40th Anniversary Cobra on Ebay

[rdorman]

I am pretty found of the car myself. Sure there are many things I would change about it if I could afford it. Might of even bought something else. But what I like most about it is it is mine!

I know where you are coming from on the family thing. I have two young children myself. It took a long time to be able to get my car.

Bashing, slamming, etc isn't good for anyone. No matter what some one ends up insulted. Although it does some times really spice things up in here! Like that Shelby add recently. I took it personal. Still really like CSX's, just didn't like the SAI add! We all vent a little here. Some times we vent a LOT. I am certainly no exception.

Some people mistake me for a Shelby basher (moderators thread, yes I did see and no I am not talking about it!). Not really. Love the products, well most of them. I just don't agree nor appreciate some of Shelbys action and words. But if he knew everything I said or did he may feel the same way about me. And that is just fine. No problem. I still think it would be facinating to sit and listen to him tell stories about the old days when there was no debate over real or not real.

When I first started looking at this site I was occasionally shocked at how people spoke to each other. Then I learned that some of the guys know each other and some times it is just some friendly 'poking'. But some times things still get personal and that is when it gets ugly. Fortuniatly, most of the time it gets put to rest or folks just agree to disagree.

I just TRY to be polite. I have bit my tongue quite a few times on CC. I have seen some very, very ugly Cobras, but I am not going to tell the owner that!

Less than 43 days and many of us will begin to forget or difference of opinions, or at least 'forgive'

Rick

[Dan Semko]

Rick,
I think you're right on target. There are times when subjects spiral out of control, the heat gets turned up and unfortunately the typewritten word doesn't express the authors intent but the one quality that constantly returns is the baseline concern for each and every person that we encounter. We have a tendency to easily forget who was there when the times turned bad and when the support team actively became involved in helping someone in need. Many of us have been around for awhile and have shared in burying hatchets albeit in a few craniums but mostly in the archives. These cars are the greatest conduits to friendships that I've ever encountered and though I strongly disagree with some of the "originators opinions" I appreciate more what his visions created.

[PSB]

Originally posted by HIQ


Guys rip on Evan and others for investing their hard earned $$$ into a fantastic SAI 427 Cobra and see nothing wrong with it. Let's start a post -"HUNTER FOR $30K?" and then start stating the reasons it is really on worth $20K.

HIQ,

Trust me, on this forum, there has been plenty of slamming Shell Valley, Classic Roadster, FFR, ect cars for sale on e-bay (never seen a Hunter on e-bay, but if there was, I would not be surprised to see a thread bashing it here). Do a search on "e-bay" if you have a doubt.

I never questioned the quality of SAI's poduct. I just personally don't see how having "Shelby" makes a car worth $30-$40K more than a comparible Kirkham, or how adding a 40th anniversary badge makes it worth $20K more than a regular CSX 4000.

I think its a shame that Shelby could have put all the replica makers out of business by selling a car at a reasonable price but instead decided to fight his battles in the courtroom instead of in the market, and now SAI is closing in on backruptcy.


Pete

[rdorman]

So well put. So why are we always hearing "ban the Semkos"

Thanks for bringing up the written word issue. It is almost an impossibility to write in such a way that everyone gets the same meaning. Bottom line is not to read between the lines, when in doubt, ask.

As DV is found of saying, bording on the 'corny' at times, we are a family. All families fight, all have members that you groan at the site of and we have even had a few that we had to disown

See you in June Dan! I am going to make a point of getting around and meeting people this year. Last year I was just so overwhelmed by the whole event I didn't get to visit like I should have.

Rick

[Dan Semko]

Rick,
I look forward to making your acquaintance at the DV Spring Fling.
"Ban the Semkos"....they must be referring to my younger brother or to that "Turk"ish influence.

A prime example of what you posted occurred at the V.I.C.E. Peace Summit at Shelby American two years ago. We've all had differences but when we can sit across the table from each other and resolve disagreements amiably and more importantly be there to help each other, the "REAL" appreciation for these cars comes to light! (sorry Evan, couldn't resist the temptation)

As Jamo would quickly state: "Ban The Semkos!"

[REAL 1]

Dan: To "clarify" what I meant by saying the SPF isn't in the same league as the Shelby was simply that from a detail and specification standpoint of matching original "Cobra" specifications they are in two different universes. The CSX is a "Cobra" both in body shape and under the skin in every detail. The SPF does not even come close Cobra specifications under the skin. Neither do any others. This is not a slam. Its just factual.

Many don't want a round tube chasis and claim their chasis are "stronger" and their suspensions are better. Maybe yes. Maybe no. Thats fine. I never knock anyone else car. I have tremendous admiration for many other cars such as ERA, SPF, Unique, Midstates, FFR, Shell Valley. Espeically those cars built by their owners to outstanding detail and finish. Far beyond what I could ever do myself. Those cars can be finished to outstanding standards and performance potentials. I love all of them and like talking to their owners about cars and Cobras.

I don't get offended when others say their cars are superior to the Shelby with better chasis and suspension without offering any emperical proof. Why do they then get upset when I point out where the Shelby is clearly superior and can be seen and documented.

No cerebral infarct here. Just point'n out the facts.

I don't think the Shelby owners are arrogant. In fact I think they have been quite gracious here especially when viewed in the light of all the $hit they have had to deal with. Shelby owners are simply participating in discussions and responding to the frequent insulting put downs directed towards their car.

On this thread a few guys laughed at the asking price of the Shelby on ebay which is the subject of this thread. Others suggested a value almost half the asking price when people here know full well that the anniversary cars are selling for close to what the owner was asking.

Those posts were clearly intended as knocks. If they thought the $145K was overpriced thats fine. Just say it. Why laugh? Why do they then suggest a value of almost half the asking price when they probably know their full of $hit in doing so. Whats the point? If the car sold new for $100K finished then I may be able to understand such a reaction. Those people to me are making themselves feel better by trying to knock someone else's car and the owners purchase of a car that they'd probably rather have than their own car. To me that BS.

Someone said the value is set by what people are willing to pay. I agree 100%. So far we have seen CSX 4027 with plenty of track use with a glass body sell for $125K. Two aluminum CSX's sell at Barrett Jackson for $165K+. A CSX 4000R sell for $200K at Atlantic City. That seems to tell me that CSX cars will in many cases resale for $100K+.


I had an appraiser out looking at my car yesterday for insurance purposes. I haven't received the report yet but he indicated a value of $125K to $130K for my car.

Will it sell for that one day? Who knows. I do know that he clearly considered a car a REAL Shelby Cobra and not a "replica" or "kit car". He made that clear without any prompting from me. Believe it or not.

Allan A: Dude you are way off. We need to talk. Yes the new Shelby block may be a side oiler but its not an FE part. Eldebrock heads and manifolds are not FE. They are replacment parts for FE parts. FE parts are FE parts. If it wasn't made in Dearborn and it doesn't say FOMOCO it ain't an FE part.

As to which is better new Shelby Block or original FE 427 depends on many factors.

For me. I wanted the REAL deal beating in my babys chest. But thats me.

[Chaplin]

He made that clear without any prompting from me. Believe it or not.

Can we see a transcript of that conversation? I bet it went something like this, "Look at this, it is a REAL 427 SO", "Look at this, it has REAL tires", "Look at this, it has REAL seats", "Look at this, it has a REAL stereo" etc., etc. It seems you managed to brainwash the poor guy in a matter of minutes. He's probably walking around in a trance repeating R-E-A-L. .

[REAL 1]

Mike: I forgot to mention I was the appraiser.

Seriously. Thats what the guy told me and said.

Hows your build coming along?

[Chaplin]

It looks like it won't be long now. Engine and trans are sitting in my garage waiting for someplace to call home. All body work is done on the car and it will going into the paint booth for color on Monday. If everything goes according to plan, car should be back to ERA on 5/16 or 5/19, then in two or three weeks should be ready to be picked up. I'm hoping to have it home by June 7, at the latest.

[REAL 1]

Congrats.

When its done you'll have to come down to Somerville on Friday nights. I'll save you a spot.

Need any help give me a call.

[Excaliber]

I still think the only REAL cobra is a 65-67 csx3000,the rest are replicas,some by SAI ,some by others,,I say this in taking nothing away from anyone,,

...lets not forget the 62 to 64 "289 cars"! They set FAR more records than ANY 427 car! If they hadn't done so well we wouldn't even have a 427 car! If the 427 car hadn't become such a "legend" we wouldn't have the Cobras MOST of us drive today. Glass reproductions of the legend in a mulititude of it's original forms! 289 street, 289 FIA, Coupe, 427 street, 427 SC. And like the originals, in a variety of "specs" and rivet counts!

Oh,,,and there is another group that just HAS to be included (as it IS in the SAAC), the CSX4000 and higher cars.

If you don't think they should be included, consider this:

In 1962 Shelby assembled a "team" of car builders, including FORD (a deal with Chevy fell through) to supply engines to him. He contracted with AC to supply chassy and frame (AFTER a deal with Donald Healey fell through to use the Healy 3000). He brought together the "parts", supplied the "expertise" to build HIS car. HE called it a "Cobra".

He's doing the SAME THING today!!! Only difference is the "players". McCluskey, Kimmons, Kirkham, and other "after market" suppliers as well as FORD, etc. The "years" of production have changed. One is "original" the other is "new", some minor parts MAY be changed on SOME models here and there. But BOTH generations are Shelby Cobras. Built by the SAME man! To HIS specs!

Aint it grand!!!

Ernie

[computerworks]

Ernie drank the Kool-Aid.........aaaaack!

[Allan A]

Ernie, I like you more and more.

Real 1, let's face we are not going to agree about motors and I know you will not want to do track times. So I have a simple solution. You get in your car and come out here during the historics, we will park the cars side by side and ask every good looking girl who passes which car does she want a ride in.

Turk, Can I come out yet.

Allan

[PatBuckley]

That's easy - she would choose Evans car every time....not only is he better looking but she knows she would be safe.

[CSX 4039]

I wonder how many of the guys who have been posting negative CSX comments have ever ridden or driven a CSX. David Kidwell, here in town, whose 'garage to die for' is documented in my photo gallery, and a lifelong REAL car guy (built his first car at age 16, has about 6 great cars and is currently building a candy apple ERA with a NASCAR engine) had never ridden in an SAI, but ridden in many Cobras. He was literally like a kid in a toy shop when talking about the ride in the SAI, compared to the others he has driven. He says (and I won't name brands) that the ones he had driven most recently were so rough that you really couldn't talk well while driving cause they were so jarring, that his voice shook. These were factory assembled cars. But the SAI cruised like a normal sedan (albeit louder than a freight train!). Now, maybe your car rides smoothly, I don't know, but this is something you would not know, by simply comparing horsepower, fender flares, and price. You appoximately get what you pay for. An SAI may not sell for $145k nor $80k, but somewhere between the two. If you see one sell on sale for $30k, call the District Attorney. A Hunter is a great thrill ride for $30k, but if you paid $80k for it, call your attorney.

[southernfriedcj]

Originally posted by Excaliber


...lets not forget the 62 to 64 "289 cars"! They set FAR more records than ANY 427 car! If they hadn't done so well we wouldn't even have a 427 car!

289 FIA


Ernie

Big Ern, it's sad that the grand 289 FIA mutated into the greaseball 427. Kinda like finding out that you high school prom queen went to work in porno after graduation.
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I kid.

[Excaliber]

..well.........the above scenario does kinda fit......maybe I like porno! LOL

Ernie

[Dan Semko]

Evan,
I understand your point about Shelby verses other marques. An interesting point could also be made within the CSX ranks that no two cobras are alike, even though the may share the same exterior finish. If you ask Allan to compare his car, side by side, with his friend Rick's CSX (both are currently in Allans garage) he'll tell you several distinguishing differences. If you compare Turk's car, to yours or mine, they'll all be different which contributes to the uniqueness of CSX's while at the same time presents the question, "what is a real continuation if they all differ, other than with basic frames?" Isn't that what provides the personality to all of these cars regardless of marque? We all realize that they will sell for only the amount the market will bear at any given time. If someone offered me $90k right now for mine, it would probably be a good deal on both sides but 2 years from now when the CSX alloy cars are sparse or when SAI no longerprovides alloy cars, the price will be in the seller's domain.
Want to buy a spare?

[cobish]

Look at the other item on ebay by same seller, aston martin, ~250k, I dont think so.
If the next time the Shelby 40th is listed on ebay, the bid price will be around 110 to 120k. That is a little high, but it may attract some buyers to bid providing there is no reserve.

[Dan Semko]

I just received an email about that CSX and have been attempting to trade our CSX 4308 AND our 1985 Eurospec'd Porsche 930 Turbo with 7500 miles, even trade. The last proposal was: taking my Porsche on consignment PLUS $90k in cash for their CSX. Who says the seismic aftershocks don't effect higher cortical function?