Just Curious

[decooney]

Originally Posted by DanEC

I don't think this is so mysterious - just routine Auto business economics. Ford is still selling a lot of brand new Mustang GTs for $40,000 although I just bought my 2008 Mustang GT with 21,000 miles for less than half that. If people weren't willing to pay a premium to buy new ones then at some point I wouldn't be able to get a good deal on a slightly used one.

From a pure cost and availability standpoint, IMO comparing high-volume production vehicles to limited production hand made replicas are two completely different scenarios. For example, if someone wanted to find a solid black ERA big block with an original 427 in it, and all the right bits, they might have to pay the price to get it vs. easily finding a used 2008 Black Ford GT Mustangs on cars.com or new at many lots across the US. I bet you'd find 100x the Mustangs available as compared to the solid Black ERA 427 SC Cobra, don't ya think? i.e. routine auto business economics (supply vs. demand).

[DanEC]

Originally Posted by decooney

From a pure cost and availability standpoint, IMO comparing high-volume production vehicles to limited production hand made replicas are two completely different scenarios. For example, if someone wanted to find a solid black ERA big block with an original 427 in it, and all the right bits, they might have to pay the price to get it vs. easily finding a used 2008 Black Ford GT Mustangs on cars.com or new at many lots across the US. I bet you'd find 100x the Mustangs available as compared to the solid Black ERA 427 SC Cobra, don't ya think? i.e. routine auto business economics (supply vs. demand).

High volume - low volume - still the same principal. By the time I got down to looking at specific color Mustangs, with specific color leather interior, with Navigation and automatic (5 speeds much more common but wife said no) and low miles in nice shape - I was basically looking at two cars in the State using Craigs list and Auto Trader.com. Many times more folks out there looking for new/used Mustang GTs, Corvettes, what-have-you, than 427 Cobra cars.

[ZOERA-SC7XX]

Originally Posted by decooney

From a pure cost and availability standpoint, IMO comparing high-volume production vehicles to limited production hand made replicas are two completely different scenarios. For example, if someone wanted to find a solid black ERA big block with an original 427 in it, and all the right bits, they might have to pay the price to get it vs. easily finding a used 2008 Black Ford GT Mustangs on cars.com or new at many lots across the US. I bet you'd find 100x the Mustangs available as compared to the solid Black ERA 427 SC Cobra, don't ya think? i.e. routine auto business economics (supply vs. demand).

I never considered a used Cobra (unless I could have had an original). The car I wanted would not have been available used anyway, as mine is quite different than the usual fare out there. Cobras built like mine rarely change hands (you guys know who you are). Many guys buy a Cobra without having any idea what they're getting into (literally). Once they realize the don't have a car that drives like a Mustang or Corvette (no AC, no power anti-lock brakes or power steering, Heim joint suspension, etc.) they decide to sell. They may not realize these cars ride like an old race car, or old truck, with no creature comforts. These are the cars for sale in many cases. Nice in the garage, but wifey doesn't like it. Whatever the reason, most for sale Cobras mimic each other.
I built my car as I wanted it, without any thought of resale value. The only upgrade I would do is to add an original 427 side oiler at some point, although the 428 is stout enough for the street. Everyone has his own opinion, and for me, driving a car I built myself is absolutely paramount.