New Cobra buyer - Questions - Driving Them...

[AdamIsAdam]

Originally Posted by patrickt

You can tell from this pic that it has an external fork and hydraulic slave. It's just probably not set up right or the pressure plate was a poor choice. My advice would be not to get in over your head until you get some experience with these cars.

Thanks for the insight. I'm learning as I go. But I'm also not going to wait forever like the owner of this car did. He only got 200 miles on the car before he died.

I am a quick study. And I'm hoping/relying on the kindness of forum friends to help me through the buying process. And the ownership thereafter.

I hope this note comes across the right way. I'm asking for help and very appreciative of any I get.

I was trying to use this Superformance as my benchmark. It drove worse than the FFR I drove, as I said.

Originally Posted by Alfa02

Adam, how long has this 240 mile SPF been sitting? As someone that had a chance to buy a 2001 ERA 427s/o with 6100 miles, that had sat for 10+years, the first 2years the mileage was put on. This ERA leaked everywhere, Motor, Gearbox, Rear end, Brakes, after less then 2-300 miles after being put back in driving cond. Dodged a huge bullet. We have a (2004) 930 mile SPF here in the PNW that I can't find a buyer for 40K because of the same thing (No leak's, but also no miles put on it yet). The owner thought he would make a killing selling a low mileage SPF, he's heartbroken, that he will lose 1000's of dollars rather then driving & enjoying it. Be very careful. P.S. I've driven many SPF all the clutches were light, and easy to use. Cheers Tom.

Tom,
Yes, exactly what I was looking for, a car that's been sitting and developing leaks, etc. I've seen it before as well. I'm not sure exactly how long it's been since the owner died before the nice widow finally decided to sell, but it's a while. She actually said she just had the car gone over to get it ready for sale. I didn't get into what was done, but yes, I agree, when you buy a car that's been sitting, it can be just as expensive to bring up to good working order as a car with high mileage.

[riggsjr]

Originally Posted by AdamIsAdam

Thanks for the insight. I'm learning as I go. But I'm also not going to wait forever like the owner of this car did. He only got 200 miles on the car before he died.

I am a quick study. And I'm hoping/relying on the kindness of forum friends to help me through the buying process. And the ownership thereafter.

I hope this note comes across the right way. I'm asking for help and very appreciative of any I get.

I was trying to use this Superformance as my benchmark. It drove worse than the FFR I drove, as I said.





Tom,
Yes, exactly what I was looking for, a car that's been sitting and developing leaks, etc. I've seen it before as well. I'm not sure exactly how long it's been since the owner died before the nice widow finally decided to sell, but it's a while. She actually said she just had the car gone over to get it ready for sale. I didn't get into what was done, but yes, I agree, when you buy a car that's been sitting, it can be just as expensive to bring up to good working order as a car with high mileage.

12 years is a long time for a car to sit.....

[AdamIsAdam]

Originally Posted by patrickt

Adam, here's another tip. On the street, if your car has an honest 400 horsepower, it's the same as if it had 600. Of course, the race track is another story.

Yup, 100% agreed! Most folks feel anything over 400 is hard to use on the street. My new GT350 is 526 and weighs 3,800lbs, with serious rubber, traction controls, etc, and I feel I can't come anywhere close to using it all to a point where it's frustrating to drive. But yes, on the track that car COMES ALIVE in a big way!

Originally Posted by riggsjr

12 years is a long time for a car to sit.....

Agreed. And they want top dollar. I'll pass on that one.

[FredG]

After re-reading the thread I want chime in with. The original SPF car discussed I wouldn't even consider. Budget engine, sitting too long and over priced by a lot. The only FF's I would own would be one I built myself or one that was built by someone I was completely familiar with by reputation and verified they actually constructed the car. That leaves you with the rest. Disregard the Kirkhams...rich persons toy. Make a the best deal you can for the remaining options. Everyone thinks their car is worth more than it really is and they find that out when they try to sell it. Cobra Country consistently represents the best market values. Vanguard Motors will show you some nice overpriced cars. There are some great values out there.

Fred