Wanted: 427FE powered ERA Cobra

[bcrumpley]

After reading this sight periodically for several years, I've decided to take the plunge into my dream of Cobra ownership, and have decided that I want an ERA (can't afford a Kirkham) Cobra with FE power, preferably a 427. I'm looking for a finished car that doesn't need much of anything done to it, and I'm looking for someone who's ready to sell at a realistic price for today's market. I'm in Texas, but will travel for the right car.

Thanks,
Bobby
crumpley_at_prodigy_dot_net

[Chaplin]

Have you checked cobracountry.com There are a couple nice ERAs for sale.

[bcrumpley]

Chaplin, thanks for the reply. Yes, I've seen those on Cobra Country and on this site. I'm sure that the sellers will disagree, but these seem to be priced too high for the current market based on how long many of them have been for sale. I'm hoping one of those owners will decide that it's time to sell and make the car available at a fair price. I'm selling a great 1970 Mustang to make this possible.

Thanks,
Bobby

[Excaliber]

Well I guess I'm off to visit Cobra Country and see what kind of "high" prices these ERA's are asking for!

Not quite ready to sell mine, but if I was I would be thinking low 40's. Motor is out right now, "de-tuning" over haul under way. Street setup this time, that "race" motor was just to much!

OK, I'm back (that was quick huh!)

ERA
#389 427 FE $58.9K
#573 427 FE $58K
#302 427 FE $59K
#654 428 $69K (428? What, couldn't find a 427 or what?)

IF #154 WAS on the market:
427 FE $45K (and negotiate from there?)

289 FIA 302/331 $55K
289 FIA 351/392 No listed price, zero miles, DEALER, (BIG bucks)!

The current market has not had a large impact on the high end cars. It's the "also rans" that are really taking a beating in todays market.

A number of SPF's were listed in the $40's, which is close to "right" (in my opinion) for this marque. Rare to find an SPF with a 427 FE side oiler. That ENGINE alone in ANY replica will bump the price by close to $10K (in my opinion). Subtract for "center/top oiler", subtract more for a 428.

[LwCwb]

Looking at my Old car trader I see:

Vibrant Red Era
427 Sideoiler, dual quads
4 speed toploader
Price: $49,950 OBO, seller listed it "Jim" in PA

[decooney]

Originally posted by bcrumpley

...and I'm looking for someone who's ready to sell at a realistic price for today's market.

What do you believe is a realistic price in today's market for a limited production car such as an ERA?


...gotta local friend trying the same thing as you. He's looking for a bargain on an ERA. You are not alone. In his case "looking" is the descriptive word after watching a number of rejected offers for only 3-4k less. Later, all of these cars he offered on have sold... So, they do sell. Now "buying" is something different. So be prepared to step up to the plate a bit if you truly want a nice ERA. Many sellers won't budge much. I tried this too a while back. Didn't work for me either years ago, so I built one and can tell you it would have been cheaper to just offer the extra 4k more on the nice used ones to begin with. Good Luck.

[55312]

OGASMAN's ERA still appears to be available and at a ridiculosly low price for an ERA. It's a 428 but what's a cubic inch amongst friends? It's still a good motor and you just can't beat the price on this car if the gelcoat and mechanicals are in good shape ! For that money you could breath new life in the engine and still be ahead of the game.

[Excaliber]

Ogasmans car is an anomaly among ERA's and has an interesting history. Among other things being the first ERA sold to the public. I think the price was around $27-8K last time I saw it? The car is not perfect and would need some work depending on YOUR requirements, but that IS a great price. No wipers for instance, maybe you need them, maybe you don't! Paint is "ok", but not show qaulity.

For a $50K plus ERA it will be "show quality" and the car "perfect" in every way, as MOST ERA's are. You get what you pay for.

I must say, the quality of build and the overall look, feel, ride of mine is oustanding. I'm blown away, there IS a difference from other replicas.

[hey,littlecobra]

#291, beautiful, perfectly sorted, original 427 SO,
on and on, but, alas, NOT FOR SALE! If it were, hmmm mid 50's??
Kris

[P Martin]

Check out E-Bay, there is a blue ERA there. I think his buy it now price is 49000. Pretty sure the car was built in 2003. I just bought ERA 621 and paid in that range and thought I got a great deal. If you want quality, you have to pay for it.

[luke-44]

Originally posted by Excaliber


Motor is out right now, "de-tuning" over haul under way. Street setup this time, that "race" motor was just to much!

Ernie - you are going through what I went through. My 428CJ had the 427 high riser heads and manifold - put out it's real HP at over 5500 RPM. The 428 with Performer RPM manifold and heads is a much better (read: faster) setup for the street. The high riser setup would be better for an afternoon 180 mph cruise at Dayona - just like originally designed. A juiced up 28 is the thinking mans motor.

[Excaliber]

I hear you Bruce, I'm trying to find some middle ground with the current build. The HIGH RISER heads with those massive ports will not like the lower rpm range, not to mention the twin 4 barrels with no heat riser in the intake manifold (stock setup for a high riser).

So, cam selection is a critical issue, vacuum secondaries on the carbs (and a little smaller). Compression down from 12.5 to 1 to around mid 9's will help a LOT.

...I just gotta have my 427, love those High Riser heads and the 2 four barrels look awesome!!!

[decooney]

The blue ERA on eBay right now is an exception, not being a typical situation. Someone is going to get a nice car for the money.

[Excaliber]

OK so whats the item number for the ERA on e-bay? Maybe I need another one!

[G.R.]

Thought your ''suitcase'' was empty

[Excaliber]

HA HA,,,, Does nothing escape you?

I could always borrow another suit case if the deal was sweet enough!

[G.R.]

[bcrumpley]

Thanks for all the advice guys. I have my eye on a couple, we'll see how things work out.

Bobby

[kingair]

Bobby,
I am the owner of ERA 389 listed in the for sale forum on this site, second ad. Also on Cobra country, 4th or 5th from the top.
I am located in Arlington and you are welcome to come see this car anytime you wish!
It is well built, right motor, period correct and well maintained as some of my brethren in the Texas CC will attest to. (it is also the right color).
I am asking premium money for the car because I have an unusual ongoing expense associated with selling the car and that is, as a condition to allowing me to sell the car, I must provide transportation for my wife to whatever location it goes to so she may exercise her "visitation rights"
This caveat in the sale is non-negotiable and I face serious bodily harm if not agreed to by the purchaser!!
If you don't believe this story, just follow this post for a few days and see what comments come from the Dallas chapter of the Texas CC that know my wife's feelings about what I am doing!!
She has allready dynomited two sales because she got to the phone before I did!!

Greg

[James Baldwin]

Bobby,

I have personally seen #654 and can share a few thoughts on the car. email me if you want any other information.

As for #389, though this is an excellent car (the total package)you will probably have to clean up the blood spattered stains from Vicki beating Greg to death for selling it.

And if you haven't ever met Vicki, you WILL CERTAINLY want to let her have visitation rights! .... Especially since she will likely be a widow.