Huge price difference

[BlueRooster]

I am noticing huge price differences between finished kits. Some kits with equal paint jobs and engines (say a 351w) of a Shell valley, and an ERA or Superformance are 10,000 to 20,000 $s higher. What are the differences that can command that much more in price. Is it frame, look of body, or just in the name? Any thoughts?

[Bob Parmenter]

Usually "just a name" is earned, at both ends of the spectrum. The informed marketplace will pay a premium for a premium product.

It's like the difference between ribeye (ne: spencer) and round. Those that can tell the difference will be willing to pay more for the perceived quality. Those that can't tell the difference, or choose not to value the premium, won't.

Odds are the lower market car won't have as good a paint job as the higher market car (obviously not 100% accurate) either. But then, not everyone has the "eye" to differentiate quality paint.

BTW, this isn't intended to flame anyone or their car, just not into flowery rhetoric.

[Mr.Fixit]

There is a huge spectrum of different quality being built under the same body shape of a cobra. Manufacturer "A" looks just like manufacturer "B" except one is a well designed sportscar, the other is a rolling piece of junk. Buyer beqare. the are a lot of nice cobras, and a lot of junk wearing a cobra body.

[Tongue Pirate]

Yes, Reputation, Accuracy & Quality are big factors in the equation.



The good part of this scenario is that there is something in just about everyone's budget.

[agro1]

Kind of like trying to compare a Dodge Neon and a Viper - get the picture ?

[Tongue Pirate]

Exacltly

[RallySnake]

You mean,

You really do, "get what you pay for"?

Paul

[Steve SPF 517]

There are many treats that discuss the merits, expenses and work that goes into the decision of buying a roller vs a kit. That's your first consideration, if you decide to go the kit route then you have to make sure you are comparing kits with the same items. For example some kits include rear ends, other don't, some kits include brakes other expect you to buy a donor vechile. I would first rear about the number of people that buy kits and never complete them, that is exatly what would happen if I did, that why I went the buying a used SPF. No regrets and love every minute in the car.

[Jim Colman]

Bluerooster,
You really have to look beyond the exterior paint job and engine bay to see the differences between various manufacturers cars.

Some replicas use a Ford 9" or 8.8" rear end with basically stock suspension and brake componants while others use a Jag, T-bird or custom IRS set up with coil overs, custom A arms, high quality four piston brakes, pin drive wheels, etc.

On some cars you'll find a stock mustang gas tank while others sport a fuel cell.

Some cars use a Mustang II front end while others have full custom set ups.

Some cars have cheaper or stock gauges while others may use imported period accurate gauges.

Some cars have vinyal interiors while others use leather.

Some cars use all Aeroquip fittings and stainless braided lines while others use rubber hoses or stock lines.

Some cars have thick bodies with rolled edges, others don't.

Some may feature oil coolers, stainless puke tanks, brake bias adjusters, high end electronic ignition systems, heaters, tops, and stainless exhaust pipes.

Anyway, the list of little things is what adds value to a car.

They all look pretty much the same from a distance, it's when you get up close and start comparing cars that you see a difference.

Cheers
Jim

[casaleenie]

Uhhh, Bob,
Which is the better steak???????

[REAL 1]

You mean the "name/reputation" is a factor?

Who would pay more for a name and accuracy????? Don't be silly.

[Gary Morris]

I didn't mind paying for the accuracy....just couldn't figure why the name cost an extra $20,000.00! Where do I get these figures you ask.....well when I was doing my homework I met a gentleman who just finished his ERA and it had the best of everything that money could buy from paint to motor and all. This was when CS just started making Cobras again and I was very excited to say the least.....until I saw my first one at Tulsa at the Mid America meet that was completed by one of the early original dealers, Texas Cobra. It was blue...no stripes...black pipes...just about as plain as you could get. Price was $85,000 and I was told they could get me a roller for around $45,000 at the time. No thank you I said and thought to myself......he will never put many replica mfg.s out of business at that price......and I'm still laughing. Carroll is a strange man. He can be as sweet as honey or as mean as they come as I have seen both sides. We were at his ranch last October and you would not believe how nice he was and accomodating to all that were there. He was signing anything and everthing including replicas and no one paid him a dime.......it's hard as I like him one day and can't stand him the next. But I do like Turk's idea of buying the company and making some changes. Hey Turk....where do we send money???

Just my.02
Gary

[REAL 1]

Cobras were always pretty plain Jane except for some stripes on some comp cars.

A REAL Rolex will always cost more than the "knock off" although both tell time great and are quality watches.

Why? Could it be the name has something to do with intrinsic value and perceived value by the consumer?

Yeah. I think so.

Many decide everyday that a Rolex is overpriced and that they don't feel the name is worth it and the "look a like" Seiko will do just fine and may be a better watch.

Value is in the eye of the beholder.

[ItsOnlyMoney]

Originally posted by REAL 1

Many decide everyday that a Rolex is overpriced and that they don't feel the name is worth it. [/b]

I purchased my Rolex 18k/stainless datejust new back 1984. Based on used prices, it's worth a little more now than what I paid for it. Based on all my other investments, it has been one of my better ones.

David

[REAL 1]

Itsjustmoney: Then you and I agree that a brand name can have substantial value in and of itself.

[casaleenie]

My Casio keeps great time and it's probably still worth the $20.
I paid for it...
With a Rolex you pay for the name and not a precision time piece.
Plenty of great watches that do the job better and for less money...

Real 1 is leading you down a path to validate his argument. Brand names are important to him... It's bragging rights I guess...
"A brand name can have value in and of itself." I agree....
However, that's not to say that it is indeed the best product on the market. It's a given that the Casio will keep better time than a Rolex. If the object is to know the exact time then the choice is clear. If you're content to pay the big bucks for a machine that performs a task approximately as well as a less expensive one then have at it...

I worry a heck of a lot less about something happening to my $20.watch they I ever did about my Rolex.
I can equate that analogy to my car also....

Respectfully

[computerworks]

Blue rooster started this thread with a question about cars...

"I am noticing huge price differences between finished kits. Some kits with equal paint jobs and engines (say a 351w) of a Shell valley, and an ERA or Superformance are 10,000 to 20,000 $s higher. What are the differences that can command that much more in price. Is it frame, look of body, or just in the name? Any thoughts?"

...Perhaps you jewelers should go start another thread about your watches, OK?

[REAL 1]

Bragging rights?

Ok. Maybe.

In the end would you trade your Caiso watch, even though its a superior watch for a Rolex even up?




BTW: Rolex's are a rugged as they come. Cops wear them. I even wear mine under my hockey gloves when we don't have lock for the locker room door.

[Gordon Claunch]

Must be a cop on the take!! to wear a $15-20k watch

[DaveR]

Jim Colman,

Good answer for a newbie. Why are you no longer an owner?