How to buy a Cobra?

[steve286]

I am stumped on how to buy a cobra. I am not interested in anything offered in Arizona right now. It seems as if everything I look at that I am interested in is on Ebay on the east coast. Is buying a car on Ebay sight unseen crazy? This is somewhat of what I would like.
Must be somewhat of a good deal.
Must be under 50K
Must not have a modern drive train.
Hopefully have the right color combination.
Should be a pristine car with minor flaws if any.
Any feedback guys?

What do you think of this car?


Shelby Cobra Factory Five MK4 | eBay

[DWRAT]

What do your really want?
With a 50k budget you can find a nice car for sure.
Maybe even some local buys available, like a Superformance.

BTW , the FFR you posted looks nice but 50k for a FFR is pretty high.

[cycleguy55]

Have you checked CC classifieds? PhotoPost Classifieds - Cobra/Daytona/GT40's for Sale (private party sales only) - Powered by PhotoPost Classifieds
How about Cobra Country? http://www.cobracountry.com/cobrasforsale-cobras.html

What constitutes 'somewhat of a good deal'?
'Modern drive train': Do you have a preference for Ford, or don't care whether it's GM or something else?
Automatic or manual transmission?
What is 'the right color combination'? Black with red stripes, or something else?

[steve286]

Originally Posted by cycleguy55

Have you checked CC classifieds? PhotoPost Classifieds - Cobra/Daytona/GT40's for Sale (private party sales only) - Powered by PhotoPost Classifieds
How about Cobra Country? http://www.cobracountry.com/cobrasforsale-cobras.html

What constitutes 'somewhat of a good deal'?
'Modern drive train': Do you have a preference for Ford, or don't care whether it's GM or something else?
Automatic or manual transmission?
What is 'the right color combination'? Black with red stripes, or something else?

I have other members offer me their cars. One was a FFR and he wanted 68K. That to me is not a good deal.

I would like to stay with a Ford drive train as I think they are better for re-sale.

As far as color goes I would prefer dark grey or black if possible.

Auto or manual is fine but probably manual is better

[mrmustang]

Originally Posted by steve286

What do you think of this car?


Shelby Cobra Factory Five MK4 | eBay

I see a nice shiny car with no heater, no wipers, no mention of at least a 3 link rear set up or an IRS setup, not much of anything near the reported $75,000 build price unless the shop that did it is charging an enormous amount per hour for their labor rates.

Honestly, I see a seller fishing for a buyer who can't get past the "Shiny Bauble Syndrome".

The best bang for the buck right now on the market is Jim's SPF (CLICK HERE), don't let the mileage fool you, as the car has been well driven, but upgraded and well cared for........

You asked for an honest opinion, you got it.

As for how to be, see the link in my sig line, yes, it is really that simple.


Bill S.

[1795]

Seriously, I saw Jim's cobra last fall, since the rebuild, and you will not find a better car for the money. I would prefer that Jim not have to sell his car, but it is what it is. You can easily spend more and not have a nicer car. I saw the car during the rebuild process and can attest to the workmanship that went into it. Not only the workmanship, but also Jim's character. He is an honest and up front kind of person. When you research a car, you not only want to research the car, but the owner as well. Get a sense of who they are by following some of their posts, that will give you a good idea of whether it is worth the trip.

[Bob Broberg SPF667 460BB]

You do not want a modern drive train? Why? You’ll be sorry.
Under $50K? That only excludes the Shelby brand.
The FFR listed should sell for high 30s or low 40s regardless of investment.
What color are you looking for? If you don’t limit your colors you can find more qualified candidates.
You must buy a 5 speed or you will have trouble when it comes time to sell. Same can be said about sticking with Ford power.
If your friend offered his FFR to you for $68K he’s no friend of yours. Right Fitz?
Don’t rush into your purchase. The more you know the happier you will be with your purchase. Do not buy unseen. Do your research so you know what you want.

AZ Bob

[krausewich]

Welcome Steve.
Huge questions you have there!
There are many decisions to be made. Pros/Cons/Needs/Wants...

I think the first is deciding on the style. Big Block 427SC, 427 Street (AKA AC 289), Small block car (AKA AC Cobra, 289, Slab Side, 289 Comp Car, 289 LeMans, FIA, etc...) The body style in a replica does not indicate the power train.

Know what level of authenticity you're after. OE style chassis, full tube frame, ladder and tub, etc... all kinds... lots of history and approaches.

Know what kind of interior/finish level you are looking for. Materials, instrumentation, comforts, accessories, hard/soft top, wheels, etc...

Be open to powertrain options. People use all kinds of power and ALL kinds of builds/options.

You can find GREAT low/no mileage cars for your price cap... do not rush to get there! Sit back and wait for the one you want.

Good Luck,
Mike.

[Bob Broberg SPF667 460BB]

Here are some references:
[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Cobra-Replicas-1980-2011-Essential-Buyers/dp/1845843959/ref=sr_1_9?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1434858660&sr=1-9&keywords=shelby+cobra+books&pebp=1434858666554&p erid=02ZGFQA357FEFCR6GD2W"]Cobra Replicas 1980-2011 (The Essential Buyer's Guide): Iain Ayre: 9781845843953: Amazon.com: Books@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51mI4NBvc3L.@@AMEPARAM@@51mI4NBvc3L[/ame]
Or this one:
[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Build-Cobra-Buying-Performance-Projects/dp/1934709433/ref=pd_bxgy_14_img_y"]How to Build Cobra Kit Cars + Buying Used (Performance Projects): D. Smith: 9781934709436: Amazon.com: Books@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51edZBtoXSL.@@AMEPARAM@@51edZBtoXSL[/ame]

or some of these: http://tinyurl.com/nouv756

Meet with owners and get to know everything.

I don't suggest I am OCD but, I did spend 2 years researching before buying my first and current cobra back in 2000. Even drove to LA twice for Kit Car shows at Knottsberry Farm. Read the only book and watched the only video back then. I went from looking for an incomplete kit to a Superformance. I've put 62K+ miles on the car and can sell it today for more than I paid then.

Free Fun!

AZ Bob

[twin turbo]

That FFR Mk4 on Ebay sold for 48k.

[mrmustang]

Bob,

For the record, neither of the two books you posted above are worth the asking price(s). Too much fluff, less detail than just spending a day or two here

[Dwight]

Other Makes Shelby Cobra AC MK III Superformance Replica | eBay

[mrmustang]

Originally Posted by twin turbo

That FFR Mk4 on Ebay sold for 48k.

The buyer (if legit) got caught up in the bidding and was most likely bidding against a "Shill". The previous "no reserve" auction had a similar high bidder



Bill S.

[steve286]

Originally Posted by mrmustang

I see a nice shiny car with no heater, no wipers, no mention of at least a 3 link rear set up or an IRS setup, not much of anything near the reported $75,000 build price unless the shop that did it is charging an enormous amount per hour for their labor rates.

Honestly, I see a seller fishing for a buyer who can't get past the "Shiny Bauble Syndrome".

The best bang for the buck right now on the market is Jim's SPF (CLICK HERE), don't let the mileage fool you, as the car has been well driven, but upgraded and well cared for........

You asked for an honest opinion, you got it.

As for how to be, see the link in my sig line, yes, it is really that simple.


Bill S.

The nice thing about Jim's car is he is honest about its condition. To me that is more of a mechanics special that still needs quite a bit of work. That is not what I am looking for. I want something I can start driving right away. I also do not want any car with rust on it. Thanks but no thanks.

[steve286]

Originally Posted by Bob Broberg SPF667 460BB

You do not want a modern drive train? Why? You’ll be sorry.
Under $50K? That only excludes the Shelby brand.
The FFR listed should sell for high 30s or low 40s regardless of investment.
What color are you looking for? If you don’t limit your colors you can find more qualified candidates.
You must buy a 5 speed or you will have trouble when it comes time to sell. Same can be said about sticking with Ford power.
If your friend offered his FFR to you for $68K he’s no friend of yours. Right Fitz?
Don’t rush into your purchase. The more you know the happier you will be with your purchase. Do not buy unseen. Do your research so you know what you want.

AZ Bob

When I said modern drive train I meant late mustang 5.0 or new coyote engine.

[mrmustang]

Sometimes you have to think out of the box...........

Originally Posted by steve286

The nice thing about Jim's car is he is honest about its condition. To me that is more of a mechanics special that still needs quite a bit of work. That is not what I am looking for. I want something I can start driving right away. I also do not want any car with rust on it. Thanks but no thanks.

Jim's car needs about half a day (what is 4 hours of labor in your neck of the woods) at a competent mechanics shop. Rust that he mentions is typical for cars in the east, it's surface rust only where the paint has flaked off the frame (the rest of the car is fiberglass ). A few hours with a can of POR 15 and a brush are all that is required, maybe a wire brush mixed in to the equation....

I'd say less than $1,500-$2,000 if you have someone else do the work for you tops......Then, you are in to a 50K+ car for right around 40-42K with shipping.........


Bill S.

Disclaimer: My "toy fund" is low right now, or I would have already bought Jim's car.

[steve286]

Originally Posted by mrmustang

The buyer (if legit) got caught up in the bidding and was most likely bidding against a "Shill". The previous "no reserve" auction had a similar high bidder



Bill S.

What is a "Shill"?

How on Ebay am I able to see if the same item has already been listed before and did not sell and who bid on it>

[DWRAT]

Steve,
If you want a true turn key near perfect car come look at my Superformance but don't expect a penny under 50k.

[DWRAT]

Originally Posted by steve286

What is a "Shill"?

How on Ebay am I able to see if the same item has already been listed before and did not sell and who bid on it>

A Shill bid is a fake bid, often it's the seller itself bidding it up under a different user name.

When looking at any item you can look at other items from same seller and then when in that screen click on completed items and it will show past items listed from that seller.

[steve286]

Originally Posted by mrmustang

I see a nice shiny car with no heater, no wipers, no mention of at least a 3 link rear set up or an IRS setup, not much of anything near the reported $75,000 build price unless the shop that did it is charging an enormous amount per hour for their labor rates.

Honestly, I see a seller fishing for a buyer who can't get past the "Shiny Bauble Syndrome".

The best bang for the buck right now on the market is Jim's SPF (CLICK HERE), don't let the mileage fool you, as the car has been well driven, but upgraded and well cared for........

You asked for an honest opinion, you got it.

As for how to be, see the link in my sig line, yes, it is really that simple.


Bill S.

What about this one?


Shelby RT3 Black | eBay

it has wipers, IRS and the Shiney Bauble option! WOW