Superformance - Page 2

Speedracer · #21 (**permalink**) 02-18-2002, 02:54 PM

In my opinion, the Superformance is among the most accurate replicas. However, in my research I have noticed a few things . . .

The "mouth" seems a little more oval-shaped than the original. Also, the radius of the curve of the mouth opening (where the body curves "into" the mouth) seems a little tight -- in other words, the mouth opening is a little too sharp.
The panel under the mouth, between the mouth and the oil cooler intake, looks more concave than on the originals.
The radiator, which of course is visible through the mouth, leans forward (top of rad forward of bottom); it leans rearward on the originals.
The windshield wipers park to the left -- does anyone know whether any originals had wipers that parked on the left? The originals I've seen have wipers that park to the right, but I don't know whether they all did.
The side vents are not exact duplicates of the originals' vents.
The original S/Cs had roll bars that were visible behind the seat, in front of the rear bulkhead -- the bar is exposed where it goes through the body and continues down to the mounting points on the chassis. The SPF roll bar is visible on the inboard side, but not on the outboard side. This is closer to original than most replicas -- as far as I know, only ERAs, and of course Kirkhams and Shelbys (and the former High-Tech?), have roll bars that are exposed inboard and outboard like the originals.
The rear-facing support tube of the roll bar is somewhat more vertical on the SPF than on the original cars, and as a result it goes through the body at a point closer to where the main hoop tubes go through the body. Again, ERA, Kirkham and Shelby are closer to the original design.

That's all I can think of. It sounds like a long list of inaccuracies, but they are all, I think, fairly minor. Overall, I think the SPF is considerably more accurate than the vast majority of the replicas. In my opinion, the only replicas that are closer in appearance to the original Cobras are the Shelby and the Kirkham (tied for best), closely followed by the ERA. The SPF is high on my list of best replicas.

KeithBrown · #22 (**permalink**) 02-18-2002, 03:01 PM

Flyin Freddie,

Were you and your car at Charlotte Motor Speedway at the Foodlion car show at the Olthoff's booth? If so, I enjoyed a chance to talk to you about your great car. It looks even better in person that the picture indicates.

Keith

Flyin_Freddie · #23 (**permalink**) 02-18-2002, 03:20 PM

Naw, Kieth...'twasn't I....although I would have liked to have been there and would have been more than happy to chat about one of my favorite subjects!

Thanks for your comments about my SPF...it's really a great car and I enjoy it very much. I am indeed an SPF bigot, so I try to stay out of the "who's is more accurate" arguments as much as possible. I researched a lot of cars before I bought my SPF...some of the folks I work with say I practice "Analysis to Paralysis", but when I make a choice, it's usually the right one for me and I've almost never been unhappy.

Bottom line is that I'd buy another SPF in a heartbeat...no doubt about it. I have the inclination and expertise to build my own car, but I simply am more interested in immediate gratification - I'd rather drive one than build one, but I'm too anal retentive to buy someone else's car and then have to correct everything I feel needs correcting. SPF met my needs, was priced where I thought it should be for the product and quality, and in short turned my crank just like it was supposed to. Couple that with the Olthoff's usual attention to detail, their willingness to build what the customer wants, and their "after the sale service", and I was one happy customer....still am, in fact!

Okay....I'm off my soapbox now...sorry, guys, didn't mean to go off on a tangent....

Great Asp · #24 (**permalink**) 02-18-2002, 07:03 PM

Yes,

Superformance changed some of the body lines slightly, I think most notablythe trunk radius, and the radius of the area between the seats and the trunk. it is more "humped" than the original. I find the FFR to be too flat in this area...FYI

They changed serveral items to clean up someof the lines on the car. I agree with almost all the subtle changes as they do make the lines blend.

However, the case of most original car has come up before, and again I agree with Speedracer. The Kirkham, Shelby, and then the ERA (in that order, in my opinion) are the most like the "look" of the originals. When I went to the Shelby plant, I felt they were the most like the originals, but that included the fact that "I found" some of the small items to be a little unrefined. That is more like the originals to me. However everyone (owners)compromises at some point. I did not want an old suspension, when you can get an up dated suspension that handles better.

The Superformance car has the clean looks of the originals to me.

You will not be disappointed with any of these cars!

Great Asp

Mike Madonna · #25 (**permalink**) 02-18-2002, 07:37 PM

I'll agree with Speedracer too, Great Asp... to a point. I feel the radiator is almost vertical, at least in 952. As for the "other discrepancies", to me they are MINOR. I guess those young and old who ask me is it "an original" or "real" don't notice them either

However, I do agree with Freddie's general assessment.

4ACES · #26 (**permalink**) 02-18-2002, 09:19 PM

I love my Superformance Cobra! I went with Titanium with black stripes. As a bonus my car number is SPO1111 yep 4 aces!

Speedracer · #27 (**permalink**) 02-18-2002, 09:34 PM

4Aces,

I've seen the Titanium w/ Black -- it's beautiful. That's a huge horsepower number. What is the torque figure? I'm curious; what is the fastest car you've owned or driven besides the SPF, and how does the SPF's performance compare (in other words, how much faster is it)?

4ACES · #28 (**permalink**) 02-18-2002, 11:52 PM

Speedracer

640HP at 6,500
593FT lbs at 4,700 on pump gas!

Check out the post in the 460 engine section

Jordy · #29 (**permalink**) 02-19-2002, 07:38 AM

Got any pictures? I REALLY like the titanium silver. Is the standard silver of SPF any good?

And how the finish? Is it showfinish, near show....? Does that make any difference. Does anybody has an showfinish coating? I wonder what the difference is. Anybody?

CobraEd · #30 (**permalink**) 02-19-2002, 07:46 AM

I was looking at my video of the Spring Fling again this weekend. I noticed two silver (titanium?) Cobras, one with deep burgundy stripes and one with (believe it or not) Orange stripes. They both really looked good. The one with the orange stripes really stood out and looked great with a silver base.

Ed

Flyin_Freddie · #31 (**permalink**) 02-19-2002, 07:48 AM

Jordy...I've seen at least 20 SPF's all in a row at Olthoff's and several more on the road at VIR and other more local events. Virtually every one of them have been 'show car' or 'near show car' finish. They're not 27 coats of hand rubbed lacquer, but they're plenty good enough to wax up and put in any show. No orange peel whatsoever, and the clear coat is flawless. They're using PPG paints now rather than the Glasurit they used to use, but the PPG looks great.

I was a Porsche owner for many years, and sionce Porsche uses Glasurit paints I was very familiar with the Glasurit system. But, PPG is also a very good system and is quite durable.

Of course, any paint can be worked to bring out a 'showcar finish' as you say, but that's more dependant on the owner and how the car is cared for in the long run. It's one thing to have a beautifully painted car - no matter what paint you use - and then not take car of it like you should, and another entirely to care for and protect the finish on the car you have. But, fear not, Superformance paint package is great! You'll not be disappointed.

Jordy · #32 (**permalink**) 02-19-2002, 11:41 AM

Great! Good to hear!

I want to import a SPF (if I'm going to buy a SPF ofcourse) in the near future from the US. This will save me $15.000 (in Holland the SPF will cost me up to $85.000!!

).

Can you guys tell me what you've paid for your SPF and what the features are (engine, extra options or so)?

Will it save me money if the car's not registered yet when I import it? Or do I need to pay the 40% over the total price in any case?

HELP!!!!

Speedracer · #33 (**permalink**) 02-19-2002, 01:57 PM

Flyin Freddie,

Are you no longer a Porsche owner? Why? Were you just looking for a change? Just curious . . .

gary_bowers · #34 (**permalink**) 02-19-2002, 02:05 PM

Jordy,
I also have an SPF in Titanium and Black. Let me know your email and I will provide you with some pics. ... Gary

Jordy · #35 (**permalink**) 02-19-2002, 03:00 PM

People, you can sent your SPF pictures (or the location where I can find them) to info@vkdesign.nl !

Thanks in advance!

My nephew is a Porsche driver and he would trade it in for a Cobra anytime (except for the Boxster). I guess a Cobra is more fun. A Cobra is also more special in Europe. A Porsche 911 has almost become a cliche.

CMansfield · #36 (**permalink**) 02-19-2002, 03:25 PM

Jordy,
I went with the titanium, no stripe, I will send you pics to the email above. The last time was at Olthoff's, they had three titanium cars in stock. I will also email a document that shows what options I went with and the costs here of each. I have no clue what kind of tarrifs or import duties you will have.
Good Luck
Chas

Flyin_Freddie · #37 (**permalink**) 02-19-2002, 04:06 PM

No, Speedracer, I had to sell my Porsche for my Superformance. I loved my 911 Carrera...'85 model, 3.2l, 5-speed, spoilers, 16" wheels, sport suspension, Brembos all around, drilled rotors, and so on...really loved it. But, I just wanted something different.

My Carrera was my second Porsche. I bought an '84 944 and took delivery in Ludwigsburg on the Porsche Club Treffen in 1984. Talk about a trip...complete tour of the factory, test track visits with rides in the 959 Off-Road Rally car, 944 Turbo prototype, 935 road racer, and every production Porsche model made in 1984, plus parties and dinners every night for two weeks...whatta trip! Best vacation I had ever taken.

But, then I went back the next year, and took delivery of a Euro mod 911 Carrera and then took our own trip throughout Germany, Switzerland, and France. THAT WAS THE TRIP! Visited Neuschwanstein Castle, took the Rhine River Wine Tour, went to Munich for Octoberfest...WOW! Brought the grey market Porsche back into the States and had it federalized and DOT and EPA inspected...cost about $5K, but I could blow the doors off every US model 911 Carrera I ever came up against...I had 10.3 compression, they had 9.5, plus I had a shorter ratio 1st, 2nd, and 3rd...made for quicker acceleration.

I loved my 911...sold it to a guy who helped me start the Mid-South Region of Porsche Club of America...he lives about 5 minutes from me, so I get to see my old car from time to time. Still...it WAS a 28 time first place Concours winner...! I hated to sell it, but I couldn't keep both the Porsche and a Superformance.

Hell, how could I have made up my mind which one to drive?

Speedracer · #38 (**permalink**) 02-19-2002, 04:34 PM

Flyin Freddie,

231 hp Euro spec will beat 200 hp US spec any day (funny how those numbers don't seem like much on this site). Sounds like you had some great times with your Porsches. I love 'em, though they are obviously totally different machines than Cobras. Those trips sound awesome. I'm still trying to figure out how to get a Cobra without giving up Porsches; haven't quite figured it out yet . . . All the best with the SPF -- it looks great in your photo gallery.