Sold Cobra, saving for GT40

[CoBro]

After 10 years of tire burning, alarm activating, exhaust inhaling, head turning, rain avoiding and mind blowing, I sold my baby and I'm saving for a GT40 rep.
I don't want to worry bout the weather when I take my exotic out and the time is now. I put less than 500 miles/year on my Cobra and I need more!
I was in a depression for about a month after I sold the Cobra, but I'm excited about a 40 in my life.
As my wife and I discussed it, it is already more "practical" than a Cobra - the clamshell front and back allows for more access to the components and drivetrain, rain is not an issue for car show days and expensive dinner nights, and we might even tour the thing over the weekend with other car nuts knowing we can lock it up and/or it'll stay dry.
The wife knows the history and likes how it looks so she's in.
Other than the price, condition and service records, the only thing that we are concerned about is the racing stripe. We may have to repaint if it has one. It's not a deal breaker, but the stripe has got to go. A beautiful woman does not need makeup.

[Cashburn]

A 40 is nowhere near as practical or useable as a Cobra. It's a thrilling car to own but it will never get the use a Cobra will if parked in the same garage. And from my experience a competent 40 replica is 100k all in. Anything else is a compromise or creative accounting on the true cost.

Grass is always greener...

[Mark IV]

Originally Posted by Cashburn

A 40 is nowhere near as practical or useable as a Cobra. It's a thrilling car to own but it will never get the use a Cobra will if parked in the same garage. And from my experience a competent 40 replica is 100k all in. Anything else is a compromise or creative accounting on the true cost.

Grass is always greener...

I would disagree. They are different cars for different uses. I have people who are driving the heck out of their GT40s. And "Cobra" owners who don't drive theirs much.

Of course we still sell GT40s where BDR doesn't anymore, but that couldn't be a factor now could it?

[Cashburn]

Originally Posted by Mark IV

I would disagree. They are different cars for different uses. I have people who are driving the heck out of their GT40s. And "Cobra" owners who don't drive theirs much.

Of course we still sell GT40s where BDR doesn't anymore, but that couldn't be a factor now could it?

Do you sell Cobras though?

[Mark IV]

Originally Posted by Cashburn

Do you sell Cobras though?

Why yes, we do sell a licensed "Cobra" replica. And the only licensed "GT40".

But perhaps I did not parse my reply well, it was not meant to be a "dis" on anyone.

And the offer of a beer at Carlisle is still on the table Jay.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by Mark IV

Of course we still sell GT40s where BDR doesn't anymore, but that couldn't be a factor now could it?

How can this sarcastic question not be disrespectful to Jay, who used to sell BDR GT's? Honestly, you were disrespectful to me in another thread. Whatever happened to kindness?

Back to the GT40 replica discussion. I've always wanted a GT40 replica myself. But, I agree with Jay. I've sat in a SPF GT40 and I'm an average-sized man and I found it very confining and you can see almost nothing behind you. The windows are extremely small and the whole experience made me claustrophobic.

"twobjshelbys" had/has the right idea. Buy a 2005-2006 Ford GT.

[Mark IV]

[quote=RodKnock;1172365]How can this sarcastic question not be disrespectful to Jay, who used to sell BDR GT's? Honestly, you were disrespectful to me in another thread. Whatever happened to kindness?
QUOTE]

Jay and I have a mutual disrespect society!

And is it not true that he no longer sells a GT product and therefor would not be real supporive of a purchase of said GT? Did he tell the people he sold them to when BDR offered them that they weren't as good as a "Cobra"? I don't know, I'm just speculating. I have ragged on him, but have always offered to buy the beers at Carlisle. Trust me, we have eaten, drank and bullsh!tted with several other manufacturers and dealers who are supposed to be "competitors" but in reality are on the same ship as us.

I am sorry but I don't recall the other thread where I "dissed" you. Of course it is OK for anyone on CC to trash anyone/anything so long as it is not the brand they own. (Patrick's patented "but I smileyed so it doesn't count defense")

I dunno, I have been around here since 2000 and yes, I have seen a decline in general courtesy. And not directed at you, but I do not believe in "disrespect"....Respect is earned, not given and I don't think I can take something away that has not been earned.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by Mark IV

Of course it is OK for anyone on CC to trash anyone/anything so long as it is not the brand they own. (Patrick's patented "but I smileyed so it doesn't count defense")

Hey, don't drag me in to this fray. Frankly I was shocked at your outrageous behavior towards RodKnock. You really should apologize -- and a genuine one too, not a crappy one.

Originally Posted by Mark IV

Respect is earned, not given and I don't think I can take something away that has not been earned.

Ehhrrrgg, RodKnock's not going to let that one just roll off his back. I call "cheap shot."

[aa909]

Originally Posted by Mark IV

Of course we still sell GT40s where BDR doesn't anymore, but that couldn't be a factor now could it?

as a superformance dealer I hope you realize that prospective customers read your posts. You're representing your brand, and coming across as arrogant and disrespectful in these forums will only cause potential customers to consider how you would treat them (during both pre and post purchase service and support).

good luck!
Art

[Silversmith]

Sounds like a intriguing up grade & since both are up for it. Full speed ahead!! As with any quality ride; I might suggest getting a top grade alarm/tracking system also.
Good Luck!
PS I was @ ERA not long ago & the 40's they make are super cool !

[Dwight]

I have both

I bought the GT 40 last year and have been working on it to make it road worthy. It's not on the road, But here are my thoughts:

It will be hard to do a lot of traveling in a GT 40. Maybe short or weekend trips. It sits so low and it's hard to see out the back. Maybe a camera would solve that problem.
I have driven my Cobra to London Ohio for the last 9 years. That's a 535 mile one way trip. I have room in the trunk, behind the seats and passenger side for stuff.
The GT 40?? I may be able to store a small bag in the front area of the passenger side footbox. I plan on fabricating an aluminum storage box to place in the front where the spare tire should be. We'll see.
It's hard to get in and out of a 40. I'm 5' 10" at 170 lbs and I have to go slow to get in and out. Several of my buddies have come over and try the 40 on for size. Most have a lot of trouble getting in and out. Some times it very funny watching them.
I suggest you sit in a 40 or have someone to take you for a ride in one. I love both but the Cobra is more of a road car. Of course a hard top for the Cobra would make it a better road car.

I would love to do the Hot Rod Power Tour in my GT 40 this year! We will have to wait and see.
Go to the GT 40 forum and do your research: GT40s.com - Powered by vBulletin
Dwight

[bmwdb10]

Interesting perspectives here.... I loved my Cobra and did quite a few miles with it. But my heart was set on a GT40. I was very fortunate to be able to finally make a trade and now have a wonderful Gulf CAV in the garage. I have no problem declaring that it has been a good choice and indeed satisfied my proverbial itch. The 40 is a very different beast, but bought right can be comfortable, easy to drive and has proved to be more of an attention magnet than my Cobra ever was. I have done a couple longer runs in the GT and found it to be much more comfortable and easier to drive longer distances than the old 427. Best yet is that it burns any fuel I put in it. I think it all comes down to your personal likes and where your passion is. Even my wonderful wife who was very sceptical and loved the Cobra has become quite accustomed to keeping her hair intact and the joys of a/c on a hot summer day and she still gets a kick out of the one car shows at the local Starbucks every Sat afternoon!

[cobrarob]

I also own both

Simply put I drove the GT once last year and the cobra 50 times , you be the judge

[Cashburn]

No need. There's only 1 "Cobra" builder and they are out of biz. The rest of us build replicas and they are all replicas done to a different degree.

As for GTs there are 2 quality replica examples and you have one and the other is built very near to us.

All that aside there is no way on a sunny day and 70 degrees you can deny a Cobra is not easier to drive, more comfortable in and out, and finally a better value for $$$ than a GT40 replica.

These are all sunny day toys... I'd argue he simply needs a better Cobra.

I'm biased... F me

[Dwight]

Driving Route 66 In a GT40 - Kit Car Magazine


enjoy
Dwight

[Dimis]

Originally Posted by Cashburn

As for GTs there are 2 quality replica examples and you have one and the other is built very near to us.

I didn't realize they made Roaring Forties GT40s out your way
You'd do well to look them up.

[Cashburn]

Originally Posted by Dimis

I didn't realize they made Roaring Forties GT40s out your way
You'd do well to look them up.

Sorry, it's a big investment and an order takes longer to build then those other companies can stay in business and/or good standing. I'd never suggest one in kit form due to complexity and number of parts subject to outrageous back orders.

My opinion only from watching that market closely for 5 years.

[Bartruff1]

I wanted a GT40....did the research for a couple years....went back and forth between a replica and a Ford....finally...bought a Z06 Corvette instead. ???? Half the money plenty of fun... it is a true GT car that can be driven across the country in any weather in complete comfort and it is economical to drive and maintain and trouble free....smoooth as glass. I may yet scratch that itch for a 40....just because... if you haven't driven a modern Covette give it a try...Silverback bought one as a driver cuz he lives in the wet side, and last I heard, he was surprised and happy with it... I know it is heresy....but....

[5150]

Originally Posted by Cashburn

Sorry, it's a big investment and an order takes longer to build then those other companies can stay in business and/or good standing. I'd never suggest one in kit form due to complexity and number of parts subject to outrageous back orders.

My opinion only from watching that market closely for 5 years.

Now that's funny Jay!

30 week lead.

Established in 1984.

TS40 in continuous production since 1989.

Removable door tops for the claustrophobic among us.

Three chassis types available, steel spaceframe, ally composite monocoque, carbon composite monocoque.

When all the others have long since stopped making GT40 replicas, we will still be quietly doing what we do...building TS40's

Best regards and looking forward to a beer with you and Rick at Carlisle.

Cheers,
Scott

[Mark IV]

Originally Posted by 5150

Now that's funny Jay!

30 week lead.

Established in 1984.

TS40 in continuous production since 1989.

Removable door tops for the claustrophobic among us.

Three chassis types available, steel spaceframe, ally composite monocoque, carbon composite monocoque.

When all the others have long since stopped making GT40 replicas, we will still be quietly doing what we do...building TS40's

Best regards and looking forward to a beer with you and Rick at Carlisle.

Cheers,
Scott

We also need to invite Peter from ERA to join our drinking society!