Cobra Auction Pricing on Bring a Trailer

[Mark IV]

Originally Posted by Dewey McBride

It's not really surprising. There are so many different types of builds that there is a false perception of what the pricing is. An older home built can go for $25-30k because it was a donor build and the quality can really vary a lot. This brings down the entire market. I purchased a VERY nicely equipped Factory Five MK4 with power brake, power steering, DOHC engine, and too many upgrades to list. I ended up paying exactly what the builder had into it. The one thing that did not get factored into the price is the labor and any profit. When a Backdraft or Superformance comes up for sale, how can they explain the extra $30k they are asking? Saying it's "Factory Built" is rarely going to get a buyer to throw down extra $$. You need a buyer that understands the difference in brands. Most that I've talked to don't. I've seen some pretty sketchy home builds but I've also seen some that would put any Backdraft of Superformance to shame. It's really about finding the right buyer for the car. I would be very hesitant to buy a home built at an auction, Backdraft and Superformance give a little more piece of mind but they all look the same.

I agree. As a Superformance dealer we sell a "known quality" of product. With some kits you are at the mercy of the builder as to the quality and workmanship. I totally agree that I have seen some fabulous Factory Five cars; well built and engineered and they stand with most any replica. When I am asked to compare an F5 with an SPF I say you can't; it is not the brand but the build that counts. I have also seen an F5 that I wouldn't ride across the parking lot in! We had one come for service that the builder installed the upper control arms upside down! And we have seen SPF (and other makes) cars that had very low miles.....why? Because they didn't work! Poor installation/build-out meant they didn't drive/run properly so thus "low miles"

Again, not the brand, it's the build.