Which Cobra to buy?

[Scott Harrison]

   Which Cobra to buy or build?

That is the question we often hear. The responses vary depending on how much you want to spend and how much of the car do you want to build. The prices vary from a low of $25k to over $100k for replicas and $200k + for an original.

Small block favorites are FFR, Superformance, Backdraft. Big block favorites tend to be ERA, Kirkham, and Everett Morrison. Unique seems to sell about the same of both. Most of these are IRS (FFR tend to be mostly live axles.) If you are over 6' tall, look at the extended wheelbase models including Lone Star, Excalibur, and Shell Valley.

Research material
>   Subscribe to Kit Car[/b] http://www.kitcarmag.com/index.html and Kit Car Builder http://www.kitcarclub.com/
>   Go to the Carlisle Kit Car show www.carsatcarlisle.com
>   Peruse the Cobra Country web site for Cobras for sale http://www.cobracountry.com/home2.html
>    Read The BIG Guide to Cobra Kits & Parts
>   Join Club Cobra http://www.clubcobra.com/ and our CACC http://www.capitalareacobraclub.com/ and look at the forums and ask questions.

   Depending on your skill, time and desire, you can build all, some or none of the car. You can fabricate one from scratch, buy boxes of parts, a complete kit, a roller, a turn-key minus or a completed car. You can build/rebuild an engine, buy one from an engine builder or buy a crate engine with a warranty.

After you identify all the makes you want to consider, look at each of their Manufacturer's WEB sites and visit them if possible. If the car has been built by an individual, the quality as you might expect, will vary enormously. You must look at and drive the car before you buy it.




(The opinions contained in this thread are those of the author of the message, and do not represent the opinion of CACC or it's membership. They haven't been approved by Carroll Shelby or anyone else. They should be taken "cum grano salis".)

[warreng]

For a small block car don't forget the ERA FIA model.  It appears to be gaining popularity recently.
Go to a local club meeting and look them over.  If possible go to one or more national meets for a broader spectrum of cars.
Visit the factories and check out the operation and the craftsman that you will be trusting with your money.
Find somebody who will let you drive one (or more than one)!

[Dan Deitz]

Here are some links to builder/Kit sites that I searched myself when I was looking for a kit:                                                         As of: 16 January 2008/ 8:22am

http://www.factoryfive.com/roadster/upgrades/mk31.html         $12,990 Base Price (Requires Donor)
                                                                                            $19,990 Base Price (Non-Donor)
http://www.hurricane-motorsports.com/index.jsp                      $15,990 Base Price
http://www.backdraftracing.com/home.asp                              $28,900 Base Price
http://www.superformance.com/                                            (Call for price) 1(800)297-6253
http://www.bandbroadster.com/                                             $12,995 (Base price Requires donor)
http://www.erareplicas.com/                                                  $19,900 Base Price (427SC)
                                                                                            $18,900 Base Price (289FIA)
http://www.kirkhammotorsports.com/                                      $39,995 Base Price (427SC)
                                                                                            $44,995 Base Price (289KMS/FIA)
http://www.lonestarclassics.com/index.cfm                               $22,375 Base Price (LS427)
                                                                                            4 more versions

Or you can go to the real thing and get a continuation Cobra by the company in Las Vegas
http://www.shelbyautos.com/vehicles.asp                                (Alot more than I can afford!)

All of these kits (Except Shelby Autos), are based on just the main kit, the accessories will tally up the price, of course. I went with Factory Five, because I already had a donor car ready. But now their kits are non-donor type and donor-type kits.

If I missed any Kit manufacturer in the above list...Sorry!

Dan

[JACK MOGUS]

BEST BET - - - - -

COME TO THE CACC "GREASE-UPS"  (BREAKFAST EVERY SATURDAY MORNING AT THE VIENNA INN) AND LOOK AT EACH TYPE OF CAR, ASK A TON OF QUESTIONS - WE'RE ALL PROUD OF OUR CARS AND WILL TALK ALL DAY ABOUT THEM.  GO FOR A RIDE WITH SOME OF US.  VISIT SOME OF THE MEMBER'S GARAGES.  (GOOD IDEA TO BRING A "SIX-PACK").

TAKE YOU TIME - - - - IT'S A BIG DECISION - - - YOU'LL BE MUCH BETTER OFF IF YOU MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICE THE FIRST TIME.

ONE THING CERTAIN - - - YOU'LL NEVER LACK FOR ADVICE OR HELP AROUND HERE - - - - AND YOU'LL BE DEALING WITH SOME REALLY COOL PEOPLE.

Y'ALL HAVE A REALLY GREAT DAY.

BLACKJACK

[427HISS]

I would like to add Lone Star Classics.  If you have any questions, please email me and I can give you my number.

Kevin

http://www.lonestarclassics.com/index.cfm

[Dan Deitz]

I would like to add Lone Star Classics.  If you have any questions, please email me and I can give you my number.

Kevin

http://www.lonestarclassics.com/index.cfm

Thanks! I just add it to the list.