Who makes the better Roller?

[Snake Pliskin]

Would like to take a survey of folks who have owned both an ERA as well as a Superformance. Might not be that many of you out there but if there are,would like to hear from you. Chassis and body comparison, rears etc. how do they match up? Thanks.....you might even throw a Factory 5 in the mix.

[jhwalker]

Originally Posted by Snake Pliskin

Would like to take a survey of folks who have owned both an ERA as well as a Superformance. Might not be that many of you out there but if there are,would like to hear from you. Chassis and body comparison, rears etc. how do they match up? Thanks.....you might even throw a Factory 5 in the mix.

Mr. Snake,
I fear that your requirements will result in a very limited group of responders. Perhaps none.

Would you consider allowing those of us who have chosen one of those two brands to explain how we feel about our choice, post purchase? Love it, or hate it.
I have nothing good or bad to say about ERA, but I love my SPF and I could tell you why I would make the same choice again in a heartbeat.
JamesW SPF #2117

[Got the Bug]

You can't go wrong with either. For an ERA roller, you're going to need to be very patient for while you wait for delivery. But, you're patience will pay off for sure. Love my SPF, but the ERAs are stunning. Buy used and save $$$.

[WardL]

I wish we had an easy place to list the tech details of each manufacturer's roller. I picked up a magazine that was supposed to compare the manufacturers, but it fell short. Tech items like weight, frame size & material, suspension, brakes, fiberglass thickness, etc would be listed for easy comparison. When you start asking personal preference, everyone seems to like the one they have. Few have had several different manufacturer's rollers to compare in an unbiased way.

[LMH]

Why don't you just buy Melzer's ERA and be done with it. Car looks awesome and the body is very accurate.
PhotoPost Classifieds - ERA 297 - Powered by PhotoPost Classifieds
Larry

[jeffgrice]

Great question.

When I shopped for my 427sc, I had Factory 5, ERA, Classic and Superformance on my list.

Researched for a year; read, talked to owners, test drove.

It came down to Superformance and ERA. I had a line a sweet ERA in Ann Arbor (local). Then when back to Superformance to review. Turned down the ERA.

Had my 427 for 8 years and loved the car. Quality is beyond belief. Nothing better. And the factory, dealers and SPF community were icing on the cake....a great group that makes ownership even better.

For the the difference is quality (fit, finish). design (engineering and visual appeal) and the community that comes with ownership.

I now have a Coupe. Not much competition out there but even if there was, I would have compared...the Coupe is a wonderful work or art and performance.

SPF all the way.

Jeff - SPC0136

[Bill Bess]

OK, I'm not afraid to give you my silly opinion. I have researched and observed most of the cobra's out there including the Superformance and the ERA.

Opinion: ERA for authentisity, appearance, engine placement and attention to detail.

Superformance for fine production car quality, great paint and std. features, although not authentic body shape and engine placement, good for those that want a big company product.

Both cars are very good, but I appreciate the ERA most.
Bill

[LightNFast]

......................

[Rickd]

This is like "Ford Vs. Chevy" to a large degree. In my opinion the 2 best glass bodied cobras on the market are ERA and Superformance, in that order. Shelby CSX .. is definitely a nice car .. each one different depending on who builds it.

I started with a used Unique FIA (love the 289 cars) that I had for 3 years, and during that time I researched cobras quite a bit .. including visiting the ERA shop a couple of times.

Major differences:

.ERA made in New Britain, CT., each car custom built to the buyer's specs.
Each car is hand built with the wrench turned by a mechanic named Doug!! Who
Has built virtually every cobra shipped from ERA. (Bob Putnam, engineer; John
in the upholstery shop; a chassis welder; a glass layup specialist; Doug and an
assistant).

If you need or want support of any kind (including for example one owner who
was in an accident ... sent his car back to ERA for repair), the FACTORY is
availabe and accesible by highway. So. Africa is a long way off ... even if there
is a 'dealer network' for Superformance. My preferance was to be able to deal
with the factory direct, and talk to the guys who are actually welding, glassing,
and finishing the car.

.The ERA chassis uses 3" * 4" rect tube, vs the 2" * 4" in Superformance, and the
cross member under the passenger compartment + the chassis members that wrap
around the passenger compartment at 'top of seat' height, provide what I believe
is the most rigid chassis in the cobra category. Weighs about 150 pounds more than
most other chassis ... but is rock solid on the highway.

.The ERA is a visually identical replica of the original 289 and 427...right down to
the most miniscule detail. My FIA engine compartment, passenger compartment,
trunk, and body shape are identical to the original ... same with the 427.

I have looked at ERA and Contemporary as the two best glass bodied cars, consistently, in the category. Kirkham = amazing, if you are going to invest in an aluminum bodied car .. or if you come across a distress sale you might get something competitive with a new turnkey ERA. Superformance brought something new to the category ... a standard, very high quality roller.... no surprises. Backed by a responsive factory that has made modifications to correct any early fabrication deficiencies. Everyone knows what they are getting ... and it is a car that is built to last ... just like ERA. Really can't go wrong with either one. In the cobra category, if I could not get an ERA for whatever reason, the Superformance would be my second choice.

I asked Peter at ERA "why don't you build a roller a month ... with standard specs ... for that market segment that is looking for a car 'today' and doesn't want to wait 6 months or longer"? Peter is content with building custom cars .. per each owner's requirements, and steadily building 60 or so cars a year. If I were to purchase another cobra, it would be an ERA. (I would really like to keep my FIA and order a 'street' slabside .. but don't thing my wife is in agreemeent). Good luck on your choice and enjoy which ever one you get.

[kayakjack]

My Superformance is magnificent!!

Mine is a ten year old car that is of the highest quality. Perfect.

But the best part is the community of Superformance owners. Great people.

Owning a Superformance is the highlight of my sports car owning/driving life.

Jack

[Lowell W]

I'd have to agree with most of what's been said here. I looked very carefully at ERA, FFR and SPF before I made my decision in 2002. During the six or so months when I was seriously shopping for a car, I actually changed some of my criteria, and came to realize each manufacturer produces a different "niche" product. So perhaps your definition of "better" may change as you refine your requirements.

FFR builds a very nice product for the money, and markets to the "price point" niche. Their focus is on ease and simplicity of construction for the home mechanic, using most driveline parts salvaged from a 5.0 liter Mustang. You can, of course, use all new parts and build a "sky's the limit" FFR, but most builders don't. While one of the most appealing aspects of FFR cars, to me, is their 4" round tube frame, another is their their individuality. It seems as though each builder builds his own version of the car. To tell you the truth, I'd rather look at 20 FFRs than 20 ERAs or 20 SPFs. If you want a project car and you want to drive a car you've built yourself and on which handled and installed each and every part, and if you'd really prefer to build your own version of a Cobra, take a hard look at FFR.

ERA builds a spectacular car with a totally authentic body in a very small facility, with a small staff of committed enthusiasts. They will sell you a car in any stage of completion from a parts set to a roller and if you're looking at a used car, they can likely provide you the car's history. ERA's major deviation from individuality-aside from their use of fiberglass for the body, of course-is their square tube frame. Other than that, they've taken great pains to source the most authentic parts possible. If you want as authentic-appearing a car as possible with a fiberglass body and plan to use an FE engine, and if you enjoy being treated as "family" by the manufacturer, take a hard look ar ERA. If you do look at a used ERA, however, be sure you know how and by whom it was built; also whoever else may have had his grubby fingers in the pie.

SPF sells a high quality, factory built car, which looks quite a bit like a Cobra, available only as a "roller" AND equipped with a heater/defroster, windshield wipers and a soft top. This is not to say, however, that all SPFs are the same: The factory has made running improvements over the years and many owners have upgraded various components. Like any factory-built product, SPF has had various issues, both with their own parts/assemblies and with items sourced from other vendors. On the other hand, an enormous benefit to SPF ownership is the opportunity to subscribe to the Superformance Cobra Owners' Forum (SCOF), an owners-only, email-based forum with an on-line tech library, as well as discussions regarding any other imaginable (and some unimaginable) aspects of Cobra ownership. Consider an SPF as a more modern interpretation of the Cobra, with a square tube frame and modern drivline parts, using half shafts with CV joints in the rear (ditto for FFR if it's built with IRS.) Although some SPF owners install FE engines, the majority use either Windsor or 385 series-based engines. I'll venture to say that most of the Cobra replicas which get driven lots of miles and far from home are SPFs. Although small, there is a dealership network and there's also, through SCOF, an enormous support network of owners, many of whom are at least mechanically capable, and almost all of whom are extremely enthusiastic. If you fancy taking a cross country trip in your car, of the three, I'd say SPF, hands down.

You did not mention Kirkham, which I'd also have to include in any "best" discussion, but that's a whole 'nother story.

Hope this is helpful.

Lowell W

[SunDude]

Does ERA even offer a roller? My understanding was they sold kits and turnkey cars.

Personally I've never seen an ERA Cobra in person, but their reputation is clearly excellent. So I would imagine, depending on options and who actually built the car, it would be a great choice.

But Superformance clearly makes a fantastic replica, and is a very popular choice as a result. Their rolling chassis approach to business means that these cars are very similar, one from the other, both in terms of equipment and build quality. The major differences come down to engine and transmission, for the most part. I am thrilled to own one and don't hesitate for a second to recommend them to others.

[Snake Pliskin]

Originally Posted by Lowell W

I'd have to agree with most of what's been said here. I looked very carefully at ERA, FFR and SPF before I made my decision in 2002. During the six or so months when I was seriously shopping for a car, I actually changed some of my criteria, and came to realize each manufacturer produces a different "niche" product. So perhaps your definition of "better" may change as you refine your requirements.

FFR builds a very nice product for the money, and markets to the "price point" niche. Their focus is on ease and simplicity of construction for the home mechanic, using most driveline parts salvaged from a 5.0 liter Mustang. You can, of course, use all new parts and build a "sky's the limit" FFR, but most builders don't. While one of the most appealing aspects of FFR cars, to me, is their 4" round tube frame, another is their their individuality. It seems as though each builder builds his own version of the car. To tell you the truth, I'd rather look at 20 FFRs than 20 ERAs or 20 SPFs. If you want a project car and you want to drive a car you've built yourself and on which handled and installed each and every part, and if you'd really prefer to build your own version of a Cobra, take a hard look at FFR.

ERA builds a spectacular car with a totally authentic body in a very small facility, with a small staff of committed enthusiasts. They will sell you a car in any stage of completion from a parts set to a roller and if you're looking at a used car, they can likely provide you the car's history. ERA's major deviation from individuality-aside from their use of fiberglass for the body, of course-is their square tube frame. Other than that, they've taken great pains to source the most authentic parts possible. If you want as authentic-appearing a car as possible with a fiberglass body and plan to use an FE engine, and if you enjoy being treated as "family" by the manufacturer, take a hard look ar ERA. If you do look at a used ERA, however, be sure you know how and by whom it was built; also whoever else may have had his grubby fingers in the pie.

SPF sells a high quality, factory built car, which looks quite a bit like a Cobra, available only as a "roller" AND equipped with a heater/defroster, windshield wipers and a soft top. This is not to say, however, that all SPFs are the same: The factory has made running improvements over the years and many owners have upgraded various components. Like any factory-built product, SPF has had various issues, both with their own parts/assemblies and with items sourced from other vendors. On the other hand, an enormous benefit to SPF ownership is the opportunity to subscribe to the Superformance Cobra Owners' Forum (SCOF), an owners-only, email-based forum with an on-line tech library, as well as discussions regarding any other imaginable (and some unimaginable) aspects of Cobra ownership. Consider an SPF as a more modern interpretation of the Cobra, with a square tube frame and modern drivline parts, using half shafts with CV joints in the rear (ditto for FFR if it's built with IRS.) Although some SPF owners install FE engines, the majority use either Windsor or 385 series-based engines. I'll venture to say that most of the Cobra replicas which get driven lots of miles and far from home are SPFs. Although small, there is a dealership network and there's also, through SCOF, an enormous support network of owners, many of whom are at least mechanically capable, and almost all of whom are extremely enthusiastic. If you fancy taking a cross country trip in your car, of the three, I'd say SPF, hands down.

You did not mention Kirkham, which I'd also have to include in any "best" discussion, but that's a whole 'nother story.

Hope this is helpful.

Lowell W

Thanks for the reply Lowel. I myself would concider Kirkham the best roller, having done homework on that crew. That's why Shelby gets his bodies from them. But at 62 G's a pop for a roller that has to sanded down if you want to paint it, I started looking at the next best thing. Which led me Superformance. Again thanks, Snake

[jhwalker]

I’m just an owner. Not a high-mileage guy, and certainly not mechanically oriented. But I believe that I know the SPF Mk III fairly well at this point, and a ton better than when I bought it due to the educational efforts of other SPF owners.
You start with the factory where the Superformance rollers are built. Hi Tech in South Africa has a great reputation for building cars. Jimmy Price is a man dedicated to building quality cars.
Superformance | Factory

Then on to the automotive enthusiast US owner, Lance Stander and his family. Lance is a car person who also is dedicated to the Superformance brand. A driver, a wild man in a car, a wonderful person, has a great wife, excellent kids. What can you ask for more? Oh yes, he sold me my car way back when.

Look carefully at the Superformance website. Superformance | Home
Transparent, filled with details. Look at the car itself.
Spend some time on the details.
Superformance | MKIII The energy that has gone into telling you about the car is representative of the car itself.
Then there are the people who have attached themselves to the Superformance brand.
The Superformance owners group, built and managed and by Randall Thomas and supported by a group of “senior” automotive enthusiasts dedicated to the SPF, is a collection of auto enthusiasts who are dedicated to driving these cars, racing these cars successfully (some of them) , and insuring that the approx. 3000 SPF MK IIIs are as good as a car can be for what YOU want to do with your car. Superformance Cobra Owners Forum
If you want to drive socially with other SPF owners, there are multiple SCOF-organized trips every year. SCOF is an interesting group of guys with a variety of backgrounds. You get to join it by owning an SPF. With approx. 3,000 cars on the road, there is a chance that there is an SPF MK III near you.
Mike and Pat Stenhouse of Second Strike. Superformance Owners Groups This website gives you more insight into the energy that somehow the SPF brand has generated over the years.
If you want to race an SPF successfully, you will find support for that.
Superformance Cobra Owners Forum
There are other persons such as Dennis Olthoff who are dedicated to the SPF brand. Some of the other SPF owners are folks who have successfully raced other more sophisticated cars and bring that experience and knowledge to SPF and SCOF.
If I remember correctly, the highest mileage SPF MK III has approximately 140,000 miles, and 35,000 of them were on a track. 40,000, 50,000, 60,000 mile SPFs are out there running around on this Sunday. These are driver’s cars if you wish them to be, as well as being beautiful.
I could ramble on for a long time, because I am a big fan of the SPF MK III, but have covered the essence of my thoughts. The SPF MK III is great little car that somehow managed to hook a large group of good folks into loving it and believing in it
James #2117

[jhwalker]

Originally Posted by Snake Pliskin

Thanks for the reply Lowel. I myself would concider Kirkham the best roller, having done homework on that crew. That's why Shelby gets his bodies from them. But at 62 G's a pop for a roller that has to sanded down if you want to paint it, I started looking at the next best thing. Which led me Superformance. Again thanks, Snake

It is not important, but, just to clarify, Hi-Tech makes the glass rollers for Shelby and Kirkham makes the aluminum, as of a couple of years ago I think (time flies).

Lowell, nice response... You should post here more.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by SunDude

Does ERA even offer a roller? My understanding was they sold kits and turnkey cars.

My experience with ERA was that once I got my checkbook out the boys would do as little, or as much, or anything in between, including building custom stuff for me that I only had "ideas" about and rough pictures. I'm pretty sure if I had paid for it they would have chartered a plane and flown down here to mow the lawn and trim the bushes. Now, all of that is not cheap, but I did not choose ERA in order to pinch pennies.

[Snake Pliskin]

Ward L.....very logical aproach when concidering the variables between the different Mfg. Co.'s I think along those lines as well. Unfortunately if you want to get to the bottom of it...detective work is never easy, and time consuming. Thanks...Snake

[LightNFast]

......................

[jhwalker]

Originally Posted by LightNFast

Jhwalker,

I’m surprised you’re aware of that; but when you actually think about it, it really does make perfect sense. It’s not where it’s made that’s important…. It’s how it’s made - Manufacturing 101.

-Kurt

Kurt,
Are pictures of your car posted? Sounds cool.
James

[Hydramada]

Who makes the better roller?

Whichever one you end up buying because hopefully you did your research and found out what was important to you.