR and others now in the $30s...COMPLETE.

If wanting to build, well, there's tons of choices available.