Archived C & D ERA test review from 1983

[Got the Bug]

I came across this archived Car and Driver article that reviewed an ERA in 1983.

"When we tested this Cobra replica in '83, real Shelbys were trading for $70K. How quaint."

ERA Cobra 427SC Archived Test – Review – Car and Driver

[DanEC]

I still have that magazine but only a fraction of the photos made it into final print. Nice article - amazing how little the ERA 427 has changed since first introduced. They got it pretty close to right from the start.

[tkb289]

Great article, thanks for posting. Interesting how well the ERA compared to the original … and one could say, still does. A testament to good design, engineering and fabrication.

The part I found interesting was that the ERA replica in 1983 cost about 1/2 the price of an original car, and for the money the ERA was deemed a good value. Now a 2014 ERA replica is about 1/10 the price of an original car, give or take a little ... still a good value. Investment wise of course, over the long haul you can't beat an original car, if you can afford the price of admission ...

[66gtk]

Thanks for sharing. Great article and great photos! Anybody know what number this car is, and where it currently resides? I'd love to see a color photo or 10 of that car today. I can't imagine $37K for a turnkey back in 1983. That was a huge chunk of change indeed!

[1795]

ER has definitely made a concerned effort to produce a quality car and attempt to stay true to the original. Nice job Peter, Bob, Jack and everyone there in New Britain.

[strictlypersonl]

Originally Posted by DanEC

I still have that magazine but only a fraction of the photos made it into final print. Nice article - amazing how little the ERA 427 has changed since first introduced. They got it pretty close to right from the start.

There has been quite a bit of evolution of the 427 over the years. Not many parts are interchangeable between the new cars and the first ones.

427 Frequently Asked Questions

[DanEC]

I understand there has been steady refinement and improvements over the years but when you look at pictures of the body and interior from an an overall appearance standpoint (shape, contours, dash, seats, interior components, stance, etc) the early cars were a very good visual companion to the originals. And they continue to be so to this date. It's a compliment Bob.

[ZOERA-SC7XX]

I remember back in '83 I wanted this car. That was big money back then, and I could only afford a lowly used Corvette (which I still have). It took another twenty-three years to ultimately get my ERA, plus two to build it, and now I still have no regrets. The ultimate driving beast, this car trumps everything I else on the road.