Advertised as an ERA, but is it?

[sea2jet]

ERA for sale with a 427FE/Toploader

http://hartford.craigslist.org/cto/5940353588.html

[*13*]

Originally Posted by BassPlayah

Newbie here. I live in Seattle and have had interest in this car for a couple months now. Thought it was an ERA car, per the ad, and literally just talked to Peter at ERA today about the car. He said "definitely not one of ours."

However, with more than $100K in receipts and full documentation, and 913 miles on the ODO, I admit I'm having a hard time passing because the ad isn't technically correct. Warren, the consignor, is a decent enough fellow, has a good rep in town, and I think it's just an honest mistake from a guy who is trying to help out a friend and may not be a Cobra expert like many of you are. And since many of you are true experts, I would ask -- what's wrong with this car, in your opinion? Is this a $55K car? If you think $55k is too high, then what do you think this car is roughly worth?

I have been shopping off and on for six months for an ERA car, which is why I thought I hit the jackpot when this car hit CL. However, I knew something was amiss when the ad has renewed for months now because the car hasn't sold. But maybe it's a heckuva car for $35K? $43k? I'll take any feedback on the car y'all care to offer.

*** FYI, One of the reasons I have yet to get serious about an offer is because I'm just over six feet tall, and my knees hit the steering wheel: haven't been able to test drive myself. Warren thinks a smaller radius steering wheel and cutting/bending the pedals or pedal throw would be all that's needed, but I'm still nervous about having to modify the car to be able to drive it. And that's probably a sign that it's not the right car for me. But maybe a little customization is no big deal, or shouldn't be a deal killer? I am likely to go look at it again, and go through ALL the receipts, but wanted to have as much info from this group as I can prior to visiting again... if, that is, you guys think it's a car worth looking into further. The owner is pretty firm on the price, and this may all be for not. But with this group's feedback, maybe I can make a legit case for why the car should be sold for something significantly less. Thanks in advance for any help you can provide, and since I don't want to buy a problem car, or a car that would be tough to sell someday, I welcome negative comments. I also welcome any leads anyone has for a true ERA 427 car that could be purchased for below $50K. I have budgeted $40-45K, and don't mind if it takes me a year or two to find the right car at the right price.

There are plenty of cars that will fit you. Some of the older kits have shorter foot boxes, & may not. I'm just over 6', myself. I have plenty of room to spare in my car. You might look at ERA 289 car models. Because of the price difference of the power plant, you may be more likely to find something in your range. The FIA cars have a great racing history. Built up right, often sexier than their 427 counterpart .

[BassPlayah]

Good advice. I'm in the market for a BB car, but I'm in no hurry really and I don't car if it takes me a year to find what I want. And what I want for around $45K is:

1. a car that, if I needed to sell for whatever reasons, I can get out of it what I paid. In other words, I want to buy right.

2. I am picky about what color the car is, stance, and even how it sounds. I want a car that, even when it's not in motion, makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up. (I want that lumpity-lumpity sound that a big cam makes.)

3. I have been researching other manufacturers: Unique, Backdraft, SPF... but my preference is ERA for all the reasons mentioned on this forum.

While I shop and wait for a Z06 Vette I'm selling to clear a space in my garage, I'm learning a ton about these cars on this forum. Wow, what a tremendous resource this forum has been. So. Much. To. Learn.

[DanEC]

Of the 4 makes you listed I would say your best odds of finding a FE car (BB) are an ERA, a Unique, and a Superformance in that order. There are probably a couple BB Backdrafts around but they would be scarce. For an ERA or Superformance you may need to work to raise your budget a little. I would say most Uniques - which are a very good car - are a little closer to your current budget. Occasionally you might see a BB FFR with IRS or a Hurricane FE with IRS come along that might appeal to you - if IRS is important. Contemporary is also another manufacturer that were usually built with FEs and also have an IRS suspension. But they have been out of production for quite awhile now. Just about any FE/BB is going to sound mean through sidepipes. If it isn't quite hairy enough for you, just install larger diameter sidepipes.

As far as holding value - my own experience is you can't build any of these for what they will re-sell for after the first owner. But that first drop from builder investment to first re-sell is pretty much it for depreciation as long as the car is well maintained. Basically you will just be dealing more with market fluctuation and economy factors rather than depreciation. Just my opinion and observation.

Good luck.

Originally Posted by BassPlayah

Good advice. I'm in the market for a BB car, but I'm in no hurry really and I don't car if it takes me a year to find what I want. And what I want for around $45K is:

1. a car that, if I needed to sell for whatever reasons, I can get out of it what I paid. In other words, I want to buy right.

2. I am picky about what color the car is, stance, and even how it sounds. I want a car that, even when it's not in motion, makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up. (I want that lumpity-lumpity sound that a big cam makes.)

3. I have been researching other manufacturers: Unique, Backdraft, SPF... but my preference is ERA for all the reasons mentioned on this forum.

While I shop and wait for a Z06 Vette I'm selling to clear a space in my garage, I'm learning a ton about these cars on this forum. Wow, what a tremendous resource this forum has been. So. Much. To. Learn.

[*13*]

Originally Posted by BassPlayah

Good advice. I'm in the market for a BB car, but I'm in no hurry really and I don't car if it takes me a year to find what I want. And what I want for around $45K is:

1. a car that, if I needed to sell for whatever reasons, I can get out of it what I paid. In other words, I want to buy right.

2. I am picky about what color the car is, stance, and even how it sounds. I want a car that, even when it's not in motion, makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up. (I want that lumpity-lumpity sound that a big cam makes.)

3. I have been researching other manufacturers: Unique, Backdraft, SPF... but my preference is ERA for all the reasons mentioned on this forum.

While I shop and wait for a Z06 Vette I'm selling to clear a space in my garage, I'm learning a ton about these cars on this forum. Wow, what a tremendous resource this forum has been. So. Much. To. Learn.

The more I read, the more I wanted an FIA. I started right where you are. FIA cars with WEBERS have a very distinct & exhilarating sound, as well. They are more rare & have a very rich race history. 427 cars have that rumble but.... Webers have that Sports Car racing sound. Wicked

[BassPlayah]

Originally Posted by DanEC

Of the 4 makes you listed I would say your best odds of finding a FE car (BB) are an ERA, a Unique, and a Superformance in that order. There are probably a couple BB Backdrafts around but they would be scarce. For an ERA or Superformance you may need to work to raise your budget a little. I would say most Uniques - which are a very good car - are a little closer to your current budget. Occasionally you might see a BB FFR with IRS or a Hurricane FE with IRS come along that might appeal to you - if IRS is important. Contemporary is also another manufacturer that were usually built with FEs and also have an IRS suspension. But they have been out of production for quite awhile now. Just about any FE/BB is going to sound mean through sidepipes. If it isn't quite hairy enough for you, just install larger diameter sidepipes.

As far as holding value - my own experience is you can't build any of these for what they will re-sell for after the first owner. But that first drop from builder investment to first re-sell is pretty much it for depreciation as long as the car is well maintained. Basically you will just be dealing more with market fluctuation and economy factors rather than depreciation. Just my opinion and observation.

Good luck.

All good points, good info. I've seen quite a few Backdrafts for sale, but I'm still thinking ERA, with Unique in 2nd place. Yeah, I may need to raise my budget a bit when the right car comes to me, but for now I have time and I don't mind waiting to see what comes along in the months ahead. My goal is to find a car in the next year, unless impatience gets the best of me. I'm also hoping to find a car on the West coast, if I can. But through this forum, and alot of reading on the ERA site, I must say that ERA builds an impressive car... and I'd love to have an ERA car in my garage.

[66gtk]

Most things being the same (such as equipment) I would put a Unique about 10K less expensive (maybe more) than an ERA. You should be able to find a good Unique example in your price range. Much more difficult if you are ERA shopping. It all comes down to the details including build quality & condition.

[patrickt]

The real problem with finding a used ERA is that most guys that get an ERA do not sell them.

[kevins2]

Originally Posted by patrickt

The real problem with finding a used ERA is that most guys that get an ERA do not sell them.

Yeah, my son reminds me of that constantly...

[*13*]

Originally Posted by BassPlayah

All good points, good info. I've seen quite a few Backdrafts for sale, but I'm still thinking ERA, with Unique in 2nd place. Yeah, I may need to raise my budget a bit when the right car comes to me, but for now I have time and I don't mind waiting to see what comes along in the months ahead. My goal is to find a car in the next year, unless impatience gets the best of me. I'm also hoping to find a car on the West coast, if I can. But through this forum, and alot of reading on the ERA site, I must say that ERA builds an impressive car... and I'd love to have an ERA car in my garage.

Unique makes a really nice car. I talked with them when I was deciding. Don't see a lot of them on the market, though. Especially outside of that region. If you do find one for a good price, it would be worth a closer look.

[DonC]

BassPlayah
Sent you an email through the forum.
dchoura@comcast.net
DonC

[BassPlayah]

Originally Posted by DonC

BassPlayah
Sent you an email through the forum.
dchoura@comcast.net
DonC

I got your email and replied. Let me know if you did not receive.