Contemporary Classics

hoppy · #1 (**permalink**) 12-13-2003, 12:29 PM

A Contemporary Classics Roadster #3141 is listed at Cobra Country with a Chevy BB at $39K. I am fairly new to Cobra shopping and not familiar with Contemporary as a Mfg. Also not to big on the idea of a Chevy mill in a Cobra, but open to the possibility. Can anyone supply a bit of education on these or specificlly this car? How was their construction, glass work, doors mounted to steel etc.? Any help is appreciated.

Thanks,

Excaliber · #2 (**permalink**) 12-13-2003, 12:47 PM

Right off the top of my head, without seeing or knowing about the car, $39K is to much money. I seriously doubt it will bring that (especially with a Chevy motor)!

Heres the deal: For $39K the competition for a nice Cobra, even a NEW Cobra is very keen! Theres a lot for sale at that price!

Ernie

RACER X #99 · #3 (**permalink**) 12-13-2003, 12:54 PM

Hoppy ,
Are you thinking of trading in Topper for a new ride?
OK to get serious, most older Cobra guys know and agree that Contemporary was one of the top line replicas back in the 80's-90's, on Par with ERA. Unfortunately after a change in ownership the Co. went out of business.
They're are a lot of nicely built Contemporary's all around the country, a few for resale.
The use of any engine other than an FE Ford will result in a Cobra that is usually lower in price and many times looked down upon by the Replica snobs.
I have no idea of the condition of the car you are looking at only that if it had the "correct" FE Ford engine it would be worth 5-10K more.

I have seen some BB Chevy powerd Cobras and some could really kick ass.

As far as prices go, I have no Idea.

RD

KobraKarl · #4 (**permalink**) 12-13-2003, 05:55 PM

Hoppy,

That Contemporary is an early one 83....84...One of the best replicas made.....in this market with chev power ....Iwould say low to mid 30's

KK

Tom T. · #5 (**permalink**) 12-13-2003, 07:49 PM

Hoppy,

Low 30's, I would think.

TT

hoppy · #6 (**permalink**) 12-13-2003, 10:20 PM

Thanks for all the input. I think a Chevy powered Cobra is kind of a contradiction in terms. Not really sure what I will be satisfied with, but Kirkham, ERA and Superformance all are hitting me pretty strongly. I think an original look, IRS and BB engine are going to be some key points for me.

Cracker · #7 (**permalink**) 12-14-2003, 07:33 AM

Hard to say Hoppy without seeing the car other than Chevy power seriously reduces resale. In my case, regardless of what others are selling for, my car wouldn't go for anthing less than 55K! That is also why I'm going to be it's permintent owner. Regarding your desire for original look, IRS & BB you won't find many cars that can pull that off as well as a nicely turned Contemporary. Out of your "other" list of cars (of which are all nice) only the Kirkham would lure me away from Contemporary. Certainly not the ERA or Superformace - their both common and not as true to detail IMCO. If I were starting from scratch today I'd go the new Shelby 40K roller route - but I'm not and content with what I drive and where I'm at! Best wishes and have fun!

dennish456 · #8 (**permalink**) 12-14-2003, 03:56 PM

After looking at over 30 different cars I chose a Contemporary as it is the most accurate of the replicas. Unless it has a Ford engine and most desireably a side oiler I would shy away from it. The reduction in perceived value will be significant due to a non-Ford powerplant.

Good luck in your search

skibum2 · #9 (**permalink**) 12-14-2003, 09:56 PM

Hee hee hee....Plate says it all.....Larry