New Member Question

[davmcn]

I am considering making my first Cobra purchase and I am seeking the advice of people that know best. I am presently looking at a Cobra that is approximately 12 years old and it came from Classic Roadsters. Can anyone tell me how good these cars typically are? How is the quality? I know not all kits are made equal so I am hoping someone can give me some guidance on this particular car. What are the good and bad points surrounding this model?

Thanks,

David

[cobra427mnsi]

Davmcn

My Classic Roadster is a '92. I have been very happy with it. The only drawback that I can see with a Classic is that it has a longer wheelbase than the original. Some purists frown on it not being "authentic". The original had a 90" wheelbase and the Classic is 94". This can be an advantage if you are tall.

Rather than worry about the quality of any one kit over the other because most kits are good quality, I would worry about the components used in the car that you are looking at, whichever kit it is.

For example, does the car have "donor car" components? In other words, did the builder just take parts from a used Mustang and transfer them into the car, or does it have a "built" motor. What about suspension parts , wiring harness, etc. These are the things that affect the quality and price of a car not necessarily which kit it is. Having said that, there are some high end kits (eg. Kirkham, Shelby) that are great quality but are pricey (sp).

Paul

[kidcobra]

I have a 91 that was not built by an actual shop but by an actual race car builder so the parts in mine are more over kill then anything but to me it is better to have it built better then it needs to be then one that was just slapped together. Now for me I love my CR. I fit in them better.
But with any Cobra or hotrod you are looking at if it was built by or for some one who actually cares about the car they will have every piece of paper work you can imagine. When I got mine it came with 3 2 inch binders that were organised like you wouldnt believe.
Now granted I did look at several others that were just as nice and built just as good (even from my mech aspect) but they didnt have much for documentation.
But them main thing to look for is what you like the best.
Well thats my 2 cents worth.
Good luck!

[Curt C.]

I have a 92 as well. Very happy with it. Solid car. As mentioned earlier, the components used in the build go a long way towards values

[trularin]

I think Nuke427 is selling his BDR. I am not sure of the current status.

Made in a factory, this is a premium auto at a good price.

If you are looking, you may want to take a look at his.

[Jack21]

The quality of the car that was made by Classic Roadsters is solidly built, and first rate. My local Cobra club calls it the Cadillac of Cobras.

That being said, the quality of the finished car depends on the quality of the build. What components were used in its construction, and how were they assembled.

These cars can be assembled with junkyard parts, and the finished car can be a mixed bag of potential problems. Even if the car was assembled with first rate components by someone who was not a competent mechanic/technician and it shows in the little details, the finished car will still be a mixed bag.

Hang out here for awhile and learn what the better setups are, and what the right questions to ask the seller are. Then come back and give us the details.

Lastly, the price. If the price is right, and you know what you're starting with, you can afford to do some minor or major upgrades on a good starting package.

Red flags. You're buying the car from a seller on e-bay, the guy claims to be the second or third owner, has no idea how the car was built, or who built it, and is priced unusually low; don't walk, run!

[B. SMITH]

DAVE,

YOU MIGHT WANT TO FIND AN EXCALIBUR COBRA. THEY WERE FACTORY BUILT AND SHARE MANY CR COMPONENTS INCLUDING THE STABLE 94" WHEELBASE.

MANY OF THE 160 SOME-ODD EXCALIBURS HAD AC WHICH IS TERRIFIC IN THE HOT CAROLINA SUMMERS. MINE HAS BEEN GREAT.

GOOD LUCK,,,,,,B. SMITH