Quote:
Originally Posted by Cobra Lite
I believe it is mostly due to the very low entry cost to build a Factory Five car...and some are built very, very well, and some are not. Certainly the finished car is dependent on the time, effort, desire, and money put into the build. And I am sure that some who build an FFR car have very limited amounts of each.
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FFR has cultivated a cult following through what I believe are three primary factors: low (relative) entry cost, well-documented build logs/manuals and good factory support.
Some Cobra enthusiasts frown on the FFR for various reasons: questionable realism in the body shape, use of donor Mustang parts (the very essence of why it's such a low cost entry solution!), bolt on wheels (although knock-off adapters are readily available), etc, etc, etc.
One can't deny that their fan base is extremely loyal, very dedicated to the brand and many of them drive the snot out of their cars (actual track cars). FFR filled a void at a time when the Cobra "kit car" landscape was fractured and all over the map.
Inconsistent build quality (which you mentioned) also plays a strong role in whether someone appreciates the FFR or looks at it in utter disdain. I have seen both and first impressions are truly lasting. The FFR is truly only as good as the craftsman that puts it together, while many other manufacturers of turn key and turn key minus cars (no need to name names here) provide a level of consistency and realism that is also consistent with a higher entry level price point.
Again, they fill a unique niche in this hobby and have afforded many who otherwise wouldn't be able to get into a Cobra the opportunity to do so for considerably less than some other alternatives. Which brings up another interesting point/opinion. Because of their success, they have literally flooded the Cobra landscape and made the Cobra quite a bit less exclusive than it once was. That in itself may make others frown upon the brand, because quite honestly most of Joe Public can't tell the difference between a kit, a manufactured replica or a real one in just one passing glance.
In the end you buy and drive what you can afford, you settle with that compromise, and you be happy (and grateful) with the miles you put into the car.
-Dean
Hybrid Mode
