Thoughts on a Arntz or Butler

[750hp]

That Butler is a very nice car at a very reasonable price. I thought it was built in the 90s (and doesn't have sufficient proof of first registration anyway) but I could be mistaken and it would only take an email to the seller to confirm it. The 1960s title can also be resolved before submitting any import approval request if it is in fact built before 1985.

OK, so my first reply was a bit flippant based on the fact that I think everyone knows I love old Cobras. Arntz, Butler, Contemporary, ERA, RMC, Robnell, DAX, Crendon, RAM. I'd happily own any of them and somehow I've managed to own a few different brands over the years.

Of the more recent cars, I'd be really proud to have a Classic Revival or Superformance or Harrison in the garage. I'd be over the moon to have an Absolute Pace or a Kirkham and I personally see them as the two global leaders in different markets.

What motivates someone to buy an old Cobra when they could have a new one for a fairly similar outlay? To me it's almost like that Jeep sticker that I despise. "It's a Cobra thing...you wouldn't understand". In that, I think there are some people that want patina, they want history and for the car to have had a life - or a few lives - before they have assumed ownership.

For me, if I was looking at two almost identical looking and performing Cobras; one was decades old and one was new, I'd be drawn to the old one to see what sort of clues I could find to it's story. Many others would be drawn to the new one because everything is new and perfect.

With Craig W now producing a product that looks staggeringly beautiful and for what seems to be a bloody good price, I'd think that the vast majority of people would choose his car over an early US manufacturer. Wazza would have a much better idea about delivery timeframes and how many cars have been delivered lately, but if the product is being pushed out to owners in reasonable timeframes in many ways I reckon it's an easy decision.

I loved my Arntz, and for those who know the new owner of it, you'll know that it will be an infinitely better car when he's finished with it. I hit the jackpot with my Contemporary - a healthy 427FE through barely muffled side pipes always makes me smile. That said, when I look at Brad's recently completed AP or the other LSA powered monster that was just just registered and I see the fit/finish and the boner inducing rocker arm suspension, I must admit that I start plotting and scheming about how I can have an AP in the garage.

It's not a Jeep thing at all. I hate Jeeps. It's about what Cobra will make you happy. Aren't we lucky that there are lots to choose from!

[guye]

Originally Posted by Buzz

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Question though - with all the costs associated with import and tarriffs, etc. is there still enough of a savings to justify the foreign purchase over the great home-grown Pace Cobra?

Wonderful sentiment, Buzz. I feel strangely proud now that an Aussie product is gaining an international rep!

(And I was 'this close' to coming to St Lucia this year, Buzz! But only getting as far as Cuba and Cancun I'm afraid).

Wazza, are you on to this? I'd be happy to travel to St Lucia as an embassador to help Buzz setup an agency. My time for free! You just pay T&A :-)

Originally Posted by 750hp

... [long speech removed for brevity]
It's not a Jeep thing at all. I hate Jeeps. It's about what Cobra will make you happy. Aren't we lucky that there are lots to choose from!

Fantastic post, Craig. I love reading considered posts from people with a bit of flair for writing. Well said!

[Buzz]

Originally Posted by guye

Wonderful sentiment, Buzz. I feel strangely proud now that an Aussie product is gaining an international rep!

(And I was 'this close' to coming to St Lucia this year, Buzz! But only getting as far as Cuba and Cancun I'm afraid).

The Pace product is a significant development in the Cobra replica industry. The commitment to combining a beautifully accurate and good looking body with a state of the art chassis and suspension holds a lot of appeal. While I have a deep appreciation for the dead-nuts authentic and faithful replicas, to me a Cobra is all about the look and the performance.

I would own a Pace Cobra in a heartbeat and finish it up along the lines and look of an AC MK VI. Modern running gear and an up to date interior. The perfect modern day Cobra for me. I'd love to see Craig do well enough with it that maybe a dealer could start producing them in the US market.