Another newbie, figuring out how to buy
 

I am another newbie, never owned a Cobra, saw one two weeks ago and must have. I am looking to spend maybe $40,000 to $60,000, am not a car guy, and have some very basic questions. It looks like my price range means I am looking at a low mileage used.
Among the body manufacturers Superformance, Backdraft, Factory Five, Unique Motorcars, do you recommend one over the others? Any others worth looking at? Any to stay away from?
What about engine size? I saw a listing with a Ford 514ci SVO. Is that too much? Any thoughts about 427 versus 351? Are there any engine types that are prone to problems and that I should avoid? Any particular engine types that you would recommend? Any specific thoughts about transmission?
If I am looking to buy something out of town, should I hire a mechanic where the car is to inspect and test drive it? Are there any particular issues that I should alert the mechanic to look for? What is the best way to get a car from another part of the country to where I am?
Are there any good ways to find low mileage Cobras other than this site, ebay, and craigslist?
Once I own this bad boy, I'll need a mechanic. Any recommendations for the Dallas area?
Any other thoughts/guidance? Again, I am brand new to all of this and don't want to make any big mistakes. Thank you in advance for any helpful response to these very basic questions.

Hi Dallas!

You will hear lots of opinions. The way to find out what the right one is for you is to drive with some different ones. Do not forget ERA..these are great cars too. You will find a lot of cars in Cobracountry, Cobra Registry.
In this budget you will find a more or less new or even a new car. If you look at the prices...expensive to cheaper...Kirkham, Superformance+ERA, Backdraft, Factory Five.

All of these are quailty cars...the more expensive ones are the better ones (in my opinion)

Buy the best cars with the lowest miles you can afford and with a good engine in it.
If the car is to strong...press the pedal half the way...if the engine has to less power...have a hugh investment.

Its a lot of fun to find your favorite car...enjoy it and take much time!!!!

Go to San Marcos Tx. (TCC) at the end of march and you will see many options…

Alfredo

Which car is best for you is something only you can decide. Your budget allows you to find some really beautiful cars, again which one you buy is up to you. Personally, above and beyond my 427SC ERA for sale in my signature line, there is a absolutely stunning 427SC Contemporary Cobra for sale at the attached url below this line that to me the best bang for anyones buck.

http://www.clubcobra.com/forums/contemporary-classic-forums/99590-ccx-34021-about-go-up-sale-big-pics.html
Also check out my FAQ post on how to buy a used cobra (now with a third party web site that as expanded on my original post) here

http://www.clubcobra.com/forums/cobra-build-logs/93627-ready-build-cobra-kit.html


Hope you find these helpful. I find the hunt to be half the fun.


Sincerely,

Bill S.

Dallas (TX location?)

Go to the TX forum:
http://www.clubcobra.com/forums/texas-cobra-club/

Get in the group and make a decision based upon your catagory of buyer.
A local guy asked me the same question recently and I ask for a definition of his needs.
1) Purest: want to fool even those with same bug.
2) Just want a Cobra JWAC: Buy what you like and enjoy the hell out of it.
3) Hot rodder looking for something different: Those OCC type builds.

Next get in your areas group as you will see cars and know what you are looking at.
Best of luck!

Don't do it alone, Dallas. There is a Cobra Club in the DFW area. Call them up and let them help you.
Bill Stradtner

Don't Do It!
 

Save your money. You're probably just going through a phase and it will pass. On the off-chance I'm wrong, between now and next winter take the time to read the last five years of posts on this forum. If you're still enamored with the Cobra you can then buy one intelligently. If you're buying one of these cars on impulse, and haven't been in love with them for years (or decades), then you're asking for trouble. These cars are a huge pain in the ass, really expensive, and totally impractical.

Dallas,
Sent you a PM.

listen to patrickt


It takes a special (different) guy to own a Cobra. We have seen a lot of them buy one and then a year later sell it.

We met a local guy last year that wanted one. I offered to let him ride with me to the London Cobra Show last June. He accepted and rode the 1070 mile round trip plus all the driving we did at the show. Loved it but did not buy a Cobra. He has a Vette and drives it all over the country. A Cobra is a different type of car.

Take your time and make sure you want one.

Dwight

Look at this complete cobra for sale here on CC.
It's a great looking car and it even has a side oiler !

I would buy it if I could. The Shell Valley is a high quality car. The only thing I don't like, is the highback seats.

http://www.clubcobra.com/classifieds...p/product/2791


Check out www.lonestarclassics.com

Their in your neighborhood. I have one so if you're interested, send me an email & I'll give you my number to chat.

cobrakev@galaxycable.net

Dallas, great advise on the "do not rush ". I have dreamed and looked for over four years now, drove a few and looked at many more. Have always owned high performance cars, but Cobra's are a different breed.
Finally pulled the trigger and purchased a BDR w/427 550hp w/ stacked webers..... take delivery in about a month. take your time there will always be plenty available.

goodluck

Dallas, I hate to do this... but, I insist that you read "the thread of which we do not speak." http://www.clubcobra.com/FORUMS/showthread.php?t=82015

Thank you all for good advice, particularly Patrick, Dwight, and Bluesnake. I have always been a fan of roadsters and convertible sports cars, have owned a Fiat Spider, Porsche 911, and Boxter S, came very close to buying a 56 Corvette a few years ago. Still, I understand that this is something different, an entirely impractical beast. This would not be a drive to work car, but instead a toy to have in the garage, to take out on a pretty Sunday afternoon, and to show off around town. I will continue to ask questions and read, will go to some Cobra events, will find some opportunities to drive one, and will wait at least a few weeks to see if this itch passes. Again, thank you.

Patrickt said it best! You should have some idea what you really want a Cobra for,and what powers it,small or big block.These cars are a blast to drive provided the chassis is set up correctly,otherwise they are outright unpredictable.Any car you choose should be able to stop as hard or harder than it accellerates.Have fun in your search.

Dallas,

From your price range you will have a huge number of different Cobras to consider and could even consider several new rollers and have someone install the engine. I assume you are in Dallas, Texas from your user name (maybe not) but serveral recommended going to San Marcos at the end of the month as our Texas group will have a 100 Cobras there for you to see, speak to owners etc. Be a great experience for you! We have a great group in Texas with groups in Dallas, Houston, Austin and other smaller cites. Dallas group meets 1st Saturday each month for lunch (breakfest in summer hot months) and also other get together cruises like Cars for Coffee up in Plano. I have had 6 Cobras over the last 15 years and actually having a new Hurricane Cobra being built right now. You will find many cobra manufactures that build great cars and it really comes down to your preferences the look of each, options and how much you want to spend. Look forward to meeting you and be happy to discuss Cobras any time just send me a PM and we can email and/or talk offline if you wish.

I'm close to the end of my search for my Cobra and so I may be a fool and his money. Time will tell.

I have had more fun looking for the Cobra than I have had in a long time. I had to quickly decide on one manufacturer or go absolutely crazy with facts and figures. I wanted a big block at first, then moved to a small block 427. Fuel Injection was too expensive so a carb will be fine. It had to be a great looking engine! Given the economy it had to be well priced. So I was able to narrow it down and learn more as I researched it more. Yeah, I'm pretty methodical and that may not suit your style. The Club Cobra site was a great source of info. Reading threads and learning about what problems or opportunities get discussed in great detail.

What is most scary about this purchase is the number of 3 year old Cobras out there with less than 2,000 miles! Why is that? 90% of the time the answer is the wife won't go for a ride. I'm betting the $50k Cobra sits in the garage and is not a fun discussion with your wife about why it has been 6 months since you have started it up. You can't start it up because it is so noisy! It will wake the kids, the neighbors, the wife. Just let her burn herself getting out once, and your little Cobra is screwed!

Have fun!

All good points but also have to consider what else a Cobra does.....wind in your face, brute seat of the pants HP and a fun stress releiver and probably the best group of guys/gals you will find anywhere in the world. It's also about the people ie; young and old with a common interest. I sold my last one over 4 years ago and went the new performance car route and coming back home now. **)

Research, Research, Research !
Decide if you want an authentic replica or a hot rod look a like.
Price range
Build it yourself or buy it done
Engine size and type
Colors
Wheels & Tires

The cobra is more fun than a barrel of monkeys, gets tons of recognition from everyone and is just a killer little car that stands out in any crowd.
My wife loves to ride in it as long as I don't go over 100.
Bill

I think most of time, buyers figure out the car is not for them, for various reasons that get discussed here all the time. Also, some buyers will eventually want to upgrade to a better car.

There's no way,.... I could have a Cobra, or any other car as far as that goes, in my garage & not drive it. That's why I could not have a car collection of non-drivers because of their worth. Hemi Cuda, 427 Corvette, ect.,... or a original Cobra.

I met a guy that has a original 427 Cobra in his collection. He takes it out once per year, and he said "you don't want to know how much my insurance company charges for that day" lol

If I can't or won't drive it, I won't have it. No trailer queens in my stable. ;)