Older SPF

[stevem]

I am looking at an early model SPF. I know they have upgraded through the years , what should I be looking out for in an early model? Any real problem areas on the early cars?

[Fred Hamilton]

When you say early model, how early? I have #158 and the only problems I have had with mine have been user induced. A lot of the up grades have been for comfort, and like any product they improve over time. If the car has been taken care of you should not have any problems.

Fred

[Got the Bug]

Here's a link that details the major SPF updates by chassis series number:

http://performanceunlimited.com/supe.../features.html

[Tom of VA]

My car is #95. I love it.

[Johan Ras]

My car is #058,and hey,the grandpa still goes well,and gives me many happy miles.Cheers.

[Tom of VA]

Here is my "old" SPF built 1995. I'll be able to get real antique tags in another 13 years.

[Bill Wells]

a much younger car than the last two OLD ones (LOL) , but young #156, built in 1996 takes a licking and keeps on ticking . Bill

[Tom of VA]

Johan,
Is #058 the oldest around? Wasn't the first one for sale number #040? Do see many other roaming S.A.?

[Johan Ras]

Tom,
There are not many Superformance's in S.A.On a run we might be 3-4,if we lucky.the rest is from other manufacturers.In this group of 4,there is 1 round about my #,not sure of exact #'S,then #110?,#330.We had a little chat the other day and I think we came to a total of not more than 10 in the whole of S.A.I believe there is a #049 down in Cape town area.With the rand/dollar exchange,new Superformance's has become out of reach for us.Maybe there's someone else on this forum from S.A. who can give exact figures.Hope this helped

[Tom of VA]

Johan,
I figured since they were made there that there might be more. I didn't know the exchange rate would be a factor since it is a product of your country. I suppose you are competing in price of what they get for them abroad? Have you been to the factory? If you have, I would love it if you posted some pictures.
Thanks,
Tom

[Johan Ras]

Tom,
There are more,IN THE FACTORY,!!!,hehehe.I think Superformance isn't concerned about the S.A.market as they get the dollars if the car leaves rhe country.
We are planning a tour to the factory in September 2007.I will fill you in later of the outcome.
Cheers.
Johan

[mudhenk27]

I have #023...inaccurate dash layout and solid axle/rear drums...but it works better than you might expect.

Bill

[Tom of VA]

#023 !!
Bill,
Can you post a picture? Was that one of the prototypes? I heard SPF did not retail sell the first batch. What do you know about the history of number 23?
Thanks,
Tom

[mudhenk27]

What you heard may be true, Tom. I don't have a lot of info, but here goes:

The original owner was apparently Charlie Ponstein, who had what might have been the first USA SPF dealership in Chalmette, LA. I believe the car was built in 1992. Charlie sold it to Mitch Weinberg. I bought it from Mitch when I lived in South Florida in July, 1996.

The VIN plate on the firewall reads:

"Distributed by Superformance, Inc Chalmette, LA Cobra powered by Ford
Chassis# AC9CSLK1194AM1023"

The car lacks the accuracy of later models (even new ones like yours ;-)) but has the same frame, front suspension, and body as later models...near as I can tell. The rear end appears to be a solid axle 8.8 Ford with drum brakes, coil overs, and trailing links. The engine is a 289 built by Boyd Breaux in Arabi, LA, sold to Charlie in October, 1992. It has a T-5 transmission.

I've attached a few pics.

I'd appreciate any info anyone can contribute about these early cars, and I'd especially like to know if my car might be the oldest USA SPF.

Bill Hagerup

[Tom of VA]

Bill,
Thanks for the reply. Wow, even replica cars can have thier own history. It looks like you've kept number 23 in great shape. My car was built in 1995. I updated many things. Besides my car yours is the only SPF I've seen with the round tail lamps. There are many Superformances around here and they all have the rectangular tail lamps.
Thanks,
Tom

[mudhenk27]

Tom, I've been tempted to upgrade some things...but I'm hesitant to do so given the fact that it's such an early car. It's not like it's an original Shelby or anything, but it has its own place in the history of the Cobra legend, and I find that kind of fun.

I've toyed with the idea of putting in an IRS to replace my solid axle, Wilwoods all around, etc...but that would destroy the unique nature of my particular car. It's very much as built, and I think I should keep it this way.

The thing I am planning (this winter, I hope) is to replace the 289 with a big block...I'd love to have an engine compartment that looks as clean as yours. I figure I can put in a new motor without destroying the orginal nature of the car, since engine has always been an owner choice anyway.

Thanks for your interest.

Bill

[Woodz428]

Bill I think that an IRS would probably bolt right in and the solid axle could be held in storage, though it's unlikely to increase cornering, just improve the ride. According to Dennis O., that is the only solid axle car either in existance or undestroyed, so it does have some special place. Most upgrades are fairly simple, as it were, bolt on pieces, very little requires you to alter any part of the car. Since it is mostly bolt on, any stuff you take off you can keep for sometime down the road if it seems important. I have done that for years with Mustangs and motorcycles I've owned, began back in 1969 and it has always been well received when I would sell a vehicle.