What is the quality of a Classics Roadster?

[balloonist]

A 1991 Classics Roadster with a 302 and 5 speed. What is it worth? I am fairly new to Cobras and I'm not familiar with this Mfg. Can anyone education me on this car/mfg? Are they quality, middle of the road or, junk? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Excaliber]

C.R.'s, as a company, has a long and colorful history. The replica parts and pieces have always been, and continue to be, excellent. How and who did the assembly of a particular car makes a big difference in the quality of the finished product. But that statement is true for virtually ALL replicas!

Recently Don Scott purchased the "company" and in partnership with Ed Combs (DV) the "legendary" C.R.'s continue in production!

They are longer in wheel base than a "standard" replica at 94". Some people (like me) prefer a little more room, others (like me) respect the originals enough to not mess with the specs (90"). figure that one out!

Whats it worth? So much depends on who built it and what kind of job they did. Mid 30's maybe, depending on it's history and "flash".

Ernie

[Steve R]

Give us some details about the one you are looking at. I have seen some very nice Classics sell for very reasonable prices.
Done right, they are excellent cars. Their frames and various metal components have a factory production quality that many
others don't. The glass holds it's shape very well. The engineering is great. They Engineered the car to use readily available
components to complete it. They use power brakes which is nice.
Overall, if you don't mind where they strayed from the original in appearance, and want a car that has a few more creature
comforts, it is a great choice. Now lets see the specs and pictures!
Steve

[balloonist]

Vehicle Description

1991 Classics Roadster
Here is a discription of the car. It was up for sale on ebay this weekend by Anthem Motors LLC.

VIN: 4CRDAK311MF000289

Red / Gray Interior, 6255 miles

This emissions ready Classics Roadster was just consigned with us - this is a great driver with modern conveniences... Not only do you get the classic Cobra look but you also get a heater, soft top, unique interior lights with Cobra display, retractable seat belts, Kenwood stereo system with CD changer, Digital Media Storage and Satellite Radio! This car also has front and rear nudge bars with overriders, sun visors, wind wings, windshield wipers, glove box... The badging on the car states 427, however this is a small block engine with catalytic converters. Registered and titled in Arizona and available for immediate ownership transfer.

Vehicle Condition

This 91 Classics Roadster was just consigned with us and it is in excellent condition; however as it is a 1991 vehicle and has 6255 miles, you can expect some very small chips and minor wear. The soft top looks like brand new, and fits the car very nicely - with the soft top and heater, this is a good driver in "cooler" climates as well. And if you are looking for a car with a top notch sound system, this is it! How many Cobras have you seen with sound system that comes complete with Satellite FM, CD changer and DMS? This car has unique history as well, as according to the current owner this car was built for Penthouse Pet of the year.

[Excaliber]

You NEED to call Classics by Elite to get the real story on Classic Roadsters! DV (Ed) and Jay are as honest as they come. They also have some C.R.'s for sale. Compare the price and the equipment.

DV/Ed Combs
Classics by Elite, LLC
740-852-5280

Not sure if this TOLL FREE number still works: 1-888-65Cobra

One thing for sure: If it's a "DV" build, they don't get any better! I know for a fact he has a 302/5 speed for sale right now for low 30's.

Ernie

[jwinkler]

That "emissions ready" note makes it sound like a turn-key built at the factory. That's how mine started (for me, at least). The only issues I've had with what they did at the factory was that they used undersized wiring for the radiator fan - in Texas (as opposed to North Dakota), the fan runs *all* the time, and the 12 gauge wire they used ended up frying the fuse block.

If you pull the trigger, you'll have an outstanding resource with this forum, and Don Scott, DV, and the other posters to the CR section of this site. I ditched the 302 in favor of a 351w, and could not have done it without them.

Other tidbits I learned about my CR: *solid* car - with the 302 (minus the catalytic converter - that went away early on!), on a friend's 4-corner scales, it weighed in at 2595 lbs, with 1300 on the front wheels and 1295 on the back. The front of the engine is behind the centerline of the front wheels (I think I heard a car manufacturer brag on this configuration as "front mid-engine" ). Once I got in, the bias shifted to the rear. It was also remarkably solid while lapping (with me as the very timid driver at the wheel) at Texas World Speedway, and an autocrosser who rode with me commented, "I'm building the wrong car!", which I took to mean he appreciated the car's balance.

JLW
(Just a happy owner)

[Double Venom]

Balloonist,
As JLW says, that particular car was most likely built by the factory in North Dakota in the early 90's. Quite the Cobra too. To the best of my knowledge it was the first Cobra on the market to meet EPA requirements, (we built the second series EPA Cobras with catalytic sidepipes instead of putting the "cats" in the engine compartment.)

I have built dozens of diferent Cobras over the last 15 or so years. liking the CR's so much we, Don, Jay & I have taken over the company!

Assuming it IS a factory built car you should not have any problems with it at all. But,...I see some serious upgrades in your future! You do believe in Santa CLaus, yes?

For example; IF not needed, the "cats" will be gone - Poof 20 hp gain! In a year a good 351, maybe even a stroker from Don to really wake it up. Or if you are really serious send it to me and we'll turn it into a "Doule Venom" Cobra!

Take the jump, you wont regret it!
DV...another new family member!

[balloonist]

Thanks for the information guys. It has been very helpful