thoughts from a newbie

[sleepy floyd]

Hey guys, brand new to this site, and have just been doing some research on some of the brands out there, as i'm giving some serious consideration to possibly moving forward on a Cobra, probably more likely a turnkey model.

So far, from what I've read, Superformance and Team C Racing seem like good viable options for someone who's not looking to totally break the bank. Team C doesn't seem to have quite the name recognition, but i really like the idea of the IRS included, though I'm not sure if they're slightly stretched wheelbase will affect the look too much.

Now, i'm still doing my research on this stuff, but the other option that sounds pretty darn appealing is to consider the Shelby 4xxx series. i realize that there's a charge built in just for the name, and that some will question whether it's still a real Cobra when it's built in the 21st century, but I'm looking at it like this...as someone mentioned earlier, it's a car that's likely to go up in value in the future. as much as I hate to say it, Carroll Shelby won't be around forever. Secondly, and maybe this sounds stupid to some, but you get the piece of mind knowing that you've got an honest to goodness Shelby. if someone asks you whether you're driving a kit, you can say, "no, i've got a real Shelby". again, maybe that seems silly to some, but if I'm buying a car that i hope to hold onto for a long period of time, i think that would be cool. Again, granted, it would be a continuation series, but a Shelby nonetheless. anyway, just thought i'd throw that out there, see if that stirred up any discussion. Thoughts and feedback on turnkey cars from these three mftrs (included the expected price range for each) is greatly appreciated. My initial thought is that the team C is likely to be around $40k, Superformance $45-50k, and Shelby, $60-65k. if i decided to go the Shelby route, it might be a bit much to bite off, but then again, maybe I could just buy the turnkey minus car until I save a few bucks, and just stare at it in my garage every day

[maxrpm]

Originally posted by sleepy floyd


anyway, just thought i'd throw that out there, see if that stirred up any discussion

Greetings Sleepy, lets both sit back & see what it stirs up....

[acaskie]

Before you buy anything, get over to a gathering of Cobra types and take a look at all the different cars; chat up everyone; ask for a ride.

You'll probably find more similarities than differences between all of 'em, although no two will be exactly the same. Buy what feels right and appeals to you, regardless of the make.

However, do not buy one of these things, Shelby or otherwise, with the idea that you can make money on it. You spend money on Cobras...the cash flow only goes in one direction...but it's worth it.

[Tongue Pirate]

If you have the budget for a Shelby or Kirkham aluminum bodied car, even though it may be a stretch, you really can't go wrong. On the other hand there are some real nice turnkey & turnkey minus cars being produced out there if that is your budget. You can work with most MFG's to put together any config you like from kit to roller. ERA, Unique & SPF have all been around for quite some time & all have great reputations.

[avanti-176]

if someone asks you whether you're driving a kit, you can say, "no, i've got a real Shelby". again, maybe that seems silly to some, but if I'm buying a car that i hope to hold onto for a long period of time, i think that would be cool. Again, granted, it would be a continuation series, but a Shelby nonetheless. anyway, just thought i'd throw that out there, see if that stirred up any discussion

Naw! I don't think that will stir up anything around here. Your going to have to do better than that.

Have a good one,
Dan

P.S. statements like that make me wonder just how much of a "NEWBIE" you really are.

[Tinker51]

Sleepy, I see that you are just up the road in Pleasant Hill. Every Saturdy morning (rain or shine) the Bay Area Cobra Club gets together for breakfast at Athens Burgers in Dublin. We meet at 07:00. On any given morning there are about 7 or 8 different makes so it is a great place to do some comparison shopping. If I remember correctly the address is 6999 Dublin Blvd. Come by and check it out.

[tfarhood]

before you consider Team-C Venum 427, Take a look at the Backdraft Racing product. A while back they were the same product from one company. After a parting, Team-C basically took the original car and duplicated it exactly in another factory. Everything was identical except for the brand of paint. Backdraft has since improved the design somewhat in its gen II product. Team-C is still gen I if I'm not mistaken. Backdraft has improved the hood shock, trunk prop, the steering shaft mounting, re-positioned the roll bar and added support for the seat belts, widened the rear about an inch so the larger wheels/tires would fit properly, and a few more little things that I'm probably missing.

If you are looking for Big Block power, I don't think either Backdraft or Team-C are set up for that.

Superformance is still tops for the S. African factory Turn-Key minus offering. Shelby is next to produce cars in S. Africa (stay Tuned). Kirkham can still top them all if you want Aluminum coachwork and computerized fit and finish. This is actually better than the original, but it is still not an original. Back to Superformance, it may be better than the other S. African products, but to me personally, it is not $10K better. (Nicer wheels, more authentic in ways, but I'll use the $10K on the drivetrain).

If I had your perceived budget, I would probably shop for a finished car that is for sale private party. In that $45K to $65K range are some mighty fine cars and no wait!

Good luck with your journey.

[bill32]

Sleepy Floyd: In your list of cars, you should consider Factory Five. Since you are looking for either a Roller, or a Turn-key, there are a number of Factory Five builders out there for those. One is Gorden Levy in Arizona, Levy Racing. You can find his contact info and other builders under Vendors on www.ffcobra.com If you are looking for something in the $35-$50K range I am sure you can get a FFR built for that with plenty of options.

[sleepy floyd]

Hey guys thanks for the feedback and info. Tinker, I had no idea about the Dublin hook-up, that sounds like a great idea. I would think that a 5 mile drive would be worthwhile...of course, i'm almost afraid to check it out, 'cause I'll likely REALLY want one after seeing them up close!

[MysteryTrain]

Sleepy floyd,

Yes. You see one of these things up close and suddenly, you won't be very picky. I gaurantee that after getting a ride in a cobra (almost no matter what brand, what size engine, how nicely done) you are going to offer to buy it. Caution: Highly addictive!!

Welcome to the show.

MT

[Edley Rondinone]

MTrain: Going to Early Rodders Saturday Morning? Havent seen ya in a while; I guess if youre writing here, must be OK! BTW, Cobra's running better than ever!! Hope to bring the ramp truck this Saturday morn...!

[Hal Copple]

costs for a "turn-key" SPF have gone up in the four years since i got mine (i have over 60,000 miles on it).

I don't think you can get a Turn-Key SPF for $45K, as SPF dealers and Turn-Key buyers do not put in inexpensive engines, the Roush one, the new 500 HP+ 402 motor they put in the Coupe, with all the right stuff, is about $12K in the box, the other 402 they offer is somewhat less expensive. The Former has the big AFR heads, stuff like that.

But if you buy an SPF "roller", and do your own engine, you can then perhaps do one for $45K or maybe even less, as you can determine what parts of an engine you want to pay more for. Your sweat equity will save a little, but when i sat down to try to save every cent i could, i realized that the installation costs, with the included items (driveshaft, etc), really wasn't costing me very much after all.

It is important too, to check out what comes with your turn-key or roller, vs is an extra cost option. On the SPF variety, you get a top, tonneau, full carpets, leather seats, Smiths, etc. I think other than race sorts of modifications (which are extensive for the SPF's,) the options are pretty much cosmetic, like chrome or Hot Coated parts. And of course engine stuff. It is best to carefully write down what you think your Replica should have, and see what comes with it.

There are many fine replicas, but they differ more than most people think, like saying there are many different drop-dead-gorgeous women that look (and perform) very differently.


You won't appreciate this by just looking at catalogues or web sites. That is only a place to start. You need to actually see the various replicas. It is alot of money to spend for fun, so take your time.

[DonC]

Floyd:
Keep your options open and narrow your field as you get more information.
Don't discount those that are considered the higher end models when you consider turn-keys. If you factor in everything you'd end up doing yourself from not only a parts cost standpoint but a time spent standpoint as well the turn-keys really can be viable.
Check the ERA web site for their turn-key price and What You Get with the package. When you factor in the build quality of the turn-keys from reputable manufacturers you again start to pick up ground against the rollers.
With rollers, again, factor in what you get against the costs.
First and foremost settle on a budget and make sure it's realistic for you. Once you do that plan on an absolute minimum of 10% over whatever your budget comes out to (20% over is quite common).
The single most important factor is research, research research. It's not unusual for people to have spent a year or more in this mode before even starting to look at manufacturers. This is a significant (for most) chunk of money to be putting down on a special use vehicle. The more knowledgeable you are the more satisfying the whole procedure will be.
DonC