looking to buy, toooo many choices, help!!!

edd · #1 (**permalink**) 03-30-2010, 04:43 PM

Hi guys,
I'm sure you've heard these questions many times before, but I only want to do this once, and apreciate any help I can get. I have around $35,000 to work with. I'm looking for a turn key car, that would be reasonably dependable, that I would'nt have to be wrenching on, all the time. Did alot of that in my teens and twentys, but now I'm 54, and it seems like I'm always busy. (just haven't figured out, what I'm alway busy at) But anyhow, thanks in advance.
Ed

#1 What can I expect for that kind of money.
#2 There are alot of manufactors, any to stay away from.
#3 Big block/Small block
#4 Suspenion types.

mrmustang · #2 (**permalink**) 03-30-2010, 04:45 PM

You'll find a bunch of small block Factory Five racing (FFR) replicas in your price range. Any big block you find for your upper end might be a bit questionable.

Bill S.

RodKnock · #3 (**permalink**) 03-30-2010, 05:01 PM

ERA is one of the best brands and here's one in CA at a dealer for $39,995:

http://www.myhotcars.com/inventory/a...08512XXXXXXXXX

I'm not affiliated and I know zip, zero, nada about it, but seems decent for an ERA with an FE of some unknown type.

RedBarchetta · #4 (**permalink**) 03-30-2010, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RodKnock

ERA is one of the best brands and here's one in CA at a dealer for $39,995:

http://www.myhotcars.com/inventory/a...08512XXXXXXXXX

I'm not affiliated and I know zip, zero, nada about it, but seems decent for an ERA with an FE of some unknown type.

The Idaho BAR tag indicates "1969 350ci Chev" for the powerplant.

Actually a nice looker for the price...would be worth further investigation.

To the OP, if your $35K budget also includes taxes, licensing and possible shipping, then you're probably looking at FFRs. Maybe a Backdraft/BDR if you look long enough...there are deals out there.

Good luck with your hunt!

-Dean

ZOERA-SC7XX · #5 (**permalink**) 03-30-2010, 06:14 PM

ERA is a great car, if you can snag one for forty large. Just keep looking. Cash is king.

Cashburn · #6 (**permalink**) 03-30-2010, 06:14 PM

Can you squeeze $5k on a credit card? At $40k you have a lot more options with more power and newer...

Dwight · #7 (**permalink**) 03-30-2010, 06:29 PM

my buddy, Coach Mike has his Hurricane with a Keith Craft 428 stroker for sale. Red with white strip and a black hardtop. TKO 500 and a nine inch rear end. Very streetable, no issues, you can drive this one home.
Located in Florence, Alabama
$39,000

If you interested, email me for pictures and more details.

Dwight Frye algunruner@aol.com

Black Mamba · #8 (**permalink**) 03-30-2010, 06:36 PM

Not sure if this is up your alley, saw it on Fleabay for $22K obo:

1963 Replicas and Kits Cobra Superformance, Candy Apple Red/Black, 8,010 Miles

1963 Ford Cobra Replica, 429ci Ford 8 cylinder Engine that was rebuilt, C-6 automatic transmission. Built in 1997, 1963 Corvette frame painted metallic red, 4 barrel Holly carb, BF Goodrich radial TA tires, 15 inch aluminum rims, super performance kit car, independent suspension, looks and runs great, sounds awesome! A real head turner. Garaged, non-smoker!
Joe
877-392-2891

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1963-...ht_1698wt_1167

Black Mamba · #9 (**permalink**) 03-30-2010, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by edd

Hi guys,
I'm sure you've heard these questions many times before, but I only want to do this once, and apreciate any help I can get. I have around $35,000 to work with. I'm looking for a turn key car, that would be reasonably dependable, that I would'nt have to be wrenching on, all the time. Did alot of that in my teens and twentys, but now I'm 54, and it seems like I'm always busy. (just haven't figured out, what I'm alway busy at) But anyhow, thanks in advance.
Ed

#1 What can I expect for that kind of money.
#2 There are alot of manufactors, any to stay away from.
#3 Big block/Small block
#4 Suspenion types.

Personally I prefer having IRS which lead to my Contemporary, ERA also is a IRS set up and I think they're both tube frames - good for stability/less flex. I also wanted a small block due to having a 427 Vette years ago that got between 4-6 MPG.
Seems like a fair amount of good deals right now but look throughly at what you're buying because you never know if a knucklehead built it and if corners were cut.

Gatorac · #10 (**permalink**) 03-30-2010, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by edd

Hi guys,
I'm sure you've heard these questions many times before, but I only want to do this once, and apreciate any help I can get. I have around $35,000 to work with. I'm looking for a turn key car, that would be reasonably dependable, that I would'nt have to be wrenching on, all the time. Did alot of that in my teens and twentys, but now I'm 54, and it seems like I'm always busy. (just haven't figured out, what I'm alway busy at) But anyhow, thanks in advance.
Ed

#1 What can I expect for that kind of money.
#2 There are alot of manufactors, any to stay away from.
#3 Big block/Small block
#4 Suspenion types.

First thing is to set a budget which you have done. Next is to define what you want to do with the car. Street driver, show car, track whore or double duty. Then decide if a faithful replica is important or do you prefer more of a "hot rod". A Cobra is somewhat like a Harley. Expect things to need attention at regular intervals. If your not handy with a wrench then you should have a good relationship with a mechanic willing to work on one of these. Let us know your location and someone here may have a recommendation.

With your budget looking for a turn key you are most likely looking at a pre-owned Cobra. That's a good thing as now is a good time to find a bargain. $35k should get you into almost any used replica other then ERA, SPF or Kirkham. If your planning on driving the snot out if it, you may be better to buy an older one that already has the inevitable stone chips on it. No sense in you taking the depreciation if you can avoid it.

Stay away from Street Beasts or whatever they are calling themselves now. A quick Internet search will give you plenty of reasons why.

Big block over small block talk can incite riots on this site. It comes down to budget, what you are planning to do with the car and how faithful of a replica to the original you want. Define those first.

As for suspension I think it's pretty universal that an IRS is a better choice in a Cobra. They already suffer from short wheel base. No need to throw in a straight axle to make handling the bumps worse.

Enjoy your search.

FUNFER2 · #11 (**permalink**) 03-30-2010, 07:22 PM

check out, www.cobracountry.com

What ever you buy, you'll love a cobra !

Nice b & B for under 40k--"For Sale: 427SC Cobra replica by B&B. Indigo Blue/white stripes. Professionally built."

Nice Shell Valley 33.5k (Good company) "For Sale: 427SC Cobra replica by Shell Valley Companies. Breathtaking white/blue stripes"

Nice SPF 41.9k OBO Vey nice car. Maybe he'll come down ?

"For Sale: Superformance 427SC Cobra SPF#473. Guards Red/Wimbledon White stripes"

Hurricane-42.5k. If you want a great cobra and engine, this is hard to beat.

"For Sale: 1966 Hurricane 427S/C Cobra. Ford Vermilion Red w/white stripes and black"

Hurricane- 41.9k Very nice also & less miles.

"For Sale: Hurricane 427 Roadster, repllica of 1965 Cobra Street Version roadster. Period-correct Rangoon Red with black upholstery"

Anyway, there's many good cars to choose from.
If you have any further questions, email me- cobrakev@galaxycable.net
Or call- 402-781-2322 (Central time, anytime)
Kevin

Bryan Anderson · #12 (**permalink**) 03-30-2010, 07:46 PM

B&B manufacturing can build you a new cobra rebuilt 351w 5 speed trans ready to drive all new parts 9" rear end all tubular front end adjustable coil over shock, painted any color you want 32,995 ready in 60 days. please take a look at our car at www.bandbroadster.com

mickmate · #13 (**permalink**) 03-30-2010, 08:25 PM

http://www.clubcobra.com/classifieds...t=2407&cat=500

Dangerous Doug · #14 (**permalink**) 03-30-2010, 10:55 PM

Check out the for sale section here on clubcobra.com. I just glanced through and there were a couple that were sub $35k.

This one caught my eye: http://www.clubcobra.com/classifieds...uct=2699&cat=2

If you shop around with cash, you should be able to find a nice Cobra. You'd get plenty of power out of a small block and that lends itself more to your budget. FE's are more expensive to work on than a small block, too.

You might also want to check out cobracountry.com, craigslist.com or ebay. Don't know how web-savvy you are, but craigslist and ebay (fleabay? I like it) are magnets for fraudulent sales/purchases. Proceed with caution.

Also, connect with any local Cobra owners. There is probably a PA club linked to clubcobra, so you could put a feeler out and some of the locals would be sure to help you learn about the different manufacturers.

I purchased an ERA 289FIA after several years of research (and saving money...). I wanted a fiberglass car with an exact replication of the original 289FIA Cobra. Funny though, for in the end I opted for 427-type wheels and did a couple of other "non-purist" things to it. Great car though.

Happy shopping.
DD

mrmustang · #15 (**permalink**) 03-31-2010, 03:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mickmate

http://www.clubcobra.com/classifieds...t=2407&cat=500

This one will be the best bang for your buck. You cannot go wrong with a well built Contemporary Cobra.

Bill S.

rustyBob · #16 (**permalink**) 03-31-2010, 10:23 AM

DWRAT has his FFR for sale on Phoenix Craigslist for $29,500........good looking ride and already has the bugs worked out........

edd · #17 (**permalink**) 03-31-2010, 11:24 AM

Thanks for all the responses. To answer some of your questions, I live in NE PA, I'm not looking to race, but want to be able to smoke the tires now and then, and as far as cobras being like harleys, I own three, a 1951, 56 and a 79, the 79 is what I call high tech. Owned quite a few muscle cars, inculding some big block chevys and mopars, but I don't know much about ford engines. What are the pros and cons of big block verses small block. From what I'm seeing there are some big HP 351's and even some 5.0 L Don't get me wrong, nothing sounds like a big block, but are there any big advantages.

Bryan Anderson · #18 (**permalink**) 03-31-2010, 11:59 AM

thanks for the response, I have been building cobra's for over 30 years now and i do agree nothing sounds and runs like a big block, but in a cobra i think for the price you are wanting to pay and for an everyday driver a small block is the way the go, big blocks are going to cost more, they are not going to handle as well, the braking is not as good, space to work in the engine bay is much tighter, so again a 351 around 400HP in this 2400 lb car is not going to have a problem smoking the tires, I would be happy to build you a car anyway you want but the small block would do you just fine, please go over to www.bandbroadster.com and look at the owners group photo section and see some of the cars we have built over the years.

thanks
Bryan

RET_COP · #19 (**permalink**) 03-31-2010, 02:28 PM

Bryan [B&B] builds a very good roadster, strong and dependable frame and body, appealing shape and lines, and great service at a fair price. Check out mine.
Lou

mrmustang · #20 (**permalink**) 03-31-2010, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by edd

Thanks for all the responses. To answer some of your questions, I live in NE PA, I'm not looking to race, but want to be able to smoke the tires now and then, and as far as cobras being like harleys, I own three, a 1951, 56 and a 79, the 79 is what I call high tech. Owned quite a few muscle cars, inculding some big block chevys and mopars, but I don't know much about ford engines. What are the pros and cons of big block verses small block. From what I'm seeing there are some big HP 351's and even some 5.0 L Don't get me wrong, nothing sounds like a big block, but are there any big advantages.

I'm located roughly 40 miles west of Philly and have both a big block(not for too much longer it appears) and a small block car I'd be happy to show you the difference on. Will be back in town on the 5th, feel free to PM me with your contact information and I'll call you then.

Bill S.