Decisions Decisions

[Bathrone]

Hi folks, Im back again after a considerable break.

The story is Im at a decision point. My current "toy" is a 400HP 13BT Mazda Rotary, S2 made in 1982. This is a lively vehicle with alot of power in a lightweight chassis - 1020kgs.

The problems with this car is firstly trying to drive a vehicle that triples in power into the middle and high RPM range through a smallish motor being force fed. The big one is legality and being hassled by the cops / yellow canaries because unlike an ICV I have a modified production vehicle and that means all sorts of rules about modifications. Trust me, emissions and noise limits on an ICV are gravy in comparison.

Anyway the motor is now tired and I estimate I have about $25k to spend on it to get it tip top with everything I would want - new paint, interior, engine etcetc. I would then have about $40k into the car and while it would be a genuine 10sec quarter mile car its not overly "classic".

Ive always liked the Cobras but after having an MGB I just dont know how I could put up with one. Ive got a Hyundai Excel crapbox I drive around in, so its not a daily thing, but to pose some questions please:

1. Do the classic revival and other quality kits, the soft top leaks in the rain?
2. If I buy a quality hardtop, just how do the door "windows" work? how are they designed?
3. Is the visibility while driving ok or is it like trying to see in Countach?
4. Is the vehicle generally comfortable?

I thought perhaps a Daytona body would be more to my liking.

5. Does anyone do a Daytona body in Australia?
6. Would the Daytona body be more liveable?

I was thinking if I sold the Mazda I could use my Autronic ECU and CDI, and some other bits and pieces for it.

I guess my main issue is that I know I like the Cobras, but if I actually owned one if I would end up being a car I never took out in the rain and only on sunny Sundays etcetc. Thats what happened with my MGB MK II, it looked nice, but it was just not well designed for general use - it leaked, the ventilation system was woeful, the gauges were highly inaccurate etcetc

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[David Hodgson]

Bathrone

Where to start?

First up no more $$ on the Mazda - keep it for the drag strip (if it comes)

You can seal up a cobra reasonably well, but being a removable roof your gonna get some leaks.

CTC have brought in a SPF Daytona recently, but 25k ain't gonna buy it.

You can make a cobra far more comfortable and reliable than an MG and you'll have a $hitload more fun. If you build it reasonably sedate it certainly could be used daily.

Two types of windows for either hard or soft top; Rigid frame that locates into ferules on the top of the door, sliding glass or perspex windows, or side curtians made from same material as top with zip open window/flap. These are attached by press studs or zipper to the hood.

Vision isn't great, but if you put thought into the size of the side windows and rear screen you'll get by.

[Bathrone]

Thanks David.

My partner she would certainly agree with you on no more money for the Mazda! heh. My budget is larger than $25k, thats what I estimate the Mazda needs to bring it into something I'd be happy with.

But as Ive said, Im just not sure its really in my heart to put that sort of money into the RX7...actually I know its not. The Cobra has that mmmmm factor to it but I just want to be sure its what I want and not realise half way through I didnt think it out properly.

If I could do a decent job of making sure things like the ventilation system, demister and weather proofing was allright Im pretty sure they would be the only things Id be concerned with.

Hard top with rigid frame on ferrules could be the go for these Canberra winters as the last one was my first since moving from Sydney and I remember taking the RX7 to work and having to work back, and my datalogging showed the intake temperature sensor to be -9 degrees celsuis.

I dont know who CTC are but Ill do some research into that possibility, thanks.

It would be interesting to compare the aero cd between the two bodies.

[PCC]

Bathrone,

Move to QLD and enjoy 11 months cruising then you can forget all of the ventilation, demisting problems and also forget about a top

CTC are the Australian outlet for Superformance Cobras including the Daytona.

The Daytona is not cheap, but very nice!

[Aussie Mike]

Here's Mr and Mrs Nassty sitting in the superformance Daytona at this years nationals.

Awesome car with incredible attention to detail and amazing level of finish. Collin from CTC seemed to think a turnkey car would be around $145K but he hasn't worked out all the pricing.




I suggest you get along to one of the club meetings and get a ride in a few Cobras. That will make up your mind for you, I'm sure.

Cheers

[PCC]

Mike;

Superformance are pushing the Daytona in the UK (asking price for a turnkey is 73,000 sterling excluding VAT).

That equates to approx $180,000 AUS!!!!!, which is a substantial difference in anyone's books.

What I don't understand is that in the UK Cobra's are regularly advertised for equivalent to $30,000 second hand, which is much less than what second hand Cobra's fetch here.

Either, the second hand market in the UK has a glut of Cobra's or they are simply not as good a quality than those out here.

[Aussie Mike]

Just some thoughts as to why UK Cobra replicas may be cheaper.

I Hate to say it but from my reading there are a few dodgy Cobras in the UK ie 4 cylinder engines and Ford Sierra running gear. These could be pulling the average price down.

Also with fuel prices and crappy weather in the UK I can't imagine a big V8 powered open top roadster would be a popular choice.

Brittons also have access to more european exotica that may be diverting potetial Cobra owners.

Cheers

[PCC]

But why would Superformance be asking so much for the Daytona in the UK?

Surely, with access to new Ford GT 40's (right hand drive though) and the likely fact that Ford are going to produce a new Daytona look alike less than what a replica would cost do you agree that Superformance are pricing themselves way too high in the UK?

I know it should'nt concern us, but if Superformance could sell a turnkey car here for $110,000 I'd be in the queue.

[Aussie Mike]

I agree, the price is very high in the UK and high here too. I don't think they will sell too many of them in the UK for that kind of money. What other cars are in that price bracket? Aston Martins DB7 is around GBP 97K, Porsche 911 Carerra is about GBP 67K, Jaguar XKR is about GBP 60K, TVR Cerbera is about GBP 43K, TVR T440R is about GBP 75K. A lot of exotica in that price bracket.

Will they sell in Australia for $145K? Who knows. However Robnel were selling turnkey cars for $130K+ and they've sold quite a few.

Cheers

[PCC]

Until they stopped selling them!!!!!!!!

[Bathrone]

Thanks guys. I didnt have in mind spending that much on my project. And to be honest if the costs were going to stretch out I would prefer to get my hands on a RHD version of the JBL Cobra, who's chassis I consider to be a thing of legend! Maybe it could be retrofitted for a Daytona body.

Also, I definatly want to build my own, Ive got specific technical things Im looking for and I just wouldnt be happy with a turnkey. Half the fun of doing project cars is the build.

[justbetter]

PCC ( Peter )
CTC have a Superformance Cobra in their shed ready for a motor ( ford ) gear box, wheels, and some other goodies, i had heard that for around the 100K mark drive away it could be yours, unless you want as you mentioned to finish it your self, maybe worth a call.
Phone Brian 0409 165 372 and have a yack...

[PCC]

Garrett,

Is that drive away without wheels, engine etc?

Love to see that happen

The kids say red is not the colour to have (if it is the red one) as all our cars are blue!!

Will ring for a yarn, to see what exactly needs to be done on top of the $100,000 asking price.

Anyone want a now reliable Cobra in show room condition?

Thanks Garrett

[BMK]

PCC

Peter

I checked it out at Wakefield Park Raceway also and see it as good value. The finish was good and yes motor and g/box would see it complete.

Would $12,000 motor $5,000 g/box do it..

Re paint red to blue....$$$ Then you have a matching Coupe...

Bernie

[PCC]

Hmmmmmmmmm - Bern you'll get me itching and an itch turns to a scratch etc etc.

What's the golvebox bit????

I'll sleep on it and report back!

[BMK]

Then again...

Everyone knows what a Cobra is....

But a Daytona - well its been asked "what is it"

Six Daytona's world wide. Five blue and one red??. Am I right.

Maybe thats not a replica to have..

I have a cream for that itch..

Bernie

[Cameron Parsons]

PCC,

there is a pic in my Gallery with that SPF at CTC in the Background with the Daytona.

Blue w Silver Stripe SC in the Background - Big Pic

Or get up close at personal at the Superformance web site

We have just sorted all the paperwork to get a nice 347 Ford under the hood of mine, so there is an option.

Cameron

[PCC]

Cameron,

The S/C in the background is my car!!!!

Why is it that Superformance advertise that the Daytona comes with no engine / drivetrain whereas their Cobra does?

Bernie - are you well?

Your comments are becoming more and more cryptic. I thought Les was bad

[750hp]

If you like the idea of a JBL chassis under a Daytona Coupe body, it's your lucky day.

Mr Bruce on ClubCobra has designed such an animal. As far as I know, he hasn't completed a car yet. Contact him for an idea of how he's progressing.... http://www.clubcobra.com/forums/memb...fo&userid=9746

[BMK]

Peter

Sorry I'll stay away from Les..

It must be catching.

Bernie