Length of time to build?

[CWCobra]

I have recently ordered a cobra to be built by H.R.E. Motors in freeport, Ny. It is being built by shelby autos and will have a 427 all aluminum engine. I have been told by the builder that I sohlud be on the road by the 4th of July? anyone have any experience with H.R.E. Motors in Freeport NY. ?

CWCobra

[Mark11]

CWCobra,

July 4th 2005?

I am CSX4794. I have been waiting 13 months now. Originally told 5 months for a build. Progress: My roller consists of a rough shell and a portion of my frame. There are no parts currently available to complete my roller.

I think Shelby has delivered about 20 of these cars in the last year. Unbuilt orders total about 70 more. You are 25 behind me and about 50th in line overall. If past performance is any indication, you have about 2.5 yrs or July 4th 2007.

The cars are being built for Shelby by HST in Tijuana. Shelby is evidently putting some parts and hopefully capital behind getting production moving. Current plans are to finish up to 4771 (about 4 cars) over the next month or so. Then they say they have parts spec'd out for 7 more cars to 4780. Expect maybe April or May for that batch. If things get freed up on parts, HST claims they can build a couple a week, but I would assume no more than 1 car per week in the short term. All of this is dependent on support to HST from Shelby which has been minimal to this point and the reason why production is so backed up.

At this pace, maybe you'll see your roller by late to end of 2005. Figure a month after the roller is done for your dealer to complete the car. Stay in touch here and on the Shelby Owners Forum to see what's going on with other cars and the delivery schedule.

With regard to your engine: I made the mistake of ordering and building an engine before my roller was started - let alone completed. So I have a significant investment in the drivetrain without a roller in sight. I would advise you to commit no capital to an engine prior to your roller getting completed. Additionally, I would strongly caution you against making progress payments (the 2nd deposit) unless it is very clear that cars are being produced and delivered. Given your spot in line, I would want to see cars through 4800 delivered.

The above are some lessons learned from this process.

I hear good things about your dealer, but frankly it is out of their hands.

Best of luck and stay in touch.

Mark
CSX4794

[CWCobra]

Mark,

Thank you for your update and advice. If I had a web cam you would be able to see the sad look on my face. However, I remain hopeful that you are i will eventually drive our dream. i plan on following your advice with regard to no second deposit until the roller is on it's way, and no engine payment until car 4800 is delivered. Again thank you for your helpful if somber advice.

Con
CSX4819

[jdog]

You bought out 'Power Surge's place in line on CSX4819. He ordered that car almost a year ago. Do a search here on this board for 'Power Surge's' posts. You may find them very informative!

jdog
P.S. I hope you don't have a weak heart!

[jdog]

CW,
Have you signed on over at the 'Shelby Owners Forum' yet? You might want to read some of the posts over there, too!

jdog

P.S. Are you a bet'n man?

[CWCobra]

jdog,

I have applied for a screen name and password to the Shelby Forum a few days ago and have not heard back from them yet. Will stay in touch.

Con
CSX4819

[jdog]

Good advise on the engine $$$ Mark,
Soon I will post some pictures of the most beautiful 427fe/so you've ever seen, getting rusty sitting in an engine stand!
I've got some big bucks tied-up in that.

jdog
P.S. Did you say black on black? You have good taste my man!