Respected turn key cobra manufacturers

[John C.]

I am looking for some opinions on manufacturers who do the turn-key cobras. Iused to live in Massachusetts and visited Factory Five and they seemed to be a good outfit to deal with. I also noticed some discussion here about Rolling Thunder Racing and how they may not be a legitate company. I am looking to buy a 66'- 67' Shelby Cobra with at least 400HP and would like to know if anyone has any suggestions on a good company. I have also looked into Shell Valley and was impressed with what I have seen with them. Any input would be greatly appreciated. This is a big investment and I don't want to make a poor choice.

[mrmustang]

John,

At the moment, there are no "manufacturers" offering a turn key Cobra. If they did, they would have to meet current 2004 crash and emissions standards. All the manufacturers offer them in "kit form" only...That is not to say that there are not builders and sales associates (aka:dealers) of these manufacturers that would not finish and sell you a completed car.......


With that said, why not tell us your realistic budget, and we'll be more than happy to point you in the right direction.


Bill S.

[John C.]

Thank you for getting back to me so quickly. I have spoken with Shell Valley and Factory Five and they both mentioned that they could do a full car but I may not have asked the right questions. I planned on spending anywhere from 35K to 40K for the right car. I wanted to look at buying new and not used but that might still be an option. I wish I were more mechanically inclined because I would love to build one but at this point I just want to get in and drive one.

[klayfish]

In your situation, you may really want to consider buying a "used" Cobra. There are some terrific bargains out there and you can probably get a LOT more car for your $$ than if you bought a "turn-key".

As Mr. Mustang said, there are no turn-key manufacturers, per se. However, there are plenty of dealers who can build one for you. They'll go wild or mild, depending on your needs and budget. Several of them advertise here on the forum.

You should also consider what is important to you. Do you want the car to look as original as possible, or do you not care about minor differences? Do you want to put the car on the track, or just cruise with it? What features would you like? That may influence your decision also, as each kit builder is different.

Steve

[DonC]

ERA builds a turnkey for somewhere in the $50K range before optionals and it is a true turnkey, get in, turn the key and drive away. Witing period is about a year.
Their web site is www.erareplicas.com.
It won't be a "COBRA" but it will be a "replica". If you want to know the difference take about a month off and go through all of the threads here.
DonC

[clayfoushee]

Check out this link www.mattrandolph.com/cobra/Cobras.htm. I think you'll find it very helpful.

Most manufacturers can "arrange" a turn-key car. What that means is they supply the roller and can recommend engine builders, body shops, and some will even install the engine for you after you've purchased it elsewhere. Unique (www.uniquemotorcars.com) in my personal experience builds a very nice close to turn-key car close to your price range (depending on the engine you choose). ERA is also very nice, as is SPF, although somewhat beyond the price you quoted. I'm sure there are many others....I just don't have experience with them.

The used car option also has some major advantages and there are a lot of good ones available. One big advantage is that many of them come with 65-66 titles recognized in most other states. Again, depending on the engine, you may have to spend $5-10K more for a really good one.

But, no matter who manufactured the car, the quality of any replica is entirely dependent upon WHO BUILT IT! There are some very nice examples of just about every replica out there and there are also real dog examples of just about all of them.

Happy Hunting!

[John C.]

I sincerely appreciate the input from all of you. I would really like to try and keep the car looking as close to the original as possible. I also want something that I can drive and not just store in the garage. I imagine that if I look through this site I will probably be able to get the information I need. I have seen alot of these cars for sale but many are cheap and don't have real nice craftsmenship. I want this car to be the dream girl I never had!

[tainoart]

Hi John C.:

You may have to budget at least another 10 grand fot the basic car if the level of fit and finish that you want can be called your dream girl. Look at Kirkham, Superformance, Unique and Shelby from South Africa. Although I have not seen a Shelby from South Africa many have said that it should be a nice car.

With engine and transmission extra, you are in the vecinity of $60-$65,000. Good luck but do visit the dealers if you can.

[HIQ]

Welcome to CC. With $40K and the right information you can buy a great car that will bring you years of enjoyment. If you are new to the Cobra world take some time to understand the market you are about to enter. These are some fantastic cars, but you will be faced with many choices. Spend some time here at CC, ask questions and buy the "right" car for you the first time.

Welcome!

[mattr762]

Check out Premier Cobras. They are producing a very original looking roller for $39,995. Of course the engine/tranny are extra.

[clayfoushee]

Yep Matt, I think many of us are saying the same thing.... if he wants a new, very nice, period-correct replica, he's gonna need about about $50K. He might do better in the used market.

P.S. Love your map.

[HowardV]

I started looking for a Cobra a few months ago. The best advice is to do your research and this board is a great start. I've decided to not settle for second best and get what I want. Originally, I planned on spending around $30K and found that I can get a decent used one for that price. Then I wanted a big block engine (400+ hp), a more accurate detailed Cobra, IRS, power assisted brakes, etc. Now my budget for this used Cobra is $37,000 (excluding taxes and DMV fees). I'm hoping to get a Superformance with a big block. Around So. Cal, these are going in the range of $42-50K (used). Maybe one of the sellers is willing to take $37K if I wait for the right deal.

The prices for "turn key" or "turn key minus" on the manufacturers sites are for the BASIC car. Trust me, you'll be adding options which can significantly raise its cost.

Look at the used Cobras for sale. Try e-bay, CobraCountry, House of Cobras, and the rest of the places listed on the map someone posted above (AWESOME map by the way!!!). Most dealers also sell Cobras on consignment. This should give you a good look at the current market and various Cobras with different options and engines.

Just take your time and enjoy!

Good Luck,

Howard

[RedBarchetta]

Originally posted by HowardV


Around So. Cal, these are going in the range of $42-50K (used).

Howard, you may find some in this range for sure, but I must say they are either "rough" or have racked up some extra miles. I saw several examples where the motor was all there (high HP big block), but the body was starting to show its age and the paint was far from primo. You can find what you're looking for on the high end of that range, but it will take a lot of searching. Winter is a good time to look....check the Nor Cal guys; there are cars available.

-Deano

[HowardV]

Hi Deano, SP does go for a lot more, but if you don't rush and look around, there are some good deals out there. Here is the inventory and prices from House of Cobras:

http://www.houseofcobras.com/inventory.htm

Also, once in a while, I've seen some great deals go on e-bay where there was no reserve and the seller needed to sell quick. The key is to take your time, have the cash, and wait for the right deal.

Also, visit the dealers and let them know what you're looking for. Leave them your name and number. A good deal will eventually come around.

Howard

[Excaliber]

Ed "DV" Combs. They don't come much better than that!

DV/Ed Combs
Classics by Elite, LLC
1-740-852-5280
Toll free number is (was?):
1-888-65Cobra (652-6272)


ernie

[cujo]

John,

I notice you are in NC. You should go check out Whitby Motorcars in Greensboro (www.whitbymotorcars.com). Jeff is one of the most knowledgeable guys when it comes to FFR's and he'll take the time to answer all of your questions (heck he answered all my stupid questions!!!). He always has some cars in varying stages of builds plus some finished cars. He has a finished FFR coupe that I know of and right now he has my all black FFR roadster (might only be there the rest of this week!!!).

E-mail me (mcuozzo@comcast.net) if you have more quesitons.

Matt Cuozzo

[mattr762]

Please note the actually website address is:
http://www.whitbymotorcars.com

cujo has the "i" and the "t" reversed.