Superformance MKII vs. Shelby CSX7000 fiberglass

[DrivinWest]

I had a thread going in the Superformance subforum, but what I learned there, and the rabbit hole it sent me down, has prompted me to ask a new question (I’ve searched, but have come up fairly empty):

What are the differences between the Superformance MKII vs. Shelby CSX7000 fiberglass cars? Below is my understanding based on the last few days of research.

• Both are built in the same factory at Hi-Tech Automotive.

• The Superformance MKII uses the same Ross Henry designed round tube chassis as the current Shelby CSX7000 cars. The Ross Henry design is very similar to the Tojero-style round tube chassis in the original small block Cobras.

• The Superformance MKII uses the same fiberglass body as the current Shelby CSX7000 fiberglass cars.

• The current Shelby CSX7000 cars use the same Salisbury differentials as the original cars, while the Superformance do not. I think the Superformance uses a ZF differential, but unsure.

• The brake calipers differ between the two, but I am not sure how.

• The same options are more expensive on the CSX7000 than the Superformance, sometimes significantly (Tonneau Cover for a CSX is ~2x the price). I do not know if the optional parts are actually different between cars. Does anyone?

It would seem that the Superformance MKII is the cheapest way to get a Cobra replica that handles (mostly) like the original small block cars. If that’s right, it’s a pretty compelling option or somebody looking for authenticity but not ready to dole out the extra $$$ for a CSX number and a few small differences.

Am I thinking about this the right?

[twobjshelbys]

Youll pay more for the shelby. And when you sell it, and you or someone inevitably will, the CSX will be worth more than the SPF and prob worth more than you paid for it. (The value rule is for equally configured cars, I can build a SPF that will be worth more but for equal cars the csx will hold better)

[LMH]

Used to be, though I'm not sure about now, that you could opt for a 4HU differential in the SPF.
Larry

[Tommy]

I suspect there are people who believe owning a CSX7000 is a better investment than any other currently produced car that resembles a CSX2000/3000. I suspect there are also people who believe owning a CSX7000 may deceive many uninformed people into thinking that they own a much more rare and expensive CSX2000/3000 because it carries the Shelby name. Perhaps the latter is the reason for the former. . . . Note that I didn't use the words "real" or "replica" until just now.

[mrmustang]

Originally Posted by DrivinWest

I had a thread going in the Superformance subforum, but what I learned there, and the rabbit hole it sent me down, has prompted me to ask a new question (I’ve searched, but have come up fairly empty):

What are the differences between the Superformance MKII vs. Shelby CSX7000 fiberglass cars? Below is my understanding based on the last few days of research.

• Both are built in the same factory at Hi-Tech Automotive.

• The Superformance MKII uses the same Ross Henry designed round tube chassis as the current Shelby CSX7000 cars. The Ross Henry design is very similar to the Tojero-style round tube chassis in the original small block Cobras.

• The Superformance MKII uses the same fiberglass body as the current Shelby CSX7000 fiberglass cars.

• The current Shelby CSX7000 cars use the same Salisbury differentials as the original cars, while the Superformance do not. I think the Superformance uses a ZF differential, but unsure.

• The brake calipers differ between the two, but I am not sure how.

• The same options are more expensive on the CSX7000 than the Superformance, sometimes significantly (Tonneau Cover for a CSX is ~2x the price). I do not know if the optional parts are actually different between cars. Does anyone?

It would seem that the Superformance MKII is the cheapest way to get a Cobra replica that handles (mostly) like the original small block cars. If that’s right, it’s a pretty compelling option or somebody looking for authenticity but not ready to dole out the extra $$$ for a CSX number and a few small differences.

Am I thinking about this the right?

Having had my car parked next to a 7000 series car, and reviewing both for 5 hours, save your money, buy the Superformance, this from the old owner of SPS0034

Bill S.

[redvettx2]

Will people pay more for a CSX number car. Yes if that is what they want and they are willing to pay for it. Which one will appreciate more? The less expensive SP car has way more room as a percentage to grow with a lot less invested. Cars normally are not great investments. There are a hand full that will appreciate as the 6 speed and tech makes pure drivers cars more valuable and desirable. What are you looking for. A CD you can drive or a car you can enjoy and use and not lose money on even putting miles on the car. Sounds like you are looking for something that is close to an original as possible with a tube style frame. You answered your own questions. Me I want to drive the car so the stiffer Box Frame I see as an upgrade to the design. Get the car you can afford and enjoy it. If makes you sleep better to have CSX stamped on the car pony up the extra 100K. Personally unless your are a collector who is looking at the frame stamp? Car is all about the look, presence and sound. Good luck and enjoy. For me I can have a Ducati Monster 1200R, Maserati Coupe GT and Jag F-type in the garage for the same money. I need a garage door open rear picture like we all saw in on poster as kids. PPI on my hope to be Cobra today. Hopefully in the garage Thursday.

[peterpjb]

Originally Posted by DrivinWest

It would seem that the Superformance MKII is the cheapest way to get a Cobra replica that handles (mostly) like the original small block cars. If that’s right, it’s a pretty compelling option or somebody looking for authenticity but not ready to dole out the extra $$$ for a CSX number and a few small differences.

Am I thinking about this the right?

yes, you are right

imho a Continuation Cobra with a glass body makes no sense

in my understanding a Continuation Cobra should be a toolroom copy like the Jaguar or Aston Martin Continuation Cars.

Even the aluminum 7000 cars are far away from that, there is literally nothing (except some parts of the suspension) you can leave in when you are going for a nut and bolt replica.

So when you are leaving the nut and bolt area and you are looking for the best originality/price factor, the SPF MKII is the way to go

[Mark IV]

See notes below

Originally Posted by DrivinWest

I had a thread going in the Superformance subforum, but what I learned there, and the rabbit hole it sent me down, has prompted me to ask a new question (I’ve searched, but have come up fairly empty):

What are the differences between the Superformance MKII vs. Shelby CSX7000 fiberglass cars? Below is my understanding based on the last few days of research.

• Both are built in the same factory at Hi-Tech Automotive.

Yes

• The Superformance MKII uses the same Ross Henry designed round tube chassis as the current Shelby CSX7000 cars. The Ross Henry design is very similar to the Tojero-style round tube chassis in the original small block Cobras.

The frame design is as original. The main tube wall thickness has been increased and the tubes have a reinforcement inserted into them. This eliminates the flex that caused cracks in the alloy AC built cars under the door. The lower control arms are "Ken Miles" design with Heim joints for easy alignment and double-shear mounting brackets a s opposed to the AC single-shear design.

• The Superformance MKII uses the same fiberglass body as the current Shelby CSX7000 fiberglass cars.

Correct

• The current Shelby CSX7000 cars use the same Salisbury differentials as the original cars, while the Superformance do not. I think the Superformance uses a ZF differential, but unsure.

The SPF has the ZF but a Salisbury can be optioned. The Shelby "Salisbury" is a Kirkham aluminum unit. My 289 has the Salisbury but is a Jaguar unit with mounting brackets Ross designed to allow it to mount to the Cobra frame points. If I was doing my car today, I would go ZF; constant velocity joints as opposed to the U-joints and plunge axles.

• The brake calipers differ between the two, but I am not sure how.

SPF branded "WILWOOD" and Shelby are marked "SHELBY".

• The same options are more expensive on the CSX7000 than the Superformance, sometimes significantly (Tonneau Cover for a CSX is ~2x the price). I do not know if the optional parts are actually different between cars. Does anyone?

Parts are the same. Why the price difference? Becuase they can!
It would seem that the Superformance MKII is the cheapest way to get a Cobra replica that handles (mostly) like the original small block cars. If that’s right, it’s a pretty compelling option or somebody looking for authenticity but not ready to dole out the extra $$$ for a CSX number and a few small differences. The CSX will sell used for more, but it costs more new. As Bill S. pointed out the potential upside on the SPF is likely a higher percentage.

Am I thinking about this the right?