Looking for a used Cobra

najanajaoxiana · #1 (**permalink**) 10-02-2007, 09:35 PM

Hi Folks,

I am in the Bay Area and have been looking at used ACs for quite some time. I guess I am still doing my homework. Is it possible to find a car professionally built in the last few years that I might be able to grab in the mid-20s. I have seen a few older cars are bu their worth is hard to evaluate. Maybe I just can't afford one. Any suggestions would be most helpful. Thanks!

double ugly · #2 (**permalink**) 10-02-2007, 10:02 PM

This certainly is a great forum to ask the question on. Factory Five & B&B are two that come to mind that you may find in that price range but probably not necessarily professionally built. My first Cobra was a B&B in great shape for 22K. It was a great buy and it took me many months to find. Since SB 100 is something you have to live with in CA it narrows your options. Search Craigs list, Cobra Country and CC. The B&B though was in San Diego and was listed on CC for about two hours before I bought it.
John

289fia_cobra · #3 (**permalink**) 10-02-2007, 11:30 PM

Professionally built as in SPF will never see 20K.
"Well Built" kits in the $20-30K are still somewhat hard to find.
"Uncompleted kits" can be found in this range if you're willing to do some work. Not sure if you're inclined to tackle what's required to put one together or do any of the body pre and paint.

Honestly, unless you're willing to spend over $30K, I'm not sure you'll get what you want without some soft of compromise. Just my wooden nickels worth. In this part of the auto world, you "generally" get what you pay for.

decooney · #4 (**permalink**) 10-03-2007, 12:44 AM

In general, sure you can get a fixer for $20k from time to time, and later on down the road you then realize you have another 10-15k in it when this or that starts bugging you; and at that point after a few years or more of messing around, the reality kicks in that you probably should have just paid more up front to get a much nicer car to begin with. Unless of course you find a $40K car that someone decides to dump for $20K, and in reality you rarely hear about those deals and stories because someone's friend is always ready to take the car of their hands before anyone finds out about it.

Monster · #5 (**permalink**) 10-03-2007, 03:22 PM

I heard there's this lady in Hooterville that has one in a barn.............vin # is something like CSX..... or COB...... something

sorry I just couldn't resist.

Seriously, I'm with Duane. With these cars you usually get what you pay for i.e $20K car will probably need $20K work/parts and end up being a $40K car.

good luck in you search!!
Mike

najanajaoxiana · #6 (**permalink**) 10-03-2007, 08:53 PM

Folks, Thanks very much for your information. This is a wonderful website. I am on a bit of a budget. I am driving a Z4 that is worth about 26K. I wanted to sell it and put that money into a Cobra. Your advice makes good sense. I've had this experience with other hobbies...buy cheap and you spend more down the road. I will keep looking and saving money. Frankly, it is a lot of fun learning the market and seeing all the wonderful cars. I will own one someday.

Thanks again!

Jim

Livermore CA

tc_sj · #7 (**permalink**) 10-04-2007, 10:03 AM

sell your Z4 and cut a loan for $20K, then you have at least $40K+ bugget for the cobra and whatever is left get a decent car for daily comute

ERA2188 · #8 (**permalink**) 10-04-2007, 10:48 AM

A professionally built car 'in the last few years' is probably going to be one of the better kits and would more than likely be going for something more around $40K. Check out Cobra Country for an idea of what is being sold. There is a nice looking ERA 427 for $42 asking, that is an excellent price on a very well built high end car. Or just keep looking over time. My first cobra was a Unique 289 FIA that I bought for $29K, that was in excellent shape. I then gradually put some $$ into redoing the motor. Was a good way to in.

RodKnock · #9 (**permalink**) 10-04-2007, 11:52 AM

The problem with that ERA for $42,900 is that owner would not give out any relevant information on the car or give you any additional pictures at least when I inquired a few months ago. That may be why it isn't selling. Be careful there.

Monster · #10 (**permalink**) 10-04-2007, 12:56 PM

Hey Jim,

I just noticed that your in Livermore, you might want to come join us for breakfast at Rockhouse some Sat. AM. See the BACCEVENTS.com web for direction information.

Mike

CobraEd · #11 (**permalink**) 10-04-2007, 01:05 PM

Check here http://cobracountry.com/# under the "Cobras For Sale" tab at the top. There are lots!

.

BlackSnake · #12 (**permalink**) 10-04-2007, 03:01 PM

didnt read the specs but dits your price range. Check it out
http://www.ffcobra.com/cgi-bin/ultim...2;t=001801;p=1

Tony Ripepi · #13 (**permalink**) 10-04-2007, 06:04 PM

Welcome to the BACC,

Monster Mike has it right come to breakfast on Saturday.

There are two new members that bought their cars for $20K-$25K both good Factory Five cars that they are happy with. One was a total donor build, painted by the Street Rod painter and the other was also a donor build and it was repainted at MAACO --- not a typo.

They both look and run great and the owners are very happy...when you see them in the parking lot at the Rock House it is tough to pick out the $20K car vs the $100K car until you get close and look at the details.

We pride ourselves with the BACC that everybody is welcome no matter what you drive and it is all about having fun ----- Everybody is a President.

You may need to do some leg work but, the budget you mentioned will get you into a Cobra and one that will be fun for you and yours.

Heck, I even know a guy that bought a "Work in Progress" but running Arntz with a FE 406 in it for $19K needed paint, sorting out etc. etc. but it is a great car --- I almost bought it myself...all of these cars are a "Work in Progress" even a turn key brand new $150K aluminum bodied Shelby.

BTW....WHEN YOU GO TO COBRA COUNTRY--- REMEMBER THE PRICES ARE ASKING PRICE, IN TODAYS MARKET AT THIS TIME OF YEAR WHEN MOST PEOPLE ACOSS THE US ARE FACING A LONG WINTER, WHEN THEY CAN NOT DRIVE A COBRA......A LOW BALL OFFER MAY GET YOU WHAT YOU FOR THE PRICE YOU WANT TO PAY.
Tony R.

stevem · #14 (**permalink**) 10-04-2007, 07:39 PM

I have a silver/black B&B Cobra with a 351W/385hp, 5 speed with 8K miles that I am asking $30,000. The car is fully sorted and I drive it often. It is SB100 smog exempt and can be seen in San Rafael. If interested send me a PM.

najanajaoxiana · #15 (**permalink**) 10-04-2007, 10:36 PM

Mike and Tony, the Rock House is very close to my house. I will join you guys for breakfast if you are meeting this Saturday. I look forward to it. It's great to know there is an active club nearby. It is good to hear that folks are able to buy and be happy without spending a small fortune up front.

I am familiar with the Cobracountry website. In fact I bought Scott's 4th edition awhile back to learn more about the industry. I have been watching the CCountry cars come and go for a few months now. The CS Children's Foundation raffle car certainly went quick. Yes, the silver ERA is a beauty. He may get easier to deal with now that the year is slipping away. The Twighlight blue ERA has been interesting to see. He started at 65K and is now down to 48.9K. I think he may have to come down further to sell it....my amateurish opinion based on the quality and asking price for some of the other cars advertised on CCountry and this site.

Thanks again for all of the information and advice! I will use it. Jim

najanajaoxiana · #16 (**permalink**) 10-04-2007, 10:48 PM

SteveM, That's a nice car! I would like to see it. Let me get back to you when I can make it over...I will give you a long heads up. Thanks, jim

CaliCobra · #17 (**permalink**) 10-05-2007, 12:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by najanajaoxiana

Mike and Tony, the Rock House is very close to my house. I will join you guys for breakfast if you are meeting this Saturday. I look forward to it.

If you want a good seat, I suggest you get there early. The guys start showing up around 7-7:30 am.
I usually show up whenever the wife is asleep, and can't detect me leaving.

Of course, my cover is blown once I start the engine!

-Gio

Tony Ripepi · #18 (**permalink**) 10-05-2007, 11:12 AM

Hi Jim,

Hope to see you tomorrow....we have been getting together every Saturday for the last seven years. If the weather clears there should be a wide selection of "Snakes" for you to look at in detail ie. Unique, ERA, FFR, Kirkham, Shelby etc. You can not really appreciate the differences until you see the cars in person.

If the weather is good......I'll be in my car and willing to take you for a ride if you are interested.

Tony R.

ERA2188 · #19 (**permalink**) 10-05-2007, 11:30 AM

The Twilight Blue ERA is sold. But a very nice looking and well built car is the Dark Green (almost black) Johnex 427 cobra that has a HO 302 motor in it. The Johnex is an excellent quality car that is / was built in Canada and has a very high tech chasis - supposedly a cad cam nascar designer assisted. Asking $36 OBO. That could be a good buy. Also located in California and SB100. RD

najanajaoxiana · #20 (**permalink**) 10-05-2007, 08:40 PM

Tony, thanks. I may take you up on a ride. See you Sat.

Jim