Kirkham vs. ERA

[thndrrd]

If you want to experience driving a cobra, the only way you can do this it to buy an original or buy a Kirkham. This isn't saying the others are bad, but all use different types of frames, bodies and suspension systems. The Kirkham was engineered from an original car. You can purchase the Kirkham set up like the original, suspension and all, or upgrade to Billit suspension parts. I recommend the later. My car is painted, however, many of the owners prefer the natural finish, either polished or satin. Just like any car, you have to take care of it. The aluminum doesn't seem to have any additional problems over paint, but both take some time to keep up.

All reproductions can be built and driven to enjoy the essesence of a cobra, but only the Kirkham really reproduces the original experience. You have to decide if that's important to you. If not, a less expensive replica may serve your purpose.

If you meld the Kirkham chassis with a 90 degree V small block or a FE big block, you can really appreciate what the drivers from the 1960s went through to win races. They are a handful.

The other refreshing part of a Kirkham purchase is the guys that sell you cars are the same guys that engineered them. That is a rare commodity these days. They stand behind what they sell, and they sell the best.

[elmariachi]

Originally Posted by thndrrd

If you want to experience driving a cobra, the only way you can do this it to buy an original or buy a Kirkham.

All reproductions can be built and driven to enjoy the essesence of a cobra, but only the Kirkham really reproduces the original experience. You have to decide if that's important to you. If not, a less expensive replica may serve your purpose.

I would take the Pepsi Challenge that blindfolded, 9 out of 10 people would pick my rickety old 427 FE Hurricane over your refined Kirkham as "the more realistic sounding, smelling, riding and handling Cobra."

I think a better argument can be made that if you want the original experience, meaning a roughly-assembled, poorly finished, poorly wired, rough-around ALL edges, heat-soaked, unfit, unrefined, unforgiving, tooth-rattling, just-on-the-edge race car, DON'T buy a Kirkham. Frankly, the Kirkhams would have to dial it waaaay back a few notches to deliver what you got from Shelby in the 60s. Which brings me to an idea. Hey David, Fender guitars charges double for their "Relic Stratocasters".....which they weather and abuse to look circa 1960's. How 'bout a Relic Kirkham?

[thndrrd]

I'm sorry, I didn't mean to offend you. I like all of the replica's. Buying any of these cars shows that you are really a car guy. It may interest you to know that many clients of Kirkham Motor Sports purchase their cars strictly to race. That is why the Kirkhams introduces their hybred cross between the FIA and the 427 S/C. The wide body car is not as aerodynamic as the FIA.

When you talk about a raw race car, the Kirkham is as raw as they come. A tube chassis with rivited aluminun body panels. No power steering and no power brakes. You can even order a lightweight model that when mated with an all aluminun small block comes in at around 1900 pounds.

These cars are raced continually.

If you think this is cool, wait until they come out with the coupe.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by thndrrd

I'm sorry, I didn't mean to offend...

Don't worry about that -- no one around here offends easily. By the way, have you ever driven one of our Cobras? ie, Kirkham, ERA, Backdraft, SPF, etc.

[thndrrd]

Yep, Superformance, Factory Five, Hurricane and one from California, can't remember the name. Own a Kirkham.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by thndrrd

Yep, Superformance, Factory Five, Hurricane and one from California, can't remember the name. Own a Kirkham.

Sounds good. Don't worry about offending people, I do it all the time. And welcome aboard.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by patrickt

Don't worry about offending people, I do it all the time.

"All the time" is an understatement, if that's possible.

[elmariachi]

Originally Posted by thndrrd

No power steering and no power brakes.

Wow, I had no idea. I guess they don't have power mirrors either?

Just giving you a little of what I got when I arrived here. . I think that what constitutes the "cobra experience" is highly subjective and for that reason, each person should be able to see and feel for themselves what constitutes that experience. To call out one "brand" above all others because it happens to be your brand and then make a blanket statement suggests that no matter what she buys, Flygirl can't have the Cobra experience unless she buys what you bought.

I looked at Kirkhams in the fall of 2009 when I bought my Hurricane. I wound up spending the difference I saved between the two on Apple stock at $195/share. So I may not have the "Cobra experience", but I am surely having an Apple experience.

Welcome to CC. Post pictures of your KMP.