Looking for a cobra in AZ

[steven566]

I am looking to buy my first Cobra. I have between 20 and 30k to spend, but would prefer to be in around 20.

Is there a place in Phoenix that puts these together, or do I need to find a used one? I do not have the time to build one.

Should I buy one from out of state and have it shipped?

What do I need to look for in a car? Is one kit better than the next?

I don't want anything too powerful, just something that is fun to drive and looks nice.

Any help would be appreciated!

Thanks,

Steve

[double ugly]

A used Factory Five would be a likely candidate. You can't pay someone to build one for you and get one for under 30K or more. When buying a used cobra you typically don't pay much if anything for their labor. Go to the For Sale section of this forum and be patient in your search. I bought my first car a great B&B roadster for 22K that was in San Diego. I drove it home and had a ball with it. Good luck.
John

[Jim Barnett]

I'd have to agree with double ugly. There are plenty of deals out there in your price range. Check Ebay, the Classifieds on Club Cobra, etc. On occassion, I've seen several Arizona based Cobras for sale on Ebay in the $25 - 30K range. If you don't know all that much about these cars, it would probably be a good idea to have someone who does help you check out any purchase prior to the buy, IF possible. Also, if and when you do get a Cobra, please drive it very carefully until you know the car inside out. They are a handful to drive and can get away from you in a heartbeat. Even the lesser powerful cars are still quite fast and dangerous in certain situations and weather.

[Rich A]

You've got a PM.

[Fitz]

Steve, come to a gathering and bring your checkbook. You never know. The normal amount asking is always about $50,000.

I have had Gordon Levy build two of mine here in Phoenix. See my gallery for details on both cars. Gordon sets up a mean car. You have some choices with engines all over the place. It would be easy to just buy and engine and have someone drop it in. Gordon has done 3 engines for me. A 347, 460 (I don't talk about that one) and my tricked out 408. Or you could play with engines, break some engines etc like I did. It is all about money. How much do you want to spend on the car after you buy one and thought......""I wish I would have done this or I want this or that"". My suggestion is spend a little more then you want to spend and get a little more then what you think you want now because later.....you will wish you had. It is like a boat or motorcycle. You always want a bigger one or a faster one.

Suggestions about taking driving lessons, learning about the car inside and out make sense. Before you know it you are sliding sideways....in town! I just took a new friend for a short drive (he owns a 69 vette). Went around a corner in second gear and shifted quickly into 3rd getting on it and scared the crap out of myself as I started to ....well slide a bit! I scared the crap out of Mr. Vette too. I just laughed.

[vettestr]

Steve,
All the info given you already is great and would only add this hint. Spend some time with the local Cobra group and learn about their cars. We all love to talk and show the cars off and rides are easy to get. With the 1 on 1 time of the different cars you will learn more specific things to look for or gotta have options.
I noticed you listed a local phone # to our valley so come on out and play. Give me a shout for phone #,s or events coming down the pike.

[John-Tucson]

Steven, come to the Cheetah Open House on the 20 th and meet some of us. Decisions that you have to make: Am I going to only show the Cobra? Am I going to drive the Cobra ? Am I going to race, either drag or autocross the Cobra ? Will I drive it across the country ? Do I plan to trailer the Cobra to events ? These and other questions will tell you what kind of Cobra to buy, a $35,000.00 or a $ 25,000.00 Cobra. The beauty of this replica Cobra interest is that you CAN have it your way. Be careful, there is junk out there at both of those prices. Hope to see you on the 20th . John

[Scotty C]

www.cobracountry.com...........is where I found mine.......good luck.......

[steven566]

Do you guys go to the pavillions? I was thinking about heading out there on Saturday, but I think it might be raining...

[steven566]

I want to be able to drive it anywhere. It will definitely not be a show car. It just needs to look good, not flawless. I was talking to John at Anthem Motors and he was suggesting getting one between 300-400 hp and he seemed to think that was out there in the 25k range if I am patient. No trailer, I am lookng for a driver.

Steve

Originally Posted by John-Tucson

Steven, come to the Cheetah Open House on the 20 th and meet some of us. Decisions that you have to make: Am I going to only show the Cobra? Am I going to drive the Cobra ? Am I going to race, either drag or autocross the Cobra ? Will I drive it across the country ? Do I plan to trailer the Cobra to events ? These and other questions will tell you what kind of Cobra to buy, a $35,000.00 or a $ 25,000.00 Cobra. The beauty of this replica Cobra interest is that you CAN have it your way. Be careful, there is junk out there at both of those prices. Hope to see you on the 20th . John

[mikiec]

I got a call from someone in Lake Havasu that has a ffr for sale. If you want I can get the info.

Mike

[Larry N Johnson]

MikeC,
This one is SOLD:

This very nice FFR Cobra was professionaly built and is a fine example of how the Smith Bros. wanted one assembled. It has been totally trouble free and inexpensive to operate. I have kept it in like new condition and it has been periododically serviced, maintained and never raced. It is very tight, solid, fun to drive and includes:

1988 302 FI
3:55 Gears w/new Bearings and Clutch Pak
Russ Thompson Trunk Bar
Autometer Clock
Press Lannom Trunk Lid Lift Kit
Custom Door Panels and Floor Mats
#2937 Chassis
Optima Battery and Custom Mount
Custom Intake Plate
Trunk Carpet
Raydot Rear View Mirror
Front Brake Duct Screens
Custom Radiator Cover
Steering Shaft Dash Bezel
Powder Coated Quick Jacks, Spacers and Fasteners
PS Engineering 15" Halibrand Replica Wheels
Powder Coated Frame
Tonneau Cover
California Car Cover
Finishline Wind Wings

The price: $28,500 and is negotiable. I will also consider delivering the car up to 300 miles.

If you have any questions and would like detailed pictures, please contact me. Thanks for looking.

Lake Havasu City, Az 86404

[Larry N Johnson]

More pictures to come.

[mikiec]

Yes...


Mike

[Larry N Johnson]

This appears to be an exceptional roadster, very well done:














Whoever gets it, gets a winner!

[steven566]

I talked to the owner today. He is still interested in selling it. He says it has a relatively stock 302 with about 275 hp. Does anyone have any thoughts on the amount of hp that I should be looking for?

It seems like 275 would be plenty of a car like this, but the guy over at Anthem Motors recommended getting something with 350-400 hp, which seems like a pretty big jump.

Is the resale different depending on the horsepower in this range, or does it only matter as you get way up there?

I am also not sure that I want a red car with black compliments. How complicated is it to remove the roll bar and pipes for powdercoating or chrome?

I would also like strips. I suppose I could have these put on the car.

I am thinking that I should wait for a car that has the options that i'm looking for, but you guys should have a better feel for this sort of thing.

The car looks very nice and I would check it out if it was local, but he's a good 2-3 hours from my place. Maybe I'll head up there on my motorcycle one of these weekends when it isn't raining.

Steve

[double ugly]

Well you'll start off by saving the enclosed shipping fee from another part of the country. You may find that you like the rollbar and sidepipes black down the road a ways. It's sets you apart from most. Tastes change but they are small items that can be done as money permits. The stripes will be costly I think but cheaper if no clear coat is used. The roll bar and side pipes should be easy to remove for coating. The pictures look good. High HP is mostly for bragging rights unless you plan on tracking the car. The car will be able to scare the S**t out of you as it sits. It appears to be a nicely done car. If he would sell it for 25K I would have him deliver it as soon as the snow stops.
John

[steven566]

Thanks for the advice DU. I suppose you're right, I could always get a different car down the road. Whatever I buy will be a starting point for me, I'm sure I'll want something different a few years from now.

Do you guys switch cars a lot, or do you keep a car for decades?

I'm guessing anything that I buy for 25k will not go below 20k anytime soon, unless the whole car market takes a huge dive.

I will have to seriously think about looking at this car next weekend.

Steve

[double ugly]

I spent a lot of time researching car brands and prices. My first car was a B&B with good paint. He had over 30K in it and I bought it for a lot less. I enjoyed the car but discovered that I am more of a purist. I wanted a car that was very close to an original. Sold the B&B and bought a Hi Tech. Fixed it up and sold it. Now i'm looking to build or buy another Hi Tech. I'm retired and it gives me something constructive to do.
If you can get that car for 25K you won't lose any money other than the upkeep costs while you have it.
John

[Mastiff107]

As a new buyer last year my suggestion would be to wait until you find just what you want. Paint jobs ain't cheap. The engine in that one is entry level at best. Wheels are same. There are a lot of cars in your price range. If you can go to $30 thou you are looking at quite a few. Don't buy thinking you'll upgrade in a year or so because an entry level car is tougher to sell. Now is the best time of year to look and motivated sellers are out there. Shipping isn't that much (ask seller to split) considering it opens your pool to draw from to the whole country (a seller in the snow belt is much more motivated to deal). For a few bucks you don't want to be unhappy and second guessing yourself. Good luck