FFR vs Superformance

[steven566]

Hi guys,

I have a buddy looking for a cobra and he was wondering what you get for the extra cash that a Superformace costs. I didn't really know. Do you guys have any thoughts on the subject?

Steve

[steven566]

he is also looking for a local car, so if anyone has one for sale, please let me know and I can send him the info. I know he likes my FFR that Gordon built, but I don't have any other insights into what he's looking for.

Thanks,

Steve

[computerworks]

Apples and oranges.

One is a basic kit of parts, with many options on how you build it...from the ground up...the other is a completed factory built replica.

Has your buddy looked at either company's website?

[bobcowan]

What you get for all that extra money is the labor to build most of the car for you. All you need to do is add engine/trans.

With that in mind, you get a more consistant quality when looking at used cars. Each Superformance is just as good as the last. Generally speaking.

The FFR - or any kit you build - will have varying build quality. Some people spend years selecting the proper parts, performing the assembly, and adjusting everything until it's just right. And some people slap it together in a few months with worn out parts.

[Tony Ripepi]

Good Question,

Another option is a local ERA for sale in Pheonix----- $61k.

http://www.cobracountry.com/home2.html

Takes the choice up one more level.

Tony R.

[mikiec]

The ERA that is for sale is a very nice car. I met the owner about 5 months ago.

Mike

[Mike Brasfield]

As stated, apples and oranges. SP is a very nice automobile, can't go wrong if you like to drive with little building skill or desire to build. FFR is more along the lines of building the car and then driving. Both are great ways to get into a Cobra for less than $5.3 Mil.

[steven566]

What are the ERA's all about?

[Tony Ripepi]

Hello Steven,

ERA is out of Connecticut and have been in the Cobra Replica business for a very long time. ERA builds a very accurate reporduction in Fiberglass with the original style round tube frame. Their body is a splash off of an (Peter Portante's) original car and they have one of the best reputations in the industry for the quality of their cars and business practices. They sell component vehicles , rollers and turn key cars in several formats.

Take a look at their Website....huge amount of really good info.

http://erareplicas.com/

Good Luck in your decision, have fun.

TR

[767Jockey]

Originally Posted by Tony Ripepi

Hello Steven,

ERA is out of Connecticut and have been in the Cobra Replica business for a very long time. ERA builds a very accurate reporduction in Fiberglass with the original style round tube frame. Their body is a splash off of an (Peter Portante's) original car and they have one of the best reputations in the industry for the quality of their cars and business practices. They sell component vehicles , rollers and turn key cars in several formats.

Take a look at their Website....huge amount of really good info.

http://erareplicas.com/

Good Luck in your decision, have fun.

TR

While VERY nice cars, ERA's do NOT have a round tube frame.

[Tony Ripepi]

I stand corrected and red faced.....

You are right 767.

TR

[steven566]

I think he will probably want something around 400-450 hp with 17" wheels. Probably something like all of the Backdrafts that I see around.

I will see if I can get him on the forum.

Steve

[mobilenuke]

Steve, locally we have Anthem Motors up north off 17 which is the local Superformance dealer. They also sometimes have other makes there for consignment sale. If he just wants to look at one I have an early edition built in 1996, SPF#136.

Jeff

[767Jockey]

Originally Posted by Tony Ripepi

I stand corrected and red faced.....

You are right 767.

TR

Tony,
I wish my wife would say that once in a while!

[Mulv]

The main differences between FFR and SPF are:

The SPF car has no Mustang parts
The following are standard equipment on an SPF car:

Wipers
Tonneau cover
Top
Side Curtains
Smiths style gauges
heater
wood rimmed wheel
Pin drive wheels
a full trunk with carpet and no gas tank in the way
Bilstein shocks
Coilovers
hood hinges and locks
correct taillights
65 mustang style inverted shifter
aluminum rad
show quality paint
leather seats
wool carpets.

If you add these things to a Factory Five and have someone put it together, you will spend a lot more than the $40K or so that an SPF costs. If you put Roush engines and Tremec transmissions in both, the SPF will be cheaper.
It will cost at least $10K to duplicate the SPF paint.. The body on the SPF rolls under at the dash and rear header as well. You have consistent build quality on the SPF that you will not get in a used kit car. There are builders and master builders..

If you want to go to the track, there is no question that the SPF will be way slower than a FFR, prep for prep and with the same driver and identical power. I have driven both at c.140 on tracks and the FFR is way better and less scary. I know whereof I speak having held an FIA International 'B' license for years. I am sure someone on the forum will have a different opinion who has not driven both on a track and pushed the cars hard.

Soooo if you want to drive around, the SPF is a much nicer and complete car, if you want to do the roadcourse thing, the FFR is your car. Neither one is an exact copy of the original, close but not exact. For that you need the primo Cobra, either a Shelby continuation or the Kirkham from whence it comes...

[MadDog]

Back to your original question about what you get for the extra money it costs for a Superfomance the answer is nothing.
Superformance is a nice quallity replica but with a well built FFR with good quallity parts you get just as nice of a car for your money. If you are looking to build your own car. Its all about the quallity of craftsmanship put into the car.
MadDog

[fsstnotch]

As another option, Hurricane is a great kit. And they do sell a complete turn key minus car for a shade under 29k if i'm not mistaken. It could be compared to the BDR, but with the accurate 90" wheelbase.

Josh

[steven566]

Why is the FFR faster on the track? Is it lighter or has a stiffer frame and better suspension?

10k for the paint, eh? That must be some pretty nice paint!

What do you guys think of the Backdrafts?

[Fitz]

Come by and take a look at my car. I got to get Mul to drive my toy and see hat he thinks. Take a look at my galleria. Not that I am selling the car but I could be pushed into doing so. This is my second car built from scratch by Gordon L. I took pictures of the entire build with close ups out of the box stuff. You could call him and ask him all the techno stuff but all I can say is liston to Mul. You have a cross section of a car built for the track but never driven on the track. Bob Bondurant drove my first cobra and loved it. Said very nice things about it and this car. This car I have now is nothing like the first car. This car is very tight, fast with primo stuff in it. Everything I learned and wished I had in my first car is in this car. I spared nothing....Air, Killer Stereo, 5 link, 18" ROH wheels and sticky Sumo tires; extra insulation everywhere; hard top, most all Gordon tricks under the hood etc. It is a raped ape!

[RACER X #99]

The FFR seems to be the car of choice for most "gear heads" who prefer the racetrack to the McDonalds parking lot.
Most FFR spec racers with 225 HP will blow away most of those 500HP "show queens" from the other manufacturers.
The guys who argue against FFR are really clueless when it comes to road course performance.

It all depends on what you want, show or go.

Is the FFR an exact copy of an original Cobra? Of course not.
But neither are most of the others.

If you want an exact replica you need to buy a Kirkham or a Shelby .