classic factory built

colubra · #1 (**permalink**) 07-17-2015, 08:42 PM

Can anybody help out that knows classic roadsters?
I have seen a few advertised for sale recently as factory built. I did not know they were produced in that manner. If so, were they just rollers or complete with engine, drivetrain, paint, tires, wheels and so on.
Any background on this topic would be appreciated. Thanks

Double Venom · #2 (**permalink**) 07-18-2015, 04:10 AM

Colubra,
They were built to what ever configuration the customer wanted.
DV

colubra · #3 (**permalink**) 07-19-2015, 09:21 AM

Thanks DV, where they built as both CR I and CR II? I am going to look at one this week with a 302. In your opinion how is the overall quality and reputation of these builds and should I be looking for anything specific as this will be the first factory built i will have seen.

Double Venom · #4 (**permalink**) 07-21-2015, 03:56 AM

"CONFUSION ABOUNDS"
Again, CR-1 was the original company owned by Gary Rutherford. 99% of aLL Factory built Cobras were built under the Rutheford Moniker in Fargo.

CR II was under Don Scott of Mn. The only change in the CR Cobras when sold was the name!
Don Scott did very few Turnkeys in any fashion. Almost all of Turnkeys, in any fashion were done by me.

How ever when Don bought "C.R.'s " significant changes that Don & I had both wanted for years were instantly implemented. Almost every month new changes and revisions were coming out. I was almost done with a totally new manual when Don was forced into Bankruptcy! This in itself is a whole book which I will not go into again.

DV

colubra · #5 (**permalink**) 07-21-2015, 12:49 PM

Appreciate the response DV. The one I am going to see was built in 1994 which would be a CR l . However given a choice I should be looking for a CR ll as it has the upgrades and
changes that were implemented.
Thanks for pointing me in a different direction.

Double Venom · #6 (**permalink**) 07-22-2015, 04:52 AM

A NOTE:
The First upgrade was the floor. It had a solid one piece floor, vs. The "slat" floor and was dropped 2 inches. CR 1 did not ever utilize the addtional "drop".

D

colubra · #7 (**permalink**) 07-22-2015, 12:49 PM

If I am reading this forum correctly, CRll has door release behind the seat which would be over the left shoulder of the driver. Is this a quick visual way to differentiate from CR l?

Double Venom · #8 (**permalink**) 07-24-2015, 04:32 AM

The OEM Built cars ALL used the stainless steel cable releases mounted to the outside of the seats. ANY other release, electric, behind the shoulder, etc. We're up to the owner / builder!

DV