CSX 4000 Series Talk

[Ricardo Singer]

Good Evening:
I just want to start a conversation regarding csx 4000 series cars.
Not long ago I wrote an editorial that you may find entertaining.

http://www.sandiegoautonews.com/MAGAZINE.html

I look forward to reading your comments.

Thanks

[rokndad]

Why? You know the responses you're going to get on this forum. Why don't you pose the same question with your article in the CSX 4000 series section on the SAAC website as well. You may not get the discussion there you're looking for.

[Ricardo Singer]

Thank you.
I just wanted to hear different points of view of other members.
I was not aware of the forum you mention but I will check it out right now.
Thank you.

[Silverback51]

So you gave up quality for ego.

[Power Surge]

Originally Posted by Ricardo Singer

Good Evening:
I just want to start a conversation regarding csx 4000 series cars.
Not long ago I wrote an editorial that you may find entertaining.

http://www.sandiegoautonews.com/MAGAZINE.html

I look forward to reading your comments.

Thanks

Okay, I'll give you my comments as an owner of both replicas and a CSX4000.

1- While most don't want to hear it, a CSX4000 is just as much a "real Cobra" as the cars from the 60s. The 60s cars were built by another vendor, sent to Shelby to be finished, and then sold as Shelbys. And the street cars were almost 100% built by another vendor, drivetrains and all. The current cars are the same thing. Built by another vendor, shipped to Shelby dealers to be finished, and sold as Shelbys. Anyone who wants to argue otherwise, either just doesn't see it, or is in denial about admitting it.

2- With the above said, your comment about answering the question is now "no sweat", is not true. CSX4000 owners are forever cursed with that question. Yes, it's a real Shelby Cobra, but it's not an original Shelby Cobra, and that's what people are usually asking. The answer to the question for a 4000 owner is a giant footnote that needs explaining every time it's asked.

3- From your quality standpoint, that is not the norm on the 4000 cars. Older cars were actually built by the selling dealer, and the 4750-up cars are meticulously built and inspected. There were some fit and finish issues with the very early 4750 cars that had to be resolved, but any of the HiTech built CSX cars are flawless, and the HST cars go through strict inspections, even by one of our own forum members here.

4- If your car doesn't perform as well as your SPF, then it wasn't done right. The alignment on the CSX cars need to be 100% correct, or they will suck to drive. I'd suggest contacting Tom Baynard at Tom's Motorsports in Vegas to sort the car our for you.

And lastly, I just generally don't like articles like the one you wrote. It's hard enough just trying to be a normal Cobra owner when owning a CSX4000 car, because most people want to label us as pompus asses (thanks Evan), and articles like yours don't help the situation. I like my car, I'm proud of what it is, but I don't think I'm better than anyone else for owning it.

[1985 CCX]

Ricardo

I think your writing was based upon your own experience, correct? That said, we were not there so it would be rude to say you were posting a thread to only create controversy. I have heard others make similar claims regarding quality however I have also heard the total opposite as well.

I agree with Sal, who by the way has a car built by Billy Andrews, they are real Shelby's just not original 60's cars. Sal's car is a fantastic sample of how great these cars can be. It is perfect with fit and finish........

Unless you are a very wealthy person, an original 60's car CSX2000 or CSX3000 is not something you will ever have. Matter of fact you are lucky to see one as they are numbered in the hundreds world wide.

I am always happy to answer questions about my car as the car can speak for itself. Is it a Real Shelby, no but it is a replica of a 1965 S/C and a blast to drive. I can experience the same feel of a 60's car for pennies on the dollar. That allows me to enjoy my car and focus on the joy of the drive versus the safety of a priceless original.

Would I ever buy a 4000 car, Absolutely! Would I buy a KMS, Absolutely! MKIV, again yes. Life has not presented the opportunity yet.

Until I win the lottery, a replica is my outlet to enjoy open air driving. Not to mention meeting new friends in the process. Perhaps meeting new friends is the best part of the ownership experience?

[misfit41]

I am sick of the csx4000 "real or not " argument,thats been done over and over !. The csx4000 you got must have come from somewhere different from mine . I was very impressed with the quality as has everyone that has inspected it has been . It is a wonderful car which I am sure exhibits the driving and handling characteristics of a 60 sports car ,I think it drives great !.
All the cars you have mentioned are fantastic and boils down to the buyers desires and how much he is willing to spend . I have a shell valley I like too,it is just a different car.
Seems to be your trying to stir crap that has been stirred much too much already . Tk

[Dangerous Doug]

Having read the article, it appears to me that the problem isn't the product but the attitude of the dealer that sold the car to the man.

I purchased an ERA (a faux Cobra, if you will), and I'm quite happy. Was it perfect? Close, but not quite. I ran into a few issues, but was ALWAYS able to get a swift and positive corrective action from ERA. No attitude. No hassles. I found I could count on ERA to do the right thing.

This does not seem to be the experience Ricardo had with Shelby American, and at least one other CSX4000 owner I have met.

That's a shame.

DD

[ENTDOC]

the article seems fair enough to me. He compared two differnt cars and gave an honest critique of them, what more do you want. I understand the desire to have a Shelby car, even though it may not make sense from a practical point of view, if having the Shelby moniker is what make you happy then that is ok. I had a Hunter cobra, 23 thousand bucks total in it and I wanted a Kirkham. the kirkham made me feel better but I cannot say it performed any better than the lowly Hunter.

[misfit41]

I had issues getting my car ,there was a point in time I wondered if I would get it,most of that was spurred by negative post here.
I would also have to say I have made no attempt at warranty repairs and have no active dealer in my area. The problems I had with my car were minor and figured I just needed to fix them . The fit finish and overall quality is again better than I imagined it would be . I know my car was finished in las Vegas believe was started by Hi tech.
I love the stance and wheel clearance of my car compared to some of the otheres. I also liek the fact that the chassis is authentic so I feel at least I'm getting a cobra experience.
Worse part is trying to explain what the car is when I drive it ,original ac cobra ,NO.real shelby cobra ,YES .Most people just don't know enough about the cars to relate to that .
I bought my car for 37500.00 ,less than an spf so I am happy to let them think what ever they want ,I know it is as close as I will ever get to an original and feel pretty good about it.

[cobra25]

Wow...did you really compare my Cobra to a fake Luis Vitton purse you saw on your honeymoon??? Ouch..

Lets keep this simple.
Having been around Cobras since 1966, I can tell you that my car is very authentic looking, faster, and a better overall car than the ones from the 1960's. This equates to more fun.

The answer to real or fake is: It is one of Carroll Shelby's contintuation cars.
If I had one from the 1960s do you think I would be driving it around town??

I am sorry about your car but I think it was a problem with your dealer. Shelby has been working on this problem.
Mine has little things but my dealer has been great. I like to work on the car, so these little things are fun for me.

[csx4910]

I feel exactly the way Sal put it. I have always wanted one, was fortunate to be able to buy one and enjoy it but it is doesn't make the car any more enjoyable to drive than the may other makes (FFR, BDR, KMP etc). I wish people would get off their high horses (and hitting below the belt) and celebrate that we all want our small piece of cobra legacy and enjoyment to drive. Like with any other business, the bottom line is the experience we have with who we purchased it from and the after purchase (or build) service that we get.
Ron

[razerwire]

I have two cobras, one is a bennett,push rod suspension,full space frame, with his fiberglass body. Also have csx4163 which was finished by Finishline Motorsports Las Vegas NV. Shelby car is special in that it has alum. body , # 7 of 12 full comp cars authorized by Shelby, Kroyer built csx 468 in. dry sump, 8 port fuel injection engine. I like both cars but I can say It makes me nervous to drive the shelby in every day traffic. I like all performance cars and don't like the division, real or not, by those with the cobras. Most people don't know the diff and ask the question only in the hope to see a rare car I think. I don't think any two cobras are the same, some are diff because of budget, personal taste, use of, influence of others and so on. Which one is better? Depends- just going for drive-going to car show around non car people- going to track- going to car show for knowledgeable people, hard to say, just enjoy the special car you have would be the best. I enjoy both my cars for diff reasons.

[misfit41]

Originally Posted by rokndad

Why? You know the responses you're going to get on this forum. Why don't you pose the same question with your article in the CSX 4000 series section on the SAAC website as well. You may not get the discussion there you're looking for.

you have a private msg,thanks

[rokndad]

Originally Posted by misfit41

you have a private msg,thanks

Got it. Best wishes and hope you have success in your quest.

[rokndad]

[quote=Power Surge;945341]Okay, I'll give you my comments as an owner of both replicas and a CSX4000.

Thank you Sal for that well read piece. Let's all get back to helping one another with our important issues on all of our personal "joys". I found this forum to be the best for that and have benefitted from the member's help many times.

[Nudnk]

Enjoy your ride...

[Ricardo Singer]

I would like to thank you all for your comments, critiques and suggestions.
Thank you for taking the time.

Today my Cobra is at the dealer being worked on the electrical issues.

I can’t wait to get it back an start enjoying it as much as time allows. The summer is almost here and will definitely log some miles.

[REAL 1]

I second what Sal said, except of course for the ridiculous comment about me being responsible for people thinking CSX owners are pompous assess.

Hey, Sal, I was here long before you and I never said anything different then what you just posted. Difference was back then there were many more guys here that didn't own Shelbys and many non Shelby owners got there rocks off knocking the car and painting any owners that stood up for the car as a real Cobra as an "elitest". I called it like a saw it. The non Shelby guys back then suffered from classic case of sour grapes and petty envy and I said so. They didn't like that much but the truth hurts.

I said it then and always like you said it just now and I said it when most Shelby owners back then were afraid to speak up and hid under their beds. That doesn't make me pompous. Instead of being commended for sticking up for the brand and the CSX when there was real hostilty towards any owner trying to defend the CSX as what it was accepted as by SAAC (a genuine Cobra) I still get this crap. Your comment is not appreciated and not fair. Get real.

Hey Riccardo: The continuation Series CSX is a real Cobra. I have no issue or hestiancy telling anyone that asks its Real. I state its Real and that its a Shelby Continuation Cobra. If they have interest beyond that statement and I have time I answer their questions. End of Story.

As to quality. Most owners love their CSX Continuation Cobras. If you have an issue with your go back to the issuing dealer. SAI is also very responsive to issues.

BTW did you ever check out the quality of the build on the originals? If not, check it out then come back and we'll talk.

Also, Shelbys involvement in the build of the Continuation series Cobras is not much different then back in the 1960s if you know the history.

Takes care.

[xlr8or]

I'll second what Sal said. Well stated without being a pompous crybaby.