ERA or Superperformance 427 Thoughts and Observations

[Anthony]

Originally Posted by Learjockey1

Guys, I am new to the site and first post. I appreciate the candor and wealth of information. Bottom line up front, I have done the searching, lurking, collecting books and magazines for over 25 years and finally decided to make the move. I am looking at two cars, the 427 ERA and SPF MKIII Cobras with soft top and side curtains. I have not driven an ERA or SPF as I am over here in Germany, so the Audi’s, Porches, Mercs and BMW’s reign. I desire my American V-8 roots and require a car to sustain 90-120 mph cruising with sustained periods of 140-160 and still take me through the Alps and small towns. I am looking for a feeling of polish, essence, and finish that only comes with RD time and engineering passion. Subjects such as pedal arc, pedal pressures, great brakes, control feedback, cowl shake, solidness and smoothness, warmth and pleasantness, of the car are what I consider. Unwanted or excess vibrations will disqualify. A car with fine qualities speaks to a person that horsepower and ft lb numbers cannot.
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Thanks in advance for your time and consideration.

Originally Posted by marcocsx3121

I have no expertise on either the ERA or Superformance, but based on my six years with CSX 3121 ("real" Cobra) I can tell you that sustained speeds much above 100 mph are decidedly unpleasant in these cars. Aside from the total lack of real wind/weather protection, the aerodynamics cause lift at speed, not a good thing. I had hit 135-140 on a couple of occasions, and the front end was getting noticeably lighter at that speed.

I've spent a fair amount of time on the autobahns, and a replica Cobra would not be my first choice for that duty, great American V8 noises or not.

Lke 3121 said, a cobra is not exactly what you are describing. I think you need to buy a new vette/viper.