The cobra experience (New, prospective owner)

[Jannas]

Gentlemen,

As this is my first post and the deciding factor on whether or not I will purchase a cobra replica, I'd like to introduce myself. Obviously my real name isn't Jozza but a pleasure to be part of the forum all the same.

I have a few questions/concerns prior to purchase.

1. Is security a concern at all? The one I am eyeing has a hardtop and while it doesn't have an interior, conventional door handle. There is no stopping some pleb going Duke of Hazard on it. See link for car in question: AutoTrader Classics - 1964 Shelby Cobra-Replica Convertible Red 8 Cylinder Manual 2 wheel drive | Kit Cars & Replicas | Phoenix, AZ

In fact, if you have any comments on this car at all, I'm all ears.

2. Do you worry that some moron or a small child will burn themselves on the hot sidepipes, leaving you open to litigation?

3. How is the resale on a replica?

Thanks for the help.

[Clois Harlan]

I haven't seen this particular car but the price seems fair. I personally do not like a Cobra with a Chevy or other power train. As good as the 350 Chevy is I would have to go with a Ford Engine.

That being said to answer your other questions;

I have owned mine for 13 years and I have never worried about someone stealing my Cobra (I have a kill swithch and pretty good insurance).

The only three people that have been burned by the side pipes are my wife, my mother and I. The women were only burned once and my wife still rides around with me. Me a few more times Additionally, not worried about litigation issues

The resale market is not as agressive as it has been in previous years but there will always be a market for a well built and maintained Cobra

IMO Buy the Cobra and join a club and when the opportunity arises put it on the track to get some experience. You won't tear it up but you will gain some valuable experience even if you are just doing lead follow.

[mrmustang]

Originally Posted by Jannas

Gentlemen,

As this is my first post and the deciding factor on whether or not I will purchase a cobra replica, I'd like to introduce myself. Obviously my real name isn't Jozza but a pleasure to be part of the forum all the same.

I have a few questions/concerns prior to purchase.

1. Is security a concern at all? The one I am eyeing has a hardtop and while it doesn't have an interior, conventional door handle. There is no stopping some pleb going Duke of Hazard on it. See link for car in question: AutoTrader Classics - 1964 Shelby Cobra-Replica Convertible Red 8 Cylinder Manual 2 wheel drive | Kit Cars & Replicas | Phoenix, AZ

In fact, if you have any comments on this car at all, I'm all ears.

2. Do you worry that some moron or a small child will burn themselves on the hot sidepipes, leaving you open to litigation?

3. How is the resale on a replica?

Thanks for the help.

1: 24 Cobra later I have yet to have anyone attempt to steal any of them. Granted, I do not ever leave the keys in them, and I always shut off the battery switch as a safeguard. The reality of it is, if a thief wants your car bad enough, no matter what you do, they will find a way to take it. A hardtop on a Cobra means little in regards to security.

2: When going to cruises and shows, whenever I park a freshly driven Cobra, I always warn people to stay away from the sidepipes as it is an instant 2-3rd degree burn and a trip to the emergency room. It is the parents responsibility to keep there children away from them, be it hot or cold. Never had anyone who has not heeded my words ever threaten to sue me for their own stupidity. If they had, again, they would end up being the responsible adult for not supervising their children, or themselves.

3: Resale on replicas are hit and miss, since each one is essentially a custom built car, it is difficult to compare one to another, even of the same manufacturer. As such, I never suggest anyone buy one as an investment, but instead to buy it as the toy it is and to use it as they see fit.

Hope you find this helpful.

Bill S.

PS: I have only had to grab one child off my sidepipes, as they stepped up on them to get a close look inside the car right after I parked it. Parents came running over and yelled at me until I explained the "immediate trip to the emergency room" if I had not removed their child (wearing rubber flip flops) from the hot pipes. They immediately thanked me and apologized for yelling at me. I believe that was back in the summer of 2002. Have not had to deal with a similar situation since.

PSS: Price of the car you posted seems WAY TOO HIGH for the manufacturer and the fact it is Chevy powered (this takes a good 20-35% hit on value not having it Ford powered). My advice, make sure you know exactly what you are looking at, if you are unsure, find someone local who is that can advise you.

[Tommy]

Jozza,
Your opening sentence sounds like you will be deciding whether or not to buy very soon. But your questions sound like someone who has not thought about this very long and is buying on an impulse. If you are very well off financially and can afford to take a loss when you discover the car or the ownership experience is not what you hoped, then press on. .... But if it were me, I'd take a little while to discover why I want a Cobra replica, what I plan to do with it, how I plan to maintain it, and what are the pros and cons of the various models. I believe there are plenty of cars to consider when you know exactly what you want and why. ... Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

[Varmit]

JOZZZA

Take your time, that are several out there. Educate yourself on what is available, and decide what you would like to have. Here is the website, where I found mine.....Cobras for sale--427 Cobras for sale by owner

Good luck with your choice. Never had a problem with some maggot trying to get his hooks on mine, but that is not to say it will not happen. When I have it out, I an ALWAYS close by, and have the shut off switch turned off.