Search for the Perfect Beast

[Chuckster]

Hello all,

Needless to say I finally joined the fray as the time clock for selecting my cobra has started to tick. Like many other newbie's on the site, I am trying to collect as much information on building my ride and would appreciate any guidance that is out there.

Here is what I am aiming for with the final product:

1) Total cost $40-$50K ($45K ideal)
2) NO DONOR PARTS
3) 400-450hp
4) A Streetable show car (a little bling under the hood)
5) A company that is easy to work with (customer service and service after
the sale is key) as I do not have the time and space to build it myself.

Anybody have any suggestions?

Chuckster

[Three Peaks]

Talk to Gordon Levy about building an FFR for you. Or buy a completed used car. Plenty of them for sale on this site and at www.ffcobra.com in that price range. And I'm sure many of them will fit your criteria just fine.

Bob

[tcrist]

Check WWW.CLASSICROADSTERS.COM, they have a couple of factory built used cars for sale.

Terry

[ENTDOC]

a used superformance would seem to fit the bill the best

[Rickd]

Check out the Cobra Country web site. There are several very nice looking Superformance Cobras, a very nice silver ERA, and also a virtually new Backdraft with only 900 miles on it. You could be driving one next week end. Rickd.

[Chuckster]

I have been perusing cobra county quite a bit and thanks for the other leads. I'll check out the links.

Am I correct in understanding the best bang for the buck is to by a used snake? Looks as though used may be the best deal as they appear to be roughly $5-7K less than a new one. I was told that the cobra market is rather soft right now.

Also in trying to rank the best out there.....SPF, ERA, and Kirkham seem to be the premium cars out there according to the forum with Backdraft, Hurricane next on the list. Is that true AND where does Lonestar fall into this list.

Thanks again!
Chuckster

[xlr8or]

In the price range you are looking for there are always some nice examples available from SPF. A nicely appointed ERA will be bit higher and the Kirkhams more than that. The 30K-40K range will cover many other companies as well.

[GlynMeek]

I'd put Lonestar in the top 5...in no particular order, the research I did 2 years ago based on MY criteria came out as Lonestar, Kirkham, ERA, Superformance, Backdraft. I went with Lonestar for a variety of reasons, but the others ALL have their strong points as their owners will definitely tell you. You tend to not hear as much about Lonestar on here because they don't advertise on ClubCobra or in the Kit Car magazines, but they are definitely up there wrt quality and service. Make YOUR OWN LIST OF CRITERIA, and for $45,000 (which WILL stretch to $50,000) you can get a GREAT car.

Glyn

[Chuckster]

Thanks Glyn. Boy do I miss Austin, Tx. Lived in Houston for 7 years and spend many road trip weekends on 6th street.

Good to hear some good things about LSC. Up here in MO, its difficult to get any feedback other than those who own FFR. LSC intrigues me with the Roush package and the several "street" type upgrades. Can you send or link me to some pics of your ride?

Also did you build it and what kind of powerplant did you choose?

[jperickson2001]

Buy one used from the classifieds. Great deals out there-John

[Randy H]

Chuckster,

I would agree, buying used is a very good way to inter the Cobra club. Check out Unique during your learning phase, they are a very good company and very helpfull if you decide to build. Click on my camera and check out the pictures of my Unique. Feel free to e-mail me with any questions.

Randy

[scott h]

check out uniquemotorcars. excellent customer service, great product. a couple of years ago i think turn key was around 45 to 50K, don't quote me.

[Buzz]

When asking to define the "premium" brands, bear in mind that different people have differing priorities so you can end up with a huge range of opinions. In the general Cobra replica market, "premium" is commonly defined by products that most closely replicate the original Cobra in body appearance (accurate lines, stance, wheel-to-body relationship), dimensions (wheelbase, ride height, cockpit size,etc), suspension (IRS vs. live axle, pin drive wheels), drivetrain (set up for correct engine and transmission) and overall quality of construction.. By these measurements, some of the commonly accepted top brands currently in production are - in no particular order - Shelby, Kirkham, ERA, Unique, Superformance, Premier Motorsports. Within this group, Shelby and Kirkham offer aluminum bodies which places them in an even loftier bracket than the other premium brands.
Hurricane is a newer, budget oriented contender that offers an IRS option and has gained growing respect and support. FFR is extremely popular and generally regarded as an attractively priced way to get into the Cobra hobby using the "donor car" concept. They have a nice, accurate looking chassis but their body is known more for its "perky butt" shape than original appearance. The general consensus is that with a little extra money and effort, an extremely nice car can be built, rivalling the "top" brands in execution. A new upcomming body using a digitized and CAD-rendered copy of the famous 198 mph original car driven by the late Dick Smith is, depending on execution and details, likely to place FFR squarely among the "premium" brands.
There are other replicas that do not accurately replicate the original car in size, shape and appearance and have gained a following among those who are less interested in pedigree or history and want a nice, Cobra-like hotrod with more space and (in some cases) modern appointments and suspension. Manufacturers like Backdraft, West Coast Cobra, Classic Roadsters and others use the pure, functional beauty of the original (eg: flared, widened fenders to accomodate and enclose larger racing tires) as a series of "cobraesque" styling elements to create a different looking car with a longer and/or wider and/or more bulging fendered appearance. They offer more legroom, etc, but in the opinion of those who fanatically love and admire the low, tight symmetry and proportions of the original, the shapes are almost unbearable to look at. To the owners who choose these brands and care little about original lines, they are regarded as roomier, more comfortable and - in their view - dam' fine lookin' hot rods.
If you are seriously considering buying a used Cobra, in addition to the top brands mentioned above, there are some premium brand cars that are no longer in production but well worth looking out for. Contemporary, Hi-Tech and Gentry come to mind and I'm sure there are others.
To each his own and there is certainly lots of variety out there. Establish your budget and your priorities and get set to enjoy YOUR version of one of the most beautiful and exciting cars ever built.

[63mercury]

Check out Hurricane motorsports in Lee's Summit Mo. They make a fine kit, and would be my choice if I was going that route. I'm doing a scratch build as I have more time than money.

[Chuckster]

Buzz,

Thanks for the detailed response. You answered my main question of why several folks I have talked with did not recommend some of the non traditional body type cobras out there. They never would say why, but now I know! Looks like the path of least resistance is whether I want the traditional style or the comfortable cruiser.

A couple more Q's....

- Do the traditional body style cobras retain their value better that the others? Not that resale is an issue with me, but just need some sales support in the "sales presentation" to the wife.

- 351W or a Roush....Any opinions

[Buzz]

Hi Chuckster. Comparing brands is always a touchy subject because of the broad spectrum of personal tastes and brand loyalties and it almost always turns nasty, so most people just refrain from commenting publicly. As for resale, you are wise not to look at a Cobra replica (or any new vehicle) purchase as an investment as over the short term almost no vehicle can be expected to hold its original value.
For the presentation to wifey, use the same argument you would use to sell her on the purchase of any expensive commodity - Its better to spend a little extra up front if you can to buy a quality product as it will look better, last longer and lose less of its value and market appeal over time compared to a cheaper or inferior brand. It also helps to tell her that buying a Cobra will put you right in the mood to do that kitchen remodel she's been hinting about for the last few months.
Engine selection is another BIG can o' worms for the same reasons mentioned above. Here's the purist point of view that is subscribed to by many owners of the premium brand cars: Big block FE series engine in a 427 replica and a small block in any 289 series replica ( FIA, USRRC, slabside, etc).
Most others are content to have an accurate looking replica powered by the engine of their choice and hotly debate the big block vs small block issue based on the pros and cons of weight, handling, torque, power, "look" and sound. At the end of the day it boils down again to what YOU want and that's really all that matters. Windsors are very popular, flexible platforms for building a nice, powerful motor - commonly stroked to 396, 408 and 427 cubes. Which Roush motor are you considering?

[Chuckster]

Buzz,

To keep things within a reasonable budget, I am leaning toward the Roush 342R (450 hp). I like the 24K warranty on the motor.

[Slick61]

... a completed, all-new/non-donor car would be a challenge for less than $50k if you don't want to hassle with the build. A painted, rolling chassis will run you $30k+++ Then, there's the engine & tranny, installation, tuning, miscellaneous extras, yada yada yada... It adds up fast. Turn-keys typically start at around $45k, with a 302 crate motor in them.

It's more economical to buy a completed car. (though not many Superformance cars can be had below $50k) Yes, you'll probably have to make compromises in your wish list... depends on how picky you want to be.

the more you look at (and ride in)- the better idea you'll have of what you want...

[Chuckster]

Slick,

How do you like the BDR? It's high on my list as they all look gorgeous. If you don't mind, what did it go far when all was said and done?

[BDR561]

You should be able to get a NICE BDR for your budget... I sold #198 for 39.5K right after I put it together. Had a nice 351 pushing a little over 450hp. That car had a TKO, dual friction clutch and all the goodies you would want on the motor such as all forged internals, NICE alluminum heads, MSD, etc...

If you buy a roller and can drop the motor/trans in yourself, you can have your cake and eat it too $$ wise and have a NEW car...

I'm on my second personal BDR and have put 3 others rollers together... Great car, great $$, great support and a great re-sale.