CSX 6000 at Barrett-Jackson

[REAL 1]

Originally Posted by franklin

"Not to be confused with Cobra replicas, these are genuine Shelby Cobras, authenticated by Shelby Automobiles, Inc. with proper CSX numbers and a Manufacturer's Statement of Origin (MSO), signed by Carroll Shelby himself. Only a small number are built each year and every car is listed in the official Shelby registry."

........

Well, you can roll your eyes and laugh all you want if that makes you feel better but the fact of the matter is the general public and those that buy and sell these cars including auction houses have begun to clearly view CSX continuaiton Cobras as authentic Shelby Cobras and more then mere "replicas" as that term is commonly used and understood today.

The fact that CSX 6018 ( a glass car) sold for $93,500.00 including commission says something. And in a bad economy no less. People don't plunk down close to or over 100 large for a faux Cobra. When looking at the auction sales numbers you have to add the commission to the sale price. That gives you the true selling number. Buyers certainly take this commission into consideration as to what they will bid. While 6018 sold at auction for less then MSRP that happens at auctions. Sometimes you get a good buy. Sometimes you overpay.

Oh, and since you own a Kirkham (a nice one by the way) by dragging down the Shelbys you are to a degree dragging down your own car as Kirkhams have accepted into the Shelby Registry with the Continuation series. Just a thought.

[SunDude]

Yep, CSX6021 sold for $117K + 10% buyer's premium at B-J Las Vegas 2009.

Other continuation Cobra sales at Barrett-Jackson in the last few years:

• CSX4000-series (racing green) sold for $100K at Scottsdale 2009
• CSX4986 sold for $87K at Scottsdale 2009
• CSX4066 sold for $97K at Scottsdale 2008
• CSX7028 sold for $64K at Scottsdale 2008
• CSX4213 sold for $140K Scottsdale 2007
• CSX4000-series (80th birthday car) sold for $127.5K at Scottsdale 2004
• CSX4000-series (black) sold for $105K at Scottsdale 2004

[RedBarchetta]

If you are in the market for a CSX6xxx and find one being sold at an auction that meets your criteria (color, engine/trans, etc.), then recent history would say that it's better to buy through the auction and save some coin. My observations indicate that the resale market for Cobras in general remains soft, even by BJ standards.

-Dean

[somedayaurora]

A nice Unique 289 $35,750. all in , not bad . I couldn't find any more csx , beside original. Lots of FFR though .
SDR

[somedayaurora]

$#!% This is the csx I thought was over priced last week on ebay $119 000. from planet cobra - thread link- www.clubcobra.com/forums/showthread.php?t=102034 Wow $93, 000. all in , thats $26k discount off MSRP WOW a deal at BJ
SDR

[twobjshelbys]

Originally Posted by somedayaurora

$#!% This is the csx I thought was over priced last week on ebay $119 000. from planet cobra - thread link- www.clubcobra.com/forums/showthread.php?t=102034 Wow $93, 000. all in , thats $26k discount off MSRP WOW a deal at BJ
SDR

That is Dean's point. The BJ prices for Shelby Cobras, original or continuation, have not been very friendly for the last two years.

That number is the buyer's side. There is also a seller's commission of I believe 8%(?), maybe 10%(?)?

To the earlier point, if you really want a CSX car, take a chance at the next one. You've got nothing to lose.

The 100K British Racing Green car was mine. It is carbon fiber and I felt the premium was worth it. The down side is that the engine is not working but there may be some news in this space. Stay tuned.

[Excaliber]

OK, there genuine Shelby's. But here's at least one problem I'd like to avoid. The "is it real" when asked at a cruise in, on the street or where ever. Even with a modern CSX continuation series car I would have to hesitate when asked that question. Do I have the time to "assplain it"? Quick, easy answer of "yes" is acceptable under some conditions (at a stop light for instance). Bottom line is the question requires at least some thought, some slight disclaimer to be really accurate.

I therefore find myself wondering, is it worth the extra dollars and STILL have to contemplate that question when it arises? It's the kind of thing that "eats at you" after awhile. Like I loved my Excalibur, but as time went on, the body shape, the motor specs, the general build/design inaccuracies began to "eat at me". Man I would hate to spend the big bucks on a continuation Shelby and find that question "haunting" me over time.
But maybe it wouldn't, maybe...

[ZOERA-SC7XX]

He's certainly correct as to experiencing a 'Cobra' for roughly 10% of the original price. I could never afford a real one, and even if I could I wouldn't spend that kind of money. I do, however agree with trying to keep it much as it was back in the day.
The new Shelby cars are a great way for some to say they have a real one, but alas, they too are fakes, all but very nices ones.

[RodKnock]

Look, I was only pointing out what the "general public" or the "auction buyers" perspective may or may not be. Not what SAAC thinks or what Club Cobra Forum members think.

I have no idea if this magazine or Colin Comer's perspective is what the "general public" might think either.

[RedBarchetta]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

...what the "general public" might think...

My straw poll (taken from various gas station visits and general driving around) would allude that Joe Q. Public thinks my car is real.

So I'm into this thing for under $50K and that's probably where I will stay (until I convince the wifey on Webers).

I tip my hat to the guys that can "step up" to a CSX. If you can, why not?!?

-Dean

[Silverback51]

Originally Posted by RedBarchetta

My straw poll (taken from various gas station visits and general driving around) would allude that Joe Q. Public thinks my car is real.

So I'm into this thing for under $50K and that's probably where I will stay (until I convince the wifey on Webers).

I tip my hat to the guys that can "step up" to a CSX. If you can, why not?!?

-Dean

Well Dean, I could have afforded a CSX or a Kirkham, and after looking at them I choose the SPF. It was what I wanted and I have not regretted my choice.

[ZOERA-SC7XX]

One can only state their own opinion. It seems these threads tend to wander somewhat.

[Excaliber]

My impression, from the "general public" is that the ones that KNOW Shelby is once again building Cobras are pretty excited. They don't seem to have a problem with the whole "is it real" thing. Which I think is nice, it's refreshing to see that enthusiasm.

It's the same kind of enthusiasm I had when I bought my Excalbur, it looked terrific to me! Had plenty power, it was a "Cobra", Shelby was "da man"! Then I started to research the whole Cobra thing and...

Oh that I could go back and just be a simple "general public" kind of guy again.

[dcdoug]

Originally Posted by Excaliber

My impression, from the "general public" is that the ones that KNOW Shelby is once again building Cobras are pretty excited. They don't seem to have a problem with the whole "is it real" thing. Which I think is nice, it's refreshing to see that enthusiasm.

It's the same kind of enthusiasm I had when I bought my Excalbur, it looked terrific to me! Had plenty power, it was a "Cobra", Shelby was "da man"! Then I started to research the whole Cobra thing and...

Oh that I could go back and just be a simple "general public" kind of guy again.

It is pretty amazing that there is so much debate, controversy and acrimony around this topic. Most everyone else in the world is blissfully unaware, which was a very nice place to be.

[bdeutsch]

For the last two-years, (actually longer I suspect), I have been looking at the various specialty constructed Cobras that are currently available. Please note my use of the term "specialty constructed (SPCN)", as this is the way my state of residence (California) refers to any Cobra roller (Factory Five to SPF to Kirkham to Shelby and with apologies to those manufacturers I did not mention). At the end of the discussion it is the same goat rope registration process for any of the above. Maybe this is the great equalizer in my current thoughts regarding value...just not sure.

To be honest, I seem to have migrated towards the Shelby and Kirkham end of this discussion (I am partical to the 289FIA version). This is not saying that they are any more an accurate reproduction (SPCN as defined by California) than any of the other brands mentioned. So at days end, using these two examples as a baseline, one could easily spend anywhere from $85k (low end) to as much as $135k to get one on the street. At the end of this effort, you would then have to go through the CA registration process.

Now here is where one needs to split the emotional discussion (I have wanted a Cobra for perhaps 30-years) from the $ Common Sense discussion. Would I ever expect my SPCN vehicle to either appreciate or hold its value over the short/long term. While I might hope that it would, I submit that the current economic situation we are seeing play out would not favor this outcome (whether they are registered in SAAC or not).

The next train of thought that is going through my mind is what kind of car I could I buy for that same $100,000 (nearest whole $ figure) without the hassle of SB100 (CA SPCN process). This choice would vary significantly from person-to-person, but the same kind of money would get you a 2001-2002 low mileage Ferrari 360 Modena (another car I have lusted after), absolutely the best example available of a 1974 Detamaso Pantera (yet another lust of mine/with money left over), and others.

Point I am trying to make here is that as car guys, it is very easy to let your emotion for a particular brand cloud your $ common sense. In perspective though, and going back to my earlier comment regarding the state of the economy, we should all be thankful that we still have the means to actually be thinking about stuff like this versus much more basic needs.

[jay bentley]

I usually don't respond to these types of threads. However, they are usually a great read with a big bowl of popcorn! Always entertaining.

The only thing I would like to add is once everyone is sitting behind the wheel and driving their cobra, you get the same amount of smiles per mile no matter what brand. It really doesn't matter who made what. I have driven an original 427S/C and it brought the same happiness to me that an ERA or Kirkham or Shelby would. They are just fun to drive!

Who cares who made what, as long as they bring happiness to you it shouldn't matter what Joe so and so says about it.

Thats all I have to say.... carry on!

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by bdeutsch

This choice would vary significantly from person-to-person, but the same kind of money would get you a 2001-2002 low mileage Ferrari 360 Modena (another car I have lusted after)

You mean I could have bought a Ferrari 360 Modena?

[twobjshelbys]

Here we go again.

[RedBarchetta]

I hope not.

CSX6xxx's selling at auction below MSRP. THAT's the topic, correct?

[REAL 1]

Yeah, if you haven't noticed alot of things are selling below MSRP right now. And your point is???

I don't think Comers article was meant as a commentary on whether the CSX Cobras are genuine Cobras (my reading of the article indicates to me he was using "replica" in broad sweeping sense as including anything other than the original series). Nor do I consider him "the" authority on the subject of whether the Continuation series is to be considered a "genuine Cobra" merely because he wrote some article on replicas or put together a book, as nice as it might be, with all Shelby automobiles in it. While Comer may be an authority on a wide variety of automobiles and classics and have a lot of knowledge about Cobras and Shelbys I believe SAAC is THE if not the top authority when it comes to all things Shelby, AC and Cobras, like it or not and their Registry I believe is considered by most as the Bible on all things Cobra and Shelby and what is and is not considered a genuine Cobra. Comer no where mentions SAAC in the article referenced or even refers to the Registry and what SAAC considers the Continuation series. SAAC has definitions listed as to what are replicas and the various levels of Cobras and the like. The CSX Continuations Cobras are not considered replicas by SAAC that is made very clear. I also question Comers bias as he owns a 3000 series when it comes to acknowledging the Continuation series as genuine Cobras also.

My comment about the general public is directed towards the public that is aware of the Continuation series and those that have and interest in these cars not those who wouldn't know a Cobra from an MG or the guy who doesn't have a clue about cars who would think RedBarchetta car is a REAL Cobra (continuation or original). SAAC is the leading authority like it or not and they have accepted the Continuation series as a genuine Cobra. Thats enough for me.

The fact that the general public is laying out $100k plus for glass Shelbys to me says more then Comers little article. Its speaks volumes. People clearly don't drop close to $100K and more for a for what they believe to be a faux article when they can absolutely buy faux Cobras for 1/3 to 1/2 the price of a Continuation series Cobra.

Again, I have no issue answering yes to the question "Is it real?". Doesn't bother me in the least. Its true, factual and accurate. I just say yes it is, its a Continuation series Cobra from Shelby American. Thats all I need say and 99 out of 100 people light up with excitement. That says it all.