New Superformance owner, saying "Hi"

SunDude · #1 (**permalink**) 07-06-2009, 06:34 AM

Well I'm thrilled to report that, after a lifetime of dreaming, I've finally bought myself a Shelby Cobra replica -- specifically, Superformance #1336.

She's a real beaut!!! Painted Royal Blue with white LeMans stripes and powered by a 430-hp 351W stroked out to 392ci by Sean Hyland Motorsports. Transmission is 5-speed Tremec TKO.

She's one of a small number of SPFs up here in Canada and spent much of her previous life with the (now defunct) Superformance Canada operation. I'll post some photos as soon as I can.

Gotta get the car appraised, then insured and plated before I can drive her home, probably this Wed or Thu latest. Can't hardly wait!

And of course I must give thanks and credit to my lovely wife for supporting me in the realization of my dream. I really couldn't have done it without her in my corner 100%.

Now comes the tough question: What to do with my trusty ol' Miata? She's given me 10 years of faithful service and still runs like a top. My daughters are lobbying me to keep it for when they get their driver's licenses. There's still room in the laneway, but not in the garage. Hmmm...

Ron61 · #2 (**permalink**) 07-06-2009, 08:16 AM

Congratulations on the Cobra, you will love it. As for the Miata, if you want to keep it get a good outside car cover and cover it, but open it up once in a while to let air in and start and drive it some once in a while.

Ron

sdfletch · #3 (**permalink**) 07-06-2009, 09:20 AM

SunDude

Welcome to ya. How old are the girls? Might be a good thing to give the Miata to them now. Teach them to turn a wrench at an early age would be my inclination.

kayakjack · #4 (**permalink**) 07-06-2009, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SunDude

Now comes the tough question: What to do with my trusty ol' Miata? She's given me 10 years of faithful service and still runs like a top. My daughters are lobbying me to keep it for when they get their driver's licenses. There's still room in the laneway, but not in the garage. Hmmm...

SunDude,

I also have a Superformance and a ten year old Miata (1999) that is perfect. Looks like you plan on using the Superformance as a daily driver. I do it the other way around. The Miata is my daily driver. The Superformance is for fun occasions.

You might consider hanging on to the Miata for a few months just in case you change your mind. For me, lack of air conditioning in the US South would not be nice. I grew up in Miami driving a Triumph Spitfire - no airconditioning - and had no problem with it. I got older and softer I guess. This might not be an issue in Canada!!

I also do not want to attract that much attention on a daily basis. Sometimes I just want to get someplace. I can park the Miata anyplace without worry. I would be a nutcase if I parked the Superformance in a parking lot and went into a movie or restaurant. Thats just me.

Jack

SunDude · #5 (**permalink**) 07-06-2009, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kayakjack

...Looks like you plan on using the Superformance as a daily driver...

Hmm, now that's an intriguing idea.

What I omitted to say was that the wife's Nissan X-Trail is the functional car in the family fleet. We get a ton of snow up here in Ottawa during the winter, and the Miata's been nothing more than a toy, albeit a surprisingly functional one at that (it can do Costco runs even). But its status as #1 Toy is over. That position now goes to the Cobra.

I like the suggestion too about getting the girls (9 and 12) to start turning a wrench. A bit ambitious maybe. Can hardly get 'em to clean their rooms as it is. Or feed their pets. (sigh)

1985 CCX · #6 (**permalink**) 07-06-2009, 10:48 AM

Brian

Congrats!

I say keep the Miata, you can never have too many rag tops........

Best to you,
Jeff

CBattaglia · #7 (**permalink**) 07-06-2009, 11:42 AM

I'd keep the miata also. There are times I want to run out on a nice day with the cobra but Ive learned that a 10 minute ride to get something at the store will most likely be at least a 1/2 hour. Its rare that I dont end up in a conversation with someone about the car. Sometimes people wait in line to ask questions. A few weeks ago I was trying to leave a parking spot after talking to 2 different guys about the car. As I was pulling away I noticed a 16 year old kid running down the middle of the road yelling "WAIT, WAIT". So I stoped and chatted with him for a while. Its fun but you have to budget that time in when you go out.

Congratulations, you will love the car and the experiences that come with it.

Chris 2626

Oh, make sure you join SCOF too. (Superformance Cobra Owners Forum)

FrankM1 · #8 (**permalink**) 07-06-2009, 11:50 AM

Welcome to only few SPF in Canada, I myself own a Diamond Edition #2045 and his from the Montreal area.

sdfletch · #9 (**permalink**) 07-06-2009, 12:18 PM

Right now they haven't figured out how they will attract boys except for the obvious. Maybe after a couple of years there may be a need to have an alternate draw. Most All teenage boys will flock to your Cobra. Daughters, if observant, will notice this. Right now its style and music and gossip. Wait a few.

Mark IV · #10 (**permalink**) 07-06-2009, 01:00 PM

SunDude,

If it is OK with you I will post pictures of the car I took at Ross's place last week when I visited him. You WILL enjoy the car. One of the best things about a "Cobra" is you don't really have to go fast to have fun!

Rick

rustyBob · #11 (**permalink**) 07-06-2009, 02:01 PM

Welcome.........give the girls a ride in that Cobra and they will love to have the Miata to drive when they are old enough.

Got the Bug · #12 (**permalink**) 07-06-2009, 02:29 PM

Congrats on the SPF purchase SunDude!!

Agree with everyone else, keep the Miata. My wife has a MBZ hardtop/convertible, and it's always nice to have a second convertible for get aways where I don't want to take the Cobra but want to enjoy the convertible experience.

Silverback51 · #13 (**permalink**) 07-06-2009, 04:49 PM

Keep the Miata.

I got rid of my other toy when I bought the Cobra and have always regretted it.

Garage10 · #14 (**permalink**) 07-06-2009, 09:21 PM

Welcome sundude
Congrats on the spf purchase. Too bad transport canada are such !@#holes and won't allow these cars into the country. I'd probably keep the miata too.

cobrarob · #15 (**permalink**) 07-06-2009, 09:40 PM

Sundude

Did you get the car from Ross Henry , if so I am sure you will be very happy with it as I have had the pleasure of talking to Ross on many occasions and he has always been very helpful and courtious

As for the D.O.T I would not be offering the same opinion , they are a real mis-informed group and have successfully ruined my dream of owning a new SPF

Have a great time

zzmac · #16 (**permalink**) 07-06-2009, 09:55 PM

Congratulations SunDude, you're going to love the car. Welcome to the club!

RedBarchetta · #17 (**permalink**) 07-07-2009, 08:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zzmac

Congratulations SunDude, you're going to love the car.

+1. Have fun with your new ride!

Regards,

-Dean #747

Great Asp · #18 (**permalink**) 07-07-2009, 12:05 PM

SD,

Welcome to the frenzy!

E

PANAVIA · #19 (**permalink**) 07-07-2009, 11:26 PM

Greetings Sundude. -- agreed , keep the wife in a good car and she will leave you alone on your project.

Bartruff1 · #20 (**permalink**) 07-08-2009, 08:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark IV

SunDude,

If it is OK with you I will post pictures of the car I took at Ross's place last week when I visited him. You WILL enjoy the car. One of the best things about a "Cobra" is you don't really have to go fast to have fun!

Rick

That was a big surprise to me...you don't have to drive it fast to have fun...I enjoy the car on 30-65 mph backcountry roads...no tickets yet after 6000 miles. I would sell the Miata (great fun cars) rather than pay maint, insurance, licence etc...and eat depreciation for 4 years. The oldest girl will likely have something in mind when she starts driving and who knows what that might be....