Need Help with Cobra infoformation.. How to tell real from fake.??

rayNmiami · #1 (**permalink**) 10-07-2003, 08:31 PM

Hello,

I'm a car dealer and there is a wrecked cobra going to be sold at one of the small auctions that I go to. The information that they have is that it's real. Just wondering a few things:

1. Is there and easy way to tell real from fake ones?

2. The car has no engine and front and rear damage. Is there a market of buyers for these cars that need repair?

Thanks for you help..

Enclosed are some pictures.. Any feedback is appreciated..

Ray

rayNmiami · #2 (**permalink**) 10-07-2003, 08:35 PM

rayNmiami · #3 (**permalink**) 10-07-2003, 08:36 PM

rayNmiami · #4 (**permalink**) 10-07-2003, 08:37 PM

another pix.. Any opinions?

G.R. · #5 (**permalink**) 10-07-2003, 08:40 PM

If it's glass it's fake--unless it has a CSX# according to some here--and from your photo it's glass--so it's fake

rayNmiami · #6 (**permalink**) 10-07-2003, 08:41 PM

Sorry just found out it's a kit car..

Thanks anyway.

Ray

rayNmiami · #7 (**permalink**) 10-07-2003, 08:47 PM

Ok.. Now for my next questions.. I still like it..

Does it look like a good replica?

What engine do they usually put in these?

What do they usually sell for finished? I figure like 20k to 25k, is that right?

Thanks

Ray

Excaliber · #8 (**permalink**) 10-07-2003, 09:01 PM

The market is in a great deal of fluctuation due to several factors of late:

Economy in general is a big one! The "lower end" cars suffer a bigger hit than the "high end" cars do. Kirkhams and SAI metal body cars will STILL find buyers even in a tough market. Price may be somewhat affected.

A lower end Cobra may be difficult to sell even at $25K. With no motor and the current damage it's value is WAY low in todays market. Around $10K would be my guess? Don't know about under carriage damage!

However, it does look like an "medium" to "high grade" grade replica. True knock off wheels? Indicates someone took the extra time to get it "right". Body shape appears to be "correct". Looks like it had a "top loader" (judging by the gear shift, tranny removed of course). Again, this indicates someone "got it right". Such features usually won't be found on a "low end" car.

WHO is the manufacturer of the car determines a LOT about the price. The "name" alone carries weight. If it were an ERA (which I'm sure it is NOT) it could be worth $25K or more as it sits now!

Ernie

Thanks for reminding me G.R. "kit" edited to reflect "replica".

OH! Another big factor in the price of replicas right now is Shelbys introduction of the South Africa car as a roller at $40K. This will have an impact!

G.R. · #9 (**permalink**) 10-07-2003, 09:03 PM

Depends upon who built the car--could be a factory build roller, could be home built, pictures don't really tell what it is---lots of good Replica mfgs out there--Depending on engine, transmission, and quality of finish a Replica can sell anywhere from $35-60k + or - . I have about $52k in mine others I know have a lot more some less.

PS "Kit car" when it comes to A Cobra replica is something most of us owners find derogatory

"Kit cars" denote a cheap VW pan based car

in a lot of peoples eyes

Specialk · #10 (**permalink**) 10-07-2003, 09:36 PM

It looks like a Superformance, so thats were my money goes.

KobraKarl · #11 (**permalink**) 10-07-2003, 09:43 PM

Couldnt be a Superformance, they have superior resistance to torsional frame flex and an unparralelled suspension design .....

Kk

Excaliber · #12 (**permalink**) 10-07-2003, 09:47 PM

KK,,,,,,so that means they NEVER crash or what??? LOL

Actually, the hood scoop doesn't quite look right for an SPF? Good call Kris, it's possible!

Ernie

G.R. · #13 (**permalink**) 10-07-2003, 09:56 PM

From the post, to me, it sounded like the engine and tranny were there, not damaged, nor the backend, just the front clip--doesn't quite look right for an SPF--but does look like a high-end finish with a lot of things "done right" but hard to tell from pictures, and without seeing the frame/suspension

PatBuckley · #14 (**permalink**) 10-07-2003, 10:13 PM

I vote Superformance.

Figure $6K for engine and $8K for body work - unless there is structural damage. Repaired it may be worth $32-35K

I would say paying $15 -18K may be a deal (from 3500 miles away and looking at a few pictures....)

KobraKarl · #15 (**permalink**) 10-07-2003, 10:29 PM

Check the glove box, dosnt look like SPF...fender louvers are painted (i think) SPF are stainless.....I,m Guessin ERA or late Contemporary......It is also "un badged"

KK

Edley Rondinone · #16 (**permalink**) 10-07-2003, 10:45 PM

ANY manufacturer nameplates in engine compartment? SPF front flares are almost vertical at the rear edge...SPF body above taillights have a sharper angle/corner from the side view...SPFs usually have the Superformance name and insignia on the corner...what kind of rear end is in it? What engine is in it? Round frame tubes or rectangular?

G.R. · #17 (**permalink**) 10-07-2003, 11:02 PM

Lot of minor differences in the interior shots and the exterior, louvers, scoop, compared with mine unless this is an early model SPF, the glove box is different in shape--

Turk · #18 (**permalink**) 10-07-2003, 11:07 PM

Is that even a SPF color?
Aren't SPF's and ERA's clearly marked with their own identifying manufacturer plates?

G.R. · #19 (**permalink**) 10-07-2003, 11:39 PM

Yes they do, but can't tell that from the pics

Excaliber · #20 (**permalink**) 10-07-2003, 11:52 PM

The dash area just doesn't look like "ERA" to me.

But what if it was in fact an ERA? Hmmmmmm,,,,,,,,,

The way I read the description is the motor is missing. The way I see the gear shift I say the trans is gone too. If it IS an ERA, a guy would be foolish to not go with the proper motor and trans. $20K just for those parts!

How about Hi-Tech?

Ernie