ERA 427 Cobra #611 help...

[ERA#611]

Hello all! This is my first post. I have some questions if some could help with. I'm looking to buy ERA #611, it is at Classic cars for sale, muscle cars for sale, and exotic cars for sale by Flemings Ultimate Garage, it's the only cobra listed for sale on the site. They want 50k for it and claim they have a folder that has close to 80k in recipes. First off I that a good deal? Second what is the difficulty in maintaince for these cars are they relatively easy or the same as a normal car? Is there any thing I should like at/for when going to look at it and test drive it? I called Peter at ERA and let me tell you as I have been reading and as most of you know...wow what a great bunch of guys! They are above and beyond at customer service, they helped me with everything I need to gather from them with flying colors. I've noticed in my looking for a nice cobra that they are very few in between ERA's for sale I see alot of superformamce and factory fives for sale along with a few backdrafts. I'm taking that ERA's are a good car and people are holdin on to them. How's the value hold up on these cars. It has a 1968 428 with 427 head and a Richmond five speed. Okay also....

Here's my thing, I have a 1966 impala ss convertible with a 396 bb that has 27k original documented miles on it. This car by any means is no Barrett Jackson car but I would give it a good 6 or 7 out of 10. Also I have a 2004 corvette Z06 commemritive edition with 24k on it completely stock that I owe 28k on. The dealer tells me he'll trade me straight up for both cars and roll the 28k over on the cobra (I guess they will) lol. I just want some insite on wether or not that may seem fair and is a good deal. The deal will not move a penny on the asking price. If you guys could take a peek at that car and tell me what you think it would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advanced

[Tony Radford]

There's no doubt that ERA is one of the best. I have to say that the guy in the video was quite a turn off. I get the sense you're chomping at the bit to get a car and I would only say that you may want to take a little time and do some checking around. I'm sure the car is worth $50K as described, but it is a buyer's market right now and there are some great deals to be had.

Also, do you know what you're getting into with Cobra ownership? It's probably nothing like what you're used to with the vette and Impala. Though I've had my car for ten years, I've seen a lot of them come and go. Buying a Cobra is an emotional deal - take it easy.

[ERA#611]

[quote=

Also, do you know what you're getting into with Cobra ownership? It's probably nothing like what you're used to with the vette and Impala. Though I've had my car for ten years, I've seen a lot of them come and go. Buying a Cobra is an emotional deal - take it easy.[/QUOTE]



Yeah I have no idea what I'm getting into, what does it intail?

[Tony Radford]

Each one is essentially "one of a kind". Good weather-only driver. Potentially dangerous to drive if you have any highschool kid left in you at all. Late model car that won't come close to passing emissions. Sometimes a challenge to insure. Consistent maintenance an absolute requirement.

[TButtrick]

Originally Posted by Tony Radford

There's no doubt that ERA is one of the best. I have to say that the guy in the video was quite a turn off. I get the sense you're chomping at the bit to get a car and I would only say that you may want to take a little time and do some checking around. I'm sure the car is worth $50K as described, but it is a buyer's market right now and there are some great deals to be had.

Also, do you know what you're getting into with Cobra ownership? It's probably nothing like what you're used to with the vette and Impala. Though I've had my car for ten years, I've seen a lot of them come and go. Buying a Cobra is an emotional deal - take it easy.

I think the guy did an outstanding job on the video other than a couple of minor inaccurate statements. I wish to hell every Cobra for sale had this type of preview. Well done and bravo. On the surface, worth every bit of $50K IMHO.

[ERA#611]

Originally Posted by TButtrick

I think the guy did an outstanding job on the video other than a couple of minor inaccurate statements. I wish to hell every Cobra for sale had this type of preview. Well done and bravo. On the surface, worth every bit of $50K IMHO.

What kind of inaccurate statements are you talking about, something i need to look at or the guy was just winging it and not really knowing what hes talking about?

[ERA Chas]

Originally Posted by ERA#611

What kind of inaccurate statements are you talking about, something i need to look at or the guy was just winging it and not really knowing what hes talking about?

1. Those are Trigo aluminum wheels-not 'the real deal' as that schmuck says. Real Halibrands are magnesium, unavailable and cost more than twice what Trigos cost.
2.BFG T/A radials are junk for a Cobra. (Search)
3. The 'smooth underbody' is total BS- the aluminum gas tank is smooth sheet about 3' feet long. It's all just neat design and assembly-no aero intent at '160 or 170MPH'. I have driven 155 and the under body is NO help what-so ever. The rest of the car is a barn door.
4. 'Two piece brake rotors'? The rotors on Wilwoods (Not mentioned IF they're on here-a premium selling point) are one piece bolted to a bearing carrier hub. More double-talk for 'car guys' who are clueless.
5. No mention of Sideoiler or 428 big blocks-only '500HP'. (BTW, 500HP in an FE is mundane performance.) That's a huge cost-to-buy/build difference. If it had a Sideoiler, that would be stated as a premium selling point. Not mentioned so it's likely a 428 or smaller FE. I know you don't know the difference (which is why Fleming is making up this tale full of hype BS and suggestions of great worth-to shaft guys like you) so search here and learn before getting ripped. Boasting about 'chip guard' on the fenders means 'I don't know anything else important I can say'.
6. The kit including oil cooler is about a $400 option from ERA-not just the braided lines and fittings as Fleming stated.
7. This car will not cost '$80 or $90K' to replicate. A turnkey to this (apparent) level will be $60 to $65K out ERA's door.
8. In today's market this is a $40 to $43K car.
9. Contact Todd Hedges for the true story on the car. You can see that when you're not fully informed, you're just fodder for artists like Fleming to screw you out of two collectibles and too much cash. You need a lot more education than you have to shop/own these cars. This board is filled with 'Who makes the car I just bought and how do I fix it?' threads.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by ERA Chas

1. Those are Trigo aluminum wheels-not 'the real deal' as that schmuck says. Real Halibrands are magnesium, unavailable and cost more than twice what Trigos cost.

Chas is just trying to drive up the market on magnesium Halibrands. Don't listen to him.

(Actually, listen to Chas, he's right, but he deserves a hard time occasionally, especially since he's bringing me down, bumming me out, making me very sad, since there are no magnesium wheels to be purchased at the present time and I want ME some).

[Grubby]

I would suggest calling Peter at ERA and get the history of the car. And review their web site for some details about ERA cars. Era Replica Automobiles - Makers of the 427, 289FIA, and GT40 replicas

For a really clean ERA with the right options like a 427 or maybe 428, $50k could be a fair price. Keep in mind ERA had a major upgrade at #731. I personally think the later cars are significantly better than the older ones. I have had both.

The market is very soft and deals can be had.

ERA makes a great car and they are a class act.

John

[Dangerous Doug]

Hard to say if $50k is the right price. Ernie, on this forum, has a nice 427 ERA for sale for $30k or $35k. I think it's in the Cobras for sale section. I looked at this car prior to his purchase, and would have paid $35k for it back then.

DD

[Dangerous Doug]

Ernie's handle is Excaliber

DD

[ERA#611]

Just regular maintenance as fad as Floyd chugs and stuff like that? Also do they title as a 1966 in this case or the year of build? William have to go through emissions?

[jeffy]

Originally Posted by ERA#611

Also do they title as a 1966 in this case or the year of build? William have to go through emissions?

That all depends where you live.

[ERA#611]

I live in Maryland not too far from where the car is being sold.

[jeffy]

Originally Posted by ERA#611

I live in Maryland not too far from where the car is being sold.

These guys might be able to help:

www.capitalareacobraclub.com - Index

[Grubby]

Is this the same ERA that was at European Motorcars in CT? If so, I looked at it about 1 year ago. I can't remember the chassis number. The alum. sheet under the hood looks the same as do several other features. The color is pretty unique. How many ERAs are dark silver?

If this is the same car I can give you my report offline.

John

[ERA#611]

I can't thank all of you enough with the help I get here. I wish my fellow corvette owners were this helpful, lol

[Grubby]

Look at this link. I say it is the same car. Used 1966 Shelby Cobra 427 ERA Replica for Sale. Stock #T39005 | DealerRevs.com - Car Ad #21993707

I visited ERA, met Jeffy and inspected this ERA.

I will shoot you a quick email with my phone number.

John

[ERA#611]

Originally Posted by Grubby

Look at this link. I say it is the same car. Used 1966 Shelby Cobra 427 ERA Replica for Sale. Stock #T39005 | DealerRevs.com - Car Ad #21993707

I visited ERA, met Jeffy and inspected this ERA.

I will shoot you a quick email with my phone number.

John

That is 100% the same car for sure. I wonder what they sold it for? I wonder if I call them tomorrow ifnthey would disclose that info to me.

[ERA#611]

Thanks for your input John, you were very helpful