Juan, your friend is a sagacious and discerning individual when it comes to reproduction Cobras. And no, Gentlemen and Gentlewomen, Juanone's friend is not my uncle. Fact is, I have no idea who the individual may be.
But... I digress. Please let me give you the straight story regarding Pegasus Performance Engineering.
The business model which evolved into Pegasus was formed in 2001. The company was created to produce a very high quality 427 roadster at an agressive turnkey price point, using only the very best components, and was to be delivered in a very short period of time. The one thing that someone with $46,900 in disposable change is not used to doing is WAIT for DELIVERY.
Annual OEM contracts were negotiated with major suppliers. This accomplished two things: a.) parts were obtained at very favorable pricing b.) the car was standardized with many items that are options on other cars being included at a relatively low base price on the Pegasus. As an added bonus, since the build was virtually standardized, the lead times were relatively short.
We were located in a suburb of Kansas City. There is another major player in the Cobra game...also in KC. They are PREMIER Motorsports, LLC. We were invited to tour the PREMIER facility. Frankly, I was stunned when we left. They were producing an INCREDIBLY accurate replica Cobra at a superb level of quality in a HUGE facility with CAD/CAM engineering capability, in house parts manufacture in a machine and welding shop, laying up their own bodies, manufacturing their own interiors and painting to a level that is just unparalled. They are a Kirkham dealer and can deliver an aluminum body. On top of that, their cars run like a striped ass ape and ride like a Lexus or Mercedes. Doors, trunks, and hoods close like a refrigerator door going shut. Their cars are truly a work of art. ANYONE who has seen one can comment to affirm exactly what I have told you.
With 30 years of business experience and an education culminating with a Master of Business Administration degree I was at a total loss how to effectively compete with PREMIER.
So ..... we merged the companies.
You may visit our new website at
www.premiercobras.com. The Pegasus car is still offered under the "Reproduction Cobra" link. It is essentially a rectangular frame, live axle, exotic composite body with very few options.
The PREMIER car with which I was so blown away is a "Replica Cobra" that has a virtually original 4" round tube frame, proprietary IRS suspension, and a host of oft overlooked details that will emphatically impress even the most jaded "Yeah, but its not real" enthusiast. There is an extensive list of drivetrain, comfort, performance, and individual preference options. And after a critical review at SAAC, these cars were termed "as close as it gets" by THE Man.
How do I know all of this? I was President of Pegasus Performance Engineering and am now Chief Operating Officer of PREMIER. I also know that we bust our buns all day, everyday, in an effort to produce the very BEST value and provide the very BEST quality product on the market.
Those that own the cars or have been to the factory to see them will readily attest to that fact as absolutely true.
I hope this has explained, albeit briefly, the Pegasus story. Feel free to call me if I may be of further assistance.
Bob Lockett