Need purchasing advice

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by ERA427

Kirkham – very exotic and beautiful, but not really authentic as far as a 60s cobra.

ERA – Very authentic and usually have period correct motors (427 side oilers and 428FE).

Superformance – Very authentic and consistent on the outside but the engines are all over the map.

So, let me get this right. The ERA and SPF are more authentic than a Kirkham?

You should add that CSX's and KMP's are listed in the Shelby World Registry.

[PDUB]

Originally Posted by sneasle

ERA427,

Any comments on the offerings from Unique? I've been thinking about building a cobra and Unique is local to me (~1hr away) so I'm curious if you have any knowledge about the quality of their offering.

Unique does not get much "air-time" over here, since many of the owners spend time on the Unique users forum. It tends to be quieter over there... I guess the down side is that we're not over here to defend the Unique brand every time there is a query as to "the best."

There is clearly a hierarchy in everyone's mind as to the best. No doubt, each will defend their own brand "to the death"! Is there a best? Hard question. The answer is, "probably, but 'the best' depends on what you are after."

Unique has many good points. It's an accurate reproduction if you are interested in originality. Perfect originality? No. Good customer service? The owners will verify that in no uncertain terms. Good product support. Ditto. They have been around the longest of any Co. currently in business, so they are definitely doing something right.

In the right context, most any of the cars could be the best one for you. We all have our reasons for choosing what we did. Knowing and understanding the reasons you are making your choice will underwrite that choice as the best for you.

My personal take is that Unique is in the class of the more originally accurate replicas, on par with ERA, the older Contemporary, etc., but different. Does that make it better than some other makes? For some people yes, and others no. For me the answer was yes. I've driven a number of different cars, and the Unique was the best, hands-down.

Don't under estimate the value of being only an hour away from the factory. Invaluable!

Best of luck...

[G-Pete]

Originally Posted by ERA427

I’m sure I must have opened up a firestorm on this one.

Not really, good post - but I have to agree with RodKnock that one statement is kinda on the funny side

Originally Posted by RodKnock

So, let me get this right. The ERA and SPF are more authentic than a Kirkham?

[Jamo]

ERA427

You obviously now have a large vacant space in your lower digestive tract having pulled that out of there.

[rodneym]

Originally Posted by Jamo

ERA427

You obviously now have a large vacant space in your lower digestive tract having pulled that out of there.

hehe.

[mrmustang]

Originally Posted by Jamo

ERA427

You obviously now have a large vacant space in your lower digestive tract having pulled that out of there.

Don't hold back, tell us how you really feel

[Silversmith]

Having most of my time in original AC's from the 63/260cid & 64/289cid slabsides to the 66/427 (HM) sideoiler (CSX#3116) & a 68/428cid street. I took my time finding a worthy replacement ride. I rode/drove various replica models, Shelby, SPF, FFR, ERA & Unique. In the end, I went with a ERA. It was just the most true and authentic to my memories of what a AC roadster was and should be; an exacting replica. 90% of ERA's are factory built rollers/turn keys. So the build quality is dead on! Yes the ERA S/C is 2,600 lbs to the original CSX's 2,200 lbs. That is because of glass & a much stronger frame. The ERA for me at least was the best choice. That being said my 1st choice for Alum. would be KMC, then Shelby. My 1st choice for glass is ERA, then Unique & SPF. However if you want to go wild! Buy a FFR MKIV & drop in a (460 cid) for about 11K w/off the shelf parts & pushing 750 hp! For the ultimate low budget Rat Killer! That should run less than 50K, saying you do most of the work. Or look used here, or cobra country

[rayzorsharp]

Definitely learning a lot from this thread and this entire forum. I really appreciate your responses guys. I may not wind up with as nice a car as most of you guys have but I have to start with what I can afford. I may be able to upgrade later if I see fit but I will have one. Hopefully I'll get to meet a few of you guys at some upcoming events in the future.
Thanks again for the replies.
Ray

[rayzorsharp]

Well guys, just wanted to say thanks again for the input. I did in fact find me a car. I settled on a Shell Valley car. Took it for my first cruise yesterday. Might be a few days before I can go again. Forecast is calling for rain for the next 10 days.
Have any of you guys ever seen this car before? It was built by Shell Valley in 2001. It currently has 3100 miles on it. It's running a 460, C6, pretty mild, which is fine by me. I was mostly looking for a cruiser. I am curious though, even though it does have a 460, should it be a serious gas hog?? What kind of mileage should I hope to get from this car. I've got to find out what gears are in it. The ad states 4.11 but I have my doubts. I took it on the Interstate and it cruised pretty good at 70. I need to check my rpm the next time out.
Well, let me know what you guys think...good or bad. I can take the criticism.
Thanks,
Ray

[Mastiff107]

I bought mine a couple of years ago off this site under the "for sale" section. I went back and looked at the owners old posts to get an idea of the owner and the car. I found the owner to be knowledgable; have no posted complaints about his care; got a good idea about why he was selling his car; and got a feel for the car. Worked out very well and was glad I went into the purchase with at least some insite and not buying blind. You will find everything from "works in progress" to completed cars.

[Mastiff107]

Somehow I missed the last post...story of my life. I also have a Shell Valley. They make a great car. Very happy with the solid quality of the fiberglass. More solid than a number of others I have looked at. The folks at Shell Valley are the best to deal with and are fully stocked with any parts you may ever need.

[rayzorsharp]

Originally Posted by Mastiff107

Somehow I missed the last post...story of my life. I also have a Shell Valley. They make a great car. Very happy with the solid quality of the fiberglass. More solid than a number of others I have looked at. The folks at Shell Valley are the best to deal with and are fully stocked with any parts you may ever need.

No problem.
One thing I'm considering is adding the rock guards on the front of the qtr panels. Do you know if SV offers those or do I need to look at a different source?
Thanks,
Ray

[DanEC]

Nice looking car. Nice deal getting a hardtop with it. That 460 should boot it along nicely. From your description I would suspect the rear end ratio too. I have a 4.11 rear in a Corvette and it's pretty wound up on the highway - unless you have an overdrive transmission. You don't need a 4.11 rear in these cars, especially with a torquey motor.

[rayzorsharp]

Thanks Dan, really liking it so far!

[WardL]

Rayzorsharp, We are trying to create a spreadsheet with Cobra specs from the various manufacturers offers. You can view the beginning of this effort at the link:

https://docs.google.com/open?id=0BzD...XhNMWpHTmFRQTg

Any thoughts, suggestions or the specs of the Cobra you buy would be greatly appreciated.