First Replica: Cobra, Daytona or GT40?

[Evoking]

So I've noticed CAV and Superformance cars at about the same price range used. What are the pros and cons of each it? Or is there a link that compares them?

Here are pics of my 911 btw... GT40 would be a great stablemate!

[twobjshelbys]

See my response in your other topic.

[twobjshelbys]

Originally Posted by Evoking

What are the pros and cons of each it? Or is there a link that compares them?

There is a whole forum dedicated to GT40s. GT40s.com - Powered by vBulletin has lots of info on your very questions.

But over on your other topic it sounded like you were not considering a GT40. I think that is the right choice given your criteria. If you want to try "a race car for the street" try a Cobra first. The entry cost is the lowest of the three.

[Evoking]

That may seem logical. But I have a hard time seeing Cobra as racecar for street. I HATE feeling my chassis flex and cowl shake. That part feels very un-racecar-like! But the FF Daytona felt MUCH better. If I almost bought the more rough FF I know I would be pleased with SPF, ERA and the like.

I had initially ruled out GT40 because I was keeping under $80k. I think I'm going to up the budget.

[twobjshelbys]

Originally Posted by Evoking

That may seem logical. But I have a hard time seeing Cobra as racecar for street. I HATE feeling my chassis flex and cowl shake. That part feels very un-racecar-like! But the FF Daytona felt MUCH better. If I almost bought the more rough FF I know I would be pleased with SPF, ERA and the like.

I had initially ruled out GT40 because I was keeping under $80k. I think I'm going to up the budget.

The Cobra street cars were part of the homologation requirement for the FIA rules to be driven in the GT class. They are truly race cars first.

The Daytona Coupe was never a street version. All except the original 6 are replicas. [Let's not start the argument over where the McCluskey cars fit into the grand scheme of things.]

The GT40 was purpose built by Ford to win at Le Mans. (Ford told Shelby there was not an option to lose.] Street cars were homologated to meet FIA requirements but started from race car origins. Very few were built and they are distinct in appearance from the race versions. Again, all replicas are of the race versions.


If you have flexing on a Cobra 427 then you should look further. My CSX was rock solid and you could drive over a quarter and tell if it was heads or tails. I drove it plenty on twisty mountain roads and it was solid.

But to reiterate the main point: None of these are cars designed for passenger comfort. As a race car at heart they aren't even very comfortable for the driver. [Again, modern CSX9000 coupes excepted due to interior redesign.]

P.S. My Ford GT is for sale and if I replace it with something at all it will be a Cobra.

[dallas_]

Originally Posted by Evoking

But the FF Daytona felt MUCH better. If I almost bought the more rough FF I know I would be pleased with SPF, ERA and the like.

I had initially ruled out GT40 because I was keeping under $80k. I think I'm going to up the budget.

Were you at the TCC meeting yesterday in Grapevine? If so, I expect you saw the 2 CAV GT 40's. But as you are finding out, the GT 40's are in a higher price point than you were originally looking at.

All of these cars have imperfections. Don't assume you would be pleased with the other makes. Not trying to be an ass, but based on your comments in the two threads I'm not sure you would be pleased with any of the options you have mentioned.

[wkooiman]

Nice Porsche.

You're going to have a hard time getting an honest comparison between CAV and Superformance. The owners will understandably love their car, so comments will be biased.

My friend bought a Superformance roller. They all start out that way, so the good thing is the quality of most of the car is pretty consistent. The engine/trans is done by the customer, so that's where you will see the most variation.

My best advise is to look at LOTs of pics, try to see some up close, try to get some passenger seat time, talk to owners, and browse the forums.

[Evoking]

Unfortunately, I missed the meet. Ended up at cars and Coffee then a business meeting. Yes I expect owners to be partial. Hoping to hear from someone that may have ridden in and driven 2 or more.

Perhaps one had better steering feel or quicker rack. Maybe one has better interior or less wind noise etc.

Btw I didn't realize GT's would come out. Was thinking Cobras only :-(. How might I get in touch with those owners?

[Rickd]

My ERA is rock solid .. rock solid. Super stiff chassis. A factory turn key .. it was very well built. As far as ERA support on an ERA built GT40 ..call Peter at ERA and ask him. They stopped building that car and are focusing on the cobras .. 289 FIA, 289 Slab side, and 427. The first car they ever built for Cobra Jeff .. is now here in Central Florida. Saw the car a few months ago at a Saturday night car show in New Smyrna Beach .. the car looked brand new.

The ERA GT40 is an amazingly well built car.

[sea2jet]

My ERA GT40

[Evoking]

Beautiful cars. I thought ERA's were kits. So the build quality is up to the builder? Hence all may not be of high quality no?

[sea2jet]

My ERA, the Black one above, was a factory built, turn key car. They were sold as kits also. I suppose, depending on the person who assembled the car, end result could vary. I'm fortunate to have a car that was assembled by the same craftsmen who built it. The panel gaps are perfect and the finish of the inside of the body panels is as nice as the outside.

[twobjshelbys]

Originally Posted by sea2jet

My ERA, the Black one above, was a factory built, turn key car. They were sold as kits also. I suppose, depending on the person who assembled the car, end result could vary. I'm fortunate to have a car that was assembled by the same craftsmen who built it. The panel gaps are perfect and the finish of the inside of the body panels is as nice as the outside.

By "turn key" do you mean "roller" or finished car with power train? Most places, especially California, forbid that practice now.

[sea2jet]

Finished car with power installed. Just twist the key and go. Here is a link.
Turnkey stuff

[fordracing65]

Im a huge fan of the Superformance GT-40 it is the best in my opinion and the price shows, every single one I have seen is absolutely perfect, since it comes from the factory that way, the big block I drove was awesome and very comfortable as a grand touring car, that would be my choice, black with silver stripes big block FE, and Im a Mark 2 fan...

[zots]

I went the Cobra route first - buying 2 used ones over the last 30 years. This time I wanted to build a car, and having had Cobras, I opted for a GT40. Since I wanted the build experience, I chose the RCR GT40, especially after visiting their factory in Detroit. After taking deliver, it just sat in my garage as I was overwhelmed as to how to start this immense project. But it was fun just knowing I had one. After a few months I finally got started. It is a thoroughly enjoyable challenge! ...and still probably a year away to finish. I am enjoying the journey...

[twobjshelbys]

Originally Posted by sea2jet

Finished car with power installed. Just twist the key and go. Here is a link.
Turnkey stuff

That practice is no longer allowed in California and some other states. Beware - in CA a SB100 cannot be obtained. This is the reason many one-stop dealers abandoned the dealer-owning-the-speed-shop structure.

[G-Pete]

Originally Posted by Evoking

I had initially ruled out GT40 because I was keeping under $80k. I think I'm going to up the budget.

$100k minimum to get in a decent 40, Aaron.

[Rickd]

ERA's are not "donor car" projects. The cars are superbly engineered with an incredible chassis and the Jag IRS .. whether inboard brakes or the ERA custom racing rear .. make it an outstanding ride. If someone wants to "assemble it" .. the car comes with all of the parts .. that are engineered for the chassis and body. A high % purchase .. at least .. a painted roller with the body bonded to the chassis .. leaving it to the owner to run wiring harness and have the drive train installed. A good % of ERA's are either factory turnkey or "turnkey minus" (similar to Superformance) . where the car is complete, sans engine and tranny. There is a reason a high % of informed, knowledgeable cobra enthusiasts rank ERA as the #1 glass bodied cobra replica ... period.

[albanycobra]

does ERA have a steel spider?