Shelby vs. Kirkham

[REAL 1]

You won't see me saying anying bad about a Kirkham Cobra or the Kirkhams. They are great guys, great company with an exceptional product. This is probably why SAI sources their aluminum Cobras from Kirkham.

Kirkham was added to the Registry for the exact reason to keep track of them because they are pretty dead nuts accurate. I'm sure Ron can comment on this. I also believe that Kirkham was added to the registry because they in essence are the modern day AC. They have cloned the Cobra nearly exactly, so close in fact they are highly respected in the Cobra community by such illuminaries as McKlusky, Lynn Park etc..and they supply parts for restoration of original Cobras.

Shelbys command more money because they are well...Shelbys. In fact original Shelby Cobras (CSXs) nearly across the board command more money then original AC Cobras (either COB or COXs). Why, very simply because they are Shelbys. There is an added value that many place on the name like it or not and likely the name will always command premium. For those that don't care they buy the non Shelby / non CSX whether its in the original realm or continuation realm.

I can say that SAI has always been fair with me and took care of any issues that I had in a fair and responsible way and always did the right thing by me. Thats my experience.

Someone needs to be specific though about their claims that the Kirkham Aluminum Cobra is better mechanically (I know its limited to suspension) then the aluminum Shelby. What specifically is better and why? I can say that a number of guys who know their stuff mechanically and have built replicas like Contemporarys and ERAs have looked at the underside of my Shelby on the lift and were VERY impressed and commented that the design and suspension of the Shelby was superior to their cars. I didn't say it they did. Don't shoot the messenger.

The suspension on the aluminum Shelbys pretty much exactly dupilcates what is/was found on the 1965 Cobra. If you want a Cobra isn't that what you want? If you want superiror design then you really don't want a Cobra you want something that looks like a Cobra but is superior in design then what they were.

I wanted a Cobra with all its pluses and all its warts. I wanted it the way it was. They are what they are. Isn't that the allure, magic and charm of it all though? Sometimes improving things subtracts from the experience and essence of what its supposed to be.