New guy on the block-CR vs. FF

[mtnpilot]

Try as I may, I have not been able to find a definitive comparison between a Classic Roadsters vs. A factory Five car. I am looking at four different cars, one of which is a Classic Roadsters model. I am brand new to Club Cobra and would really appreciate some candid thoughts on the plusses and minuses of the two models, things I should be looking for etc.
The three FF and one CR cars all appear to be in top notch condition and well maintained. It is my understanding that the CR model is 6" longer and 4" wider than the standard Cobra. If that is so, will the originality of the FF car(s) put them at a more desireable position regarding resale somewhere in the future or are the "creature comforts" of the CR car going to be something that will have appeal ?
Thank you in advance for any comments. I appologize if all this has been discussed on an earlier thread. I have tried (in vain) to find such a discussion.
I've always wanted a Cobra and am finally at a point where I can do it.

[mreid]

Not to open a can of worms, but equal quality of build, selection of components, and overall fit and finish will always put the FFR car on top when it comes to resale. If for no other reason than FFR is still in business and has some of the best customer support in the business for the volume of cars produced. All is negated though by poor build quality. Good luck in your choice!

[Grubby]

Look at and drive or ride in as many types of Cobras as possible. Go to the London car show or other events. You can see several makes side by side.

I agree FFR is probably going to be easier to sell. They are in business and people looking know who they are.


Get in the game. Buy a car and then you will learn what you really want in a car. You will never know what you want until you log some miles.

John

[tcrist]

The shape of the CR's door always sets someone off. It is non-traditional and if you are looking for a more traditional looking replica the CR might not be the one for you.

Like was said, Cr is out of business and FF is still in business so for FF that is a plus. But that only means anything if you need body or frame parts. All of the mechanicals (other than the lower trailing arms) are off the shelf items and can be gotten most anywhere. Though you always can get adjustable lower trailing arms from almost anywhere also.

[tboneheller]

Look at, ride in, & drive as many Cobras as you can before you buy one. Go somewhere that you can compare many different makes side-by-side. You will see that some are more "correct" than others. It just depends on what you like & what your budget is.

[Buzz]

FFR's were generally not the go to choice when originality is a big concern. Though they have the "correct" 90 inch wheelbase, the distinctive body lines had them in similar standing in that regard with the stretch wheelbase cars like the Classic Roadsters, etc.
However - as already stated - FFR is a current, active and thriving manufacturer with a massive base of support from both the manufacturer and the FFR owners community. The cars can be beautifully finished and there is a wealth of knowledge to draw from when building, repairing or maintaining your own car.
On top of that, if you are considering purchasing new, the new MK IV version of their Cobra roadster is far more "correct" looking and distances itself further ahead - originality-wise (and in other ways) - of cars like the Classic Roadster.
In my opinion (and that's all it is), based on your question and other factors, I would go with Factory Five.

[mtnpilot]

Thanks to all of you for your replies. It is very encouraging to be new to a group and receive timely and candid answers.
I shall make a point of driving as many more as I can prior to making a decision.

One other quick question. I have come across two (2) cars with Chevy engines. They both appear to be quality installations. Would the engines detract from the price even though they are solid (crate) engines ?

Again...thanks to all of you who have responded !

[terry lee]

[QUOTE Would the engines detract from the price even though they are solid (crate) engines ?![/quote]

In my humble opinion YES! Chevy engines are good, but less money to build than the comparable Ford. When you go to sell, you will limit your market considerably.
Just my $.02.
TL

[mreid]

Oh, now you went and did it! Where's the popcorn? The old Ford vs. Chevy in one of these is bound to make for some entertainment.

I wouldn't build or buy one with a Chevy...

[dallas_]

Originally Posted by mtnpilot

I have come across two (2) cars with Chevy engines. They both appear to be quality installations. Would the engines detract from the price even though they are solid (crate) engines ?

Again, it all depends on what you are looking for. To the average guy on the street it won't matter at all. Most people can't tell the difference and don't care. To the Cobra enthusiast it can matter a lot (just read the threads here about Chevy engines). If you like it, that's all that really matters.

The Chevy engine will most likely detract from the price which means you may (probably) get less when you sell, but you may (should) pay less when you buy.

The average guy on the street can't tell a Classic Roadsters from a FFR from an original. They just see a really cool car. The enthusiasts can (and will) gladly share their opinions if you ask them.

[mkassab]

Do yourself a favor and check out Unisue Motorcars.

Unique's web site: Unique Motorcars

UniqueCobra forum site: Unique Forums

good luck, Mark

[xlr8or]

Would you buy a used Pontiac at this point?
Why buy a car that is no longer available that uses many parts that are unique to it.
Is Factory Five the best replica available? No. It's not even considered in the top tier by many but that's not a problem. The company is still strong and producing cars. The cars can be finished to a very high level depending on who assembles them like most other replica's. If those are the only two you are looking at it's a no-brainer decision.
In this market there are lots of cars available in the mid-range so do your homework and get one that fits your needs.

[mdross1]

The more you read the more you realise how different we all think.No need to give you my opinion,but when shopping for a car try and think of all the things you might want to do with it.Think beyond driving it around just to show it off as say a weekend cruise,(where would you want to carry gear behind the seats or in the trunk,is there a top or toneau) Road race the car,(is the suspension up to the task,plenty of wheel clearance for hard cornering and wheel lock clearance left to right) A lot of things come to mind when buying someone elses creation.Good Luck and have fun finding your Cobra big or small block.

[bobcowan]

The first car I built was a CR. I think what drew me to it was the longer wheel base and larger cockpit. I'm 5'9" tall, and it actually made it more difficult to get in and out. Maybe for a taller person it would be easier.

The CR is built from an assortment of parts: Mustang II front end, Late model 8.8 rear, brakes from something else, and Chevette tilt steering column. Did you know he Chevette came with a tilt wheel? Most of the suppliers I called didn't know either. There was a large number of parts only available from CR. Since they're gone.......

The chassis is OK. It's flat, with not much cross support. It uses shocks and springs, with very little adjustments. For a small block street car, it's OK. For anything more it's inadequate.

The FFR is just the opposite of all that. Parts are readily available from FFR or Ford; or pretty much any parts store in the country.

The chassis is one of the best on the market. For the money, you won't find anything better.

Some people claim the FFR is not the best available. That depends on the yard stick you use. There is a better chassis available - at 3 times the price. There is a more accurate reproduction of the original - at 2-3 times the price. You can get an aluminum body - etc, etc, etc.

But, there's a lot of good reasons that FFR has sold more kits than all other companies combined. Half of the kits on the road are probably FFR's. A low price will attract a few buyers. But you don't grab 50% of the market on low price alone.

[olddog]

All the good things said about FFR is true enough. Anyone building a car would be wise to give them a hard look. I would.

Now here is the not so pretty side of the coin, when buying one built by someone else. FFR marketed that all you needed was a doner Mustang, and you can build a car for next to nothing. Hey if the Mustang is running good, why rebuild anything? You won't put many miles on a Cobra anyway. Well quite a few people built a Cobra that is worn out. Worse, some are not safe to drive.

Now you can find that with any manufacturer. You can find some FFR that were built with all premo parts and as fine a Cobra, as you will ever see. Be ware. You have to look at what parts were used and how it was built. If the person who built is doesn't seem very knowledgeable about cars, you might want to ask about who helped with what.

The more it looks like it was built from used parts the more concern, I would have. Most of the FFR cars, I have seen, were well built cars, and I think that is because most Cobra guys are a notch above the average guy.