Complete Domination?

Got the Bug · #1 (**permalink**) 02-05-2010, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gunner

I don't feel like I have much in common with the crowd that builds them as straight-line racers. I have even less connection to the crowd that seems to care less about their Cobra heritage than that they're easy to build into autocross monsters.

Do you guys have an "FFR only" table at your NorCal breakfast meetings?

Gunner · #2 (**permalink**) 02-05-2010, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Got the Bug

Do you guys have an "FFR only" table at your NorCal breakfast meetings?

Dunno, I've only made it to one.

I don't snub anybody with a Cobra - but the ones who own them and built them and maintain them and drive them because of their magnificent heritage are the ones I hang around with.

Some of the builds, like FFR, are great lightweight drag platforms. Some are great "tweakable" race car platforms for the grind of serious autocross. I rarely hear from anyone who's built a Cobra for either purpose that much cares about the heritage and history. Power to 'em, but we don't have much to talk about.

RodKnock · #3 (**permalink**) 02-05-2010, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Got the Bug

Do you guys have an "FFR only" table at your NorCal breakfast meetings?

Now I know why you BACC guys put me over at that corner table near the bathroom that sits only one. It's the BACC "FFR only" table.

Makes sense to me now, but why do you guys want me sitting over there when I own a Kirkham?

Got the Bug · #4 (**permalink**) 02-05-2010, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RodKnock

Now I know why you BACC guys put me over at that corner table near the bathroom that sits only one. It's the BACC "FFR only" table.

Makes sense to me now, but why do you guys want me sitting over there when I own a Kirkham?

You weren't supposed to be sitting there. That table has a little placard that says "reserved for Larry Ellison." He never shows up for breakfast though.

Cobra Lite · #5 (**permalink**) 02-05-2010, 02:43 PM

Thanks all, for some well worded response.

I have not been interested in building a car for more than the past few years (sailing was my life) so I am not familiar with the early versions of the FFR cars. When I started looking into building something they had just released the Mark III version of the roadster and it looked very well done.

I too am not all that keen on the frame. Better than original I am sure, but it could be so MUCH better, but then it would not look original. That appeals to some I know.

The single donor idea is/was very good even though it did force many compromises in dimensions, ride, and handling. It did allow many to build a car that looks good and is fun to drive though.

Good point made, autocross is not life!

For me, neither is 1/4 mile time/speed. (of course not, in a Miata????)

I did not mean to imply that everyone who builds a car for less money is smarter.

But the person who DOES build a superior car for less money is much smarter in my book.

But that can be any replica kit.

I do agree that a really good looking car costs time and money and the better the kit you start with, the easier it is to end up with something to be proud of.
A Kirkham is the best start I believe

I am glad that others are aware of the improvements FFR has made in their offerings and I applaud their goal to continue to make it affordable so that more can enjoy building one. I really like the new Mk4 body shape too. Although as I look at hundreds of original cobra photos, there seems to be quite a lot of variation even among the same model. Which is understandable considering they were all hand formed and most have been repaired several times which is likely to change the looks somewhat.

Thanks again for the input everyone

rodneym · #6 (**permalink**) 02-05-2010, 03:02 PM

What the ???????

We can't be nice so soon in this thread.
There's still hours left in this work week!

rodneym

ICBomber90 · #7 (**permalink**) 02-07-2010, 04:01 PM

Best part?

Jesper's Mark III just sold for $40,000 on ebay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...K%3AMEWAX%3AIT

0-60 in 3.85 seconds, 60-0 in 116 feet

Pretty fast for a "pig in a prom dress"

I'll kiss that pig any day!

Pat

Gunner · #8 (**permalink**) 02-07-2010, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ICBomber90

I'll kiss that pig any day!

I'm staying out of the opinion end of things here, but... you couldn't give me that car.

Body shape's not right, wheels are wrong look and set wrong in the arches, roll bar is off, and in general it looks like a Matchbox blown up to full scale. I don't care how quick it might be - if I wanted nothing but quick (see above comments about the straightline and 'cross crowd), I could build an ERA or Kirkham just as quick and it would at least have the correct Cobra look, not one that screamed "cheap knockoff."

I'll reiterate that a good part of the FFR crowd seems to care very little about it being a Cobra, just a randomly chosen "nice look" to hang go-fast on. Not my cup of tea. This car stands as Exhibit A, IMVHO.

Gunner · #9 (**permalink**) 02-05-2010, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cobra Lite

Although as I look at hundreds of original cobra photos, there seems to be quite a lot of variation even among the same model. Which is understandable considering they were all hand formed and most have been repaired several times which is likely to change the looks somewhat.

Cobras were originally "meant to be bent."

kobrabytes · #10 (**permalink**) 02-08-2010, 08:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cobra Lite

But the person who DOES build a superior car for less money is much smarter in my book.

But that can be any replica kit.

Interesting statement... I didn't buy/build a replica Cobra, I bought a Kirkham. I bought it specifically because it was a Kirkham. I bought it because of who Dave, Tom, Mary, Joe, Sandwich, Jerime(s) are. When I first a took a tour of the factory I was stunned by seeing a completely engineered machine before my eyes, a Kirkham is art. Everything about the process was first class, and continues to be. I've NEVER based decisions upon money. I base them on the product or experience. People who base it upon the money typically pay twice and then double.

Nope It's Fake · #11 (**permalink**) 02-08-2010, 12:22 PM

My fake is more fake than your fake - nyah!

(Apologies to Evan)

RodKnock · #12 (**permalink**) 02-08-2010, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nope It's Fake

My fake is more fake than your fake - nyah!

(Apologies to Evan)

I think Evan "left the building" a few weeks back. Patrick really ticked him off this time.

However, if you start a nice "Is a CSX really real or replica?" or a good "Is there added value to buying a CSX versus 'fill in the blank'?" thread, you may be able to smoke him out of his bunker.

The only other way that I can think of is to start a "Is a 2005-2006 Ford GT a good investment?" thread.

RodKnock · #13 (**permalink**) 02-05-2010, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Got the Bug

You weren't supposed to be sitting there. That table has a little placard that says "reserved for Larry Ellison." He never shows up for breakfast though.

He's a little busy right now with this obscure little sailing contest off the coast of Spain.

http://www.americascup.com/en/index.php

Rodney, I tried giving Cobra Lite a hard time about the Miata, but alas, I'm too nice a guy and I like Miatas.