Credibility - Backdraft

markgett · #1 (**permalink**) 08-05-2003, 06:10 AM

Hey everyone-

I'm new here (sort of - been lurking on you guys for about a year) and I've got a TON of questions as I begin my quest for some two-seat recreation. Up to recently, I've been eyeing Superformance as a likely source for my (future) two-seater. it seems the name is credible and well respected. I have also come across the Backdraft replicar website and it seems comparatively new (to me, at least). Can anyone help me with the credibility of this company? I realize that Kirkham or Shelby would be the optimum choices for manufacturers, however, something a "little" more cost effective may be more appropriate for me as a first car. In addition to Backdraft, are there any other manufacturers I may be leaving out as viable choices (EM, FF, etc.)? I don't want something that looks substandard.

Thanks in advance,

Mark

Thorin · #2 (**permalink**) 08-05-2003, 06:58 AM

If company credibility is what you are looking for, then you didn't even mention the #1 company, in many peoples' opinion - ERA. Also, appearance "fidelity to scale" puts them in the top three or four.

http://www.erareplicas.com/

My humble opinion!

David Lowell

ps In regards to Shelby, I would wait to see how everything shakes out for them. They have just gone through a partial ownership change.

markgett · #3 (**permalink**) 08-05-2003, 07:04 AM

Hey, Thanks, Dave. Don't know what I could have been thinking to leave those guys out. I appreciate the feedback!

Mark

Dream Master · #4 (**permalink**) 08-14-2003, 07:55 PM

Mark, You will find the backdraft to be a nice quality car. They are new and don't have the references of 1600 plus customers that Superformance has. Their car is about $10k less than a SPF, but in an apples to apples comparison you will find that a like equipted Backdraft with top, tornneau, pin drive knock-offs, Wilwoods, etc will only be around $3000 cheaper. You can't buy a SPF car without all the goodies that make it an upper-end car. So if you want a cheaper less equipted nice car and are willing to give up these things, it is a nice car. They have positioned themselves in the market to fill the void between the FFR/Lonestar KIT cars and the SPF/ERA/Shelby/Kirkham/Unique upper-end guys. There is a reason the SPF cars command such high resale values.

Obviously from your lack of info within your profile I have no idea where you are from, so this is not a sneaky sales pitch. I am a SPF dealer. I don't believe you will find any reasonable person out there to dispute these facts as I has stated them.

Good Luck, You will totally enjoy most any of these cars. The guy that spends $35K on a FFR car has just as big of a smile as the guy who plucks down $100K for those Shelby REPLICAS. Jump in and join the family.

Doug

BlackBDR · #5 (**permalink**) 08-14-2003, 09:45 PM

Mark,

Doug is right, Superformance makes a very nice car. You're right about BDR being a new company, I think they are about 2years old and I think they're up to about 60+ cars sold. Reg is the main distributor in Miami and we bought our car from him at the Knott's show. Reg has been super and a cell phone call away when I had questions post sale. Lance and Deborah would have been my dealer if I would have purchased a SPF in Southern California. They are wonderful people too. There were several reasons I bought my BDR vs a SPF, here are a couple of big ones for me.

First, the extra 2" in length and how the hinge hits your knee made the BDR much more comfortable to me than the SPF. The room in the BDR is wonderful. We've been in the car for hours and just never feel cramped. Some people are turned off by the smaller diameter steering wheel in the BDR but it actually lets you put your left foot flat on the floor and your left knee fits between the wheel and the door on the hwy.

Second, I wanted 17" wheels and tires. There are plently of very high performance tires out there in the 17" size and almost none outside of race tires in the 15" size. The SPF comes with 15" and they won't let you upgrade short of buying a the 17"'s in addition to the 15"s that come with the car. I didn't have to have pin drives but I do have a prototype of lug covers from Team lll that look great for a fraction of the price. I didn't want a top or tonneu that come with the SPF. My car turnkey with a 420HP very nicely detailed 351W, and Tremec 3550 was under 38K. The same thing in a SPF would have set me back over $50K.

There are numerous other differences between the BDR and the SPF and we could go on and on here. Bottom line, I depends on what you want. Everybody has different priorities. I don't think you'd be disappointed with either car.

If you're in SoCal the next event we'll be at is the gathering Sept 13th in Seal Beach. There's a guy here in town with a beautiful SPF and a Rousch 402R. His car is great, but I wouldn't hesitate to park next to him.

Good luck,
John and Leeann
San Diego

Cracker · #6 (**permalink**) 08-15-2003, 07:01 AM

"Shelby REPLICAS. " Dream Master

David Kirkham · #7 (**permalink**) 08-15-2003, 07:30 AM

Mark:

I just got back from Hot August Nights and spoke to Ron at SPF. What a nice guy. They make a nicely detailed car and I don't think you could go wrong with them. The workmanship was quite nice and I think it is the best car for the money at that price (or even lower).

ERA has been very nice to us over the years and they make an outstanding car as well. Can't say enough good things about them.

We have not really looked much at other cars. (Not being snooty, I just have never really had the chance to look at them. I would very much like to at some time though.)

David

cscott67 · #8 (**permalink**) 08-15-2003, 11:38 AM

It does seem like a lot of people have new opinions on their products these days. (Dream master) I have met Reg and been to his shop. The cars are very high quality and use a BMW suspension. Do a search on the topic and you will find a lot more info, Scott

Dream Master · #9 (**permalink**) 08-15-2003, 12:15 PM

csscott67, wrote:

It does seem like a lot of people have new opinions on their products these days. (Dream master)

csscott, Please explain, just as with your hidden profile (no info, phantom) there seems to be something hidden in this response. Is there something that I stated that is not true?, in your opinion.

What new opinion are you referring to?

My opinion is...........you are hiding from something, you have posted 116 time to my 60, and you don't have the time to put something into your profile? Is your real name Jimmy Hoffa or Howard Hughes? I really don't mean to come off so rough, but this kinda stuff just bugs me. Why hide, I never have, and never will. This is what is wrong with the internet, anyone can jump in and someone will believe that they are a freakin' Einstein, even though they have no valid info to offer. They think that because they can peck on a keyboard, they can solve all the worlds problems.

Is this an over-reaction to this post? Absolutely, sorry it has been pent up for while. It's a terrible thing to know the obvious truths in this world and read some of the stuff that is spewed over the net that make no sense at all.

Doug Reed

NeedAntiVenom · #10 (**permalink**) 08-15-2003, 12:20 PM

Mark,

I'm with Thorin (Dave L.) on this one - absolutely include ERA in your list. Not only exceptional machines, but first rate people to deal with.

You might consider this too, some of the manufacturers have been doing this for 20+ years and have perfected their designs, assembly practices and documentation.

IMHO, some of the manufacturers, like ERA, Kirkham and others, build these out of a passion for Cobras. It shows in what they produce and the respect their customers have for them. Others I feel do it for the money alone.

I encourage you to take the time to work out just what you're looking for then find the best manufacturer you can who is capable of making it real.

This isn't about which Cobra is "best" - its about which is best for you. BTW, the price difference between them, when you add it all up, is not that great.

Best of Luck,
Jim

Mestizo · #11 (**permalink**) 08-15-2003, 12:21 PM

I've had my BDR for a while now and I am very pleased with every aspect. The suspension (BMW M3) is awesome and I love the 17" wheels with the sticky Nitto's.
There's a lot of great cobras - ERA being my next favorite - but at 6'1" and 250lbs. I really like the 92" wheelbase and the cockpit room.
It's too early to tell about resale but I think it will be there at a comparable at least if not better percentage than others.
Above all, Scott, have fun shopping!

cscott67 · #12 (**permalink**) 08-15-2003, 12:31 PM

You seem a little touchy DM. I'm merely referring to a previous post/reply you made awhile ago. No, I don't have anything to hide. My direct e-mail is cscott67@wi.net if you wish to continue. Post count or lack of has nothing to do with intellect or intent. Nor does what I put in a profile.I generally prefer meeting face to face, but then again I am still young, strong, and agressive. Cheers, Scott

Dream Master · #13 (**permalink**) 08-15-2003, 12:34 PM

cscott67
Senior Club Cobra Member

Registered: Jan 2002
Location:
Posts: 116
Cobra Make & Engine:

Ouch Jamo!
I really do like my Rollie........I even wear it when I work on my F5! Scott

Look what I found, the smoke clears, cscott seems to be one of those FFR guys that has a chip on his shoulder. I meant no harm in stating what I did about the market and FFR, and I stand my everything I have stated, especially "no reasonable person would disagree" I like you FFR guys. There is no fricktion from my end. I have sent many customers to FFR.

Cheers,
Doug Reed

Dream Master · #14 (**permalink**) 08-15-2003, 12:52 PM

cscott, Yes I am touchy, when someone makes a statement that has no fact to it, and then skirts explaining what they meant or facts to back up what they have said. People reading your statement below may think that I have changed my opinion of my products, and that I am wishy-washy. Anyone who knows me, knows better. Unfortunately I haven't had the time to meet everyone who read these posts. Therefore, I ask you again to explain just what you meant by the two statements below.

It does seem like a lot of people have new opinions on their products these days. (Dream master)
I'm merely referring to a previous post/reply you made awhile ago

I'll also accept your apology, if you cannot back up what you have stated and you think that is warranted. When I was younger, I did much worst.

Doug Reed

casaleenie · #15 (**permalink**) 08-15-2003, 01:14 PM

Guys, I know I'm getting slower in my old age, but I can't figure out what you're bickering about... I've re-read the thread three times and I must be missing something...

cscott67 · #16 (**permalink**) 08-15-2003, 01:16 PM

DM, you have certainly been given the chance to take it offline if you choose. My opinions on this matter don't have anything to do with my F5 cobra. Your opinion on that replica/car is not what this discussion is about.

You don't need or deserve an apology, as I am entitled to my opinion. You are definately my elder, but obviously time does not make all men wise.

The last time I spoke/posted about the SPF/Backdraft comparison, I stated that I had seen and driven both and felt that they were of the same build quality. I made no reference to which one was more original or anything else. If I recall correctly you proceeded to lambast me for that opinion on and off the forum. It has been awhile, so I must apologize if it wasn't you. I do seem to remember the title"dream master" attatched to the e-mails. My apologies if this was not your doing. If it was, then you are more than welcome to respond offline. I don't see any point in going on about it here. Cheers, Scott

mikiec · #17 (**permalink**) 08-15-2003, 01:57 PM

Markgett...

I recently had the opportunity to view the BDR and SPF rollers side by side.

The fit and finish on both were very nice. I thought the SPF was a little better. The BDR has more interior cockpit room.

My opinion is that I like the SPF better. My buddy is going to get a BDR after the first of the year. He fit into the BDR more comfortably.

As far as credibility goes The SPF has been around much longer, but BDR has been selling quite a few cars recently. Their operation seems to be first rate.

There are other manufactures out there that may meet your needs. Midstates offers a big boy model, There is a Unique FIA car running around with a 7 foot owner.

It will be best to decide what you want to do with the car, what your budget is and then look at the cars that fit your parameters. If possible visit the places of business for these cars and above all talk to various owners and ask lot's of questions.

Mike

BPWilliams · #18 (**permalink**) 08-15-2003, 02:29 PM

Ditto Mike,
Do your homework, and this is a great place to start. I also have looked at a lot of Cobras (replicas (arn't they all?)) out there and they all are diffrent in some way. As far as Backdraft goes, I have heard nothing but good things, and with that BMW suspension I bet it kicks a$$ in the corners. Can't wait to see one on the track. I chose a Lone Star out of Texas for my own reasons. Good Luck hunting.......

Keep it above 100.....................
Brian

Boudy · #19 (**permalink**) 08-22-2003, 11:54 AM

Hi Mark: Glad you chose to join us here in our little corner of the internet. As you can see, we're rather passionate about the cars we own, build, drive, or sell...

Anyhow, this is a good place to learn about cars on the market because they are all represented here. As stated above, all of them have a target market and each one is best for that buyer.
You can find one vs another threads are very popular here if you do a little searching. Most of your questions can be answered in those threads.

As for Backdraft. The factory is in South Africa as are a couple other turn-key-minus manufacturers. In it's third year of operation, production is up to 16 cars per month. Currently the dealer network consist of 5 dealers:

Custom Cars
Tri-State Motors
Anthem Motors
Hi-Per Rods
Allen Motorcars

Fortunatly, most of the non-credible companies have fallen by the wayside in recent years.

Good luck in your search. The hunt is part of the fun...

Boudy

markgett · #20 (**permalink**) 08-22-2003, 01:53 PM

Wow-

what a really great bunch of people here. I'm overwhelmed by the responses and can't express my appreciation for all of the tips, help and advice. I'll be taking all of this under advisement and will keep all of you posted on where I land.

"Shelby Replicas?" What in GOD'S name could I have been thinking.....

slightly embarassed...