Who makes the better Roller?

[Snake Pliskin]

Originally Posted by Lowell W

I'd have to agree with most of what's been said here. I looked very carefully at ERA, FFR and SPF before I made my decision in 2002. During the six or so months when I was seriously shopping for a car, I actually changed some of my criteria, and came to realize each manufacturer produces a different "niche" product. So perhaps your definition of "better" may change as you refine your requirements.

FFR builds a very nice product for the money, and markets to the "price point" niche. Their focus is on ease and simplicity of construction for the home mechanic, using most driveline parts salvaged from a 5.0 liter Mustang. You can, of course, use all new parts and build a "sky's the limit" FFR, but most builders don't. While one of the most appealing aspects of FFR cars, to me, is their 4" round tube frame, another is their their individuality. It seems as though each builder builds his own version of the car. To tell you the truth, I'd rather look at 20 FFRs than 20 ERAs or 20 SPFs. If you want a project car and you want to drive a car you've built yourself and on which handled and installed each and every part, and if you'd really prefer to build your own version of a Cobra, take a hard look at FFR.

ERA builds a spectacular car with a totally authentic body in a very small facility, with a small staff of committed enthusiasts. They will sell you a car in any stage of completion from a parts set to a roller and if you're looking at a used car, they can likely provide you the car's history. ERA's major deviation from individuality-aside from their use of fiberglass for the body, of course-is their square tube frame. Other than that, they've taken great pains to source the most authentic parts possible. If you want as authentic-appearing a car as possible with a fiberglass body and plan to use an FE engine, and if you enjoy being treated as "family" by the manufacturer, take a hard look ar ERA. If you do look at a used ERA, however, be sure you know how and by whom it was built; also whoever else may have had his grubby fingers in the pie.

SPF sells a high quality, factory built car, which looks quite a bit like a Cobra, available only as a "roller" AND equipped with a heater/defroster, windshield wipers and a soft top. This is not to say, however, that all SPFs are the same: The factory has made running improvements over the years and many owners have upgraded various components. Like any factory-built product, SPF has had various issues, both with their own parts/assemblies and with items sourced from other vendors. On the other hand, an enormous benefit to SPF ownership is the opportunity to subscribe to the Superformance Cobra Owners' Forum (SCOF), an owners-only, email-based forum with an on-line tech library, as well as discussions regarding any other imaginable (and some unimaginable) aspects of Cobra ownership. Consider an SPF as a more modern interpretation of the Cobra, with a square tube frame and modern drivline parts, using half shafts with CV joints in the rear (ditto for FFR if it's built with IRS.) Although some SPF owners install FE engines, the majority use either Windsor or 385 series-based engines. I'll venture to say that most of the Cobra replicas which get driven lots of miles and far from home are SPFs. Although small, there is a dealership network and there's also, through SCOF, an enormous support network of owners, many of whom are at least mechanically capable, and almost all of whom are extremely enthusiastic. If you fancy taking a cross country trip in your car, of the three, I'd say SPF, hands down.

You did not mention Kirkham, which I'd also have to include in any "best" discussion, but that's a whole 'nother story.

Hope this is helpful.

Lowell W

Thanks for the reply Lowel. I myself would concider Kirkham the best roller, having done homework on that crew. That's why Shelby gets his bodies from them. But at 62 G's a pop for a roller that has to sanded down if you want to paint it, I started looking at the next best thing. Which led me Superformance. Again thanks, Snake