Need help and guidance!

Celerity · #1 (**permalink**) 07-13-2011, 10:13 PM

Hey all,

First of all, nice forum! Now, I have been casually looking at picking up a built Cobra kit car for a few years now. I think it's about time to pull the trigger should I find the right deal. I want to spend less than $30k and build on to it as the years go by. I *think* I'd prefer a more modern, FI 5.0 as far as the engine goes, but it's not set in stone. I've actually found a couple on eBay that I'm interested in and would like some opinions on each. Any other information, or helpful links would be appreciated as well.

The cars:

Replica/Kit Makes : Shelby - eBay (item 250854826861 end time Jul-20-11 10:01:46 PDT)

and

Replica/Kit Makes - eBay (item 300577313965 end time Aug-03-11 13:09:02 PDT)

Kind Regards,
Justin

Wbulk · #2 (**permalink**) 07-13-2011, 10:23 PM

Have you decided on a brand? Since these are Factory Five cars have you set in one yet. I can't fit in them, my knees his the dash.

Celerity · #3 (**permalink**) 07-13-2011, 10:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wbulk

Have you decided on a brand? Since these are Factory Five cars have you set in one yet. I can't fit in them, my knees his the dash.

I have not, but I have heard good things about Factory Five. Unfortunately I haven't had the chance to check one out in person though. I'm not at all that tall, 5'10" so I'm not sure I'd have a problem fitting in one.

jhv48 · #4 (**permalink**) 07-14-2011, 07:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Celerity

I have not, but I have heard good things about Factory Five. Unfortunately I haven't had the chance to check one out in person though. I'm not at all that tall, 5'10" so I'm not sure I'd have a problem fitting in one.

The FFR kits can be built to a variety of specifications. So, be careful. What I mean by this is that the car you are looking at might be built with all the componments of a wrecked 200,000 mile Mustang, by a guy that has never turned a wrench in his life. It might also have been built with all new components by a master craftsman.

Each one is different. Don't be wowed by a fancy paint job. Dig deeper. Make sure you have it checked out thoroughly and request copies of receipts to verify what the owner tells you.

If buying SPF, BDR, or one of the other turnkey minus makes, you don't have to be as careful

Enjoy the process..

mreid · #5 (**permalink**) 07-14-2011, 07:58 AM

I'm 6'4" and I drove my friend Todd's FFR mk1. It was tight, but not bad at all. I think it depends on the set up (seat selection, seat adjusters, footbox, etc.).

Interestingly, the second one you list (which I like better) seems to have a 65 Mustang vin (1965, convertible, 260 engine, built in Dearborn). You should post this on the FFcars forum and get feedback. Someone will know both of these cars.

Seagull81 · #6 (**permalink**) 07-14-2011, 08:55 PM

Here's one less than $30k.
1966 Shelby Cobra 427SC Replica

LMH · #7 (**permalink**) 07-14-2011, 09:44 PM

Why not buy a new kit and build it the way you want to. The new FFR has a more accurate body, or so I'm told. Lots of online support too.
There's also Hurricane: Hurricane Motorsports - 427 Roadsters

With a new kit, you don't have to undo someone elses work if it happens to not be done that well. Just a thought.
Larry

Bill Hughes · #8 (**permalink**) 07-14-2011, 10:26 PM

In 1992, I ordered a FFR MKII Roadster, built it with a LEVY 347 FI with 5 speed tremec and never regreted it.

The FFR chassis is round tube (main rails), like the AC, while the spf is square tube. Mine is IRS.

I like the ffr very much. The good part about the FFR is you can build it to suite you.

My height ia 5', so I installed seat tracks, ant the seats were elevated a bit.

I used all new parts though. I spent about $43,000.00.

This is something a man should do at least once in his life.

bobbyoz · #9 (**permalink**) 07-15-2011, 01:00 AM

Can anyone help? I have a 2008 Cobra 427. The tag has Shelby American Inc. Plate. The serial on the tag begins with CCX. I have been told it is not manufactured by Shelby America. Can any tell me any info on the manufacturer. I have posted more photos in my album.
Thanks

jhv48 · #10 (**permalink**) 07-15-2011, 07:50 AM

Isn't that a Classic Cobra serial number?

Three Peaks · #11 (**permalink**) 07-15-2011, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobbyoz

Can anyone help? I have a 2008 Cobra 427. The tag has Shelby American Inc. Plate. The serial on the tag begins with CCX. I have been told it is not manufactured by Shelby America. Can any tell me any info on the manufacturer. I have posted more photos in my album.
Thanks

Those plates can be purchased many places and many builders use them in their builds to add a small token of "authenticity" or originality to their build. Usually the CCX numbers refer to a Contemporary Classic Replica, which are some of the best replicas made- though they have been out of business for a while now.

Bob

freddiehebert · #12 (**permalink**) 07-15-2011, 06:28 PM

im 5 11 and fit real good in my FFR. the best bang for the buck in my opinion is FFR I got the kit and did a mostly donor build. of course i did rebuild the engine everything else is used cleaned and painted. my build cost me right at $21k with out paint.

I looked at all the kits for 4-5 years I chose FFR because like i said it is the best bang for the buck, I get to build;d it the way I want. And what really sold me on them is that they have a weekly racing series with the challenge cars throughout the US. If these guys are running these cars week end and week out they must be a good car.

I built mine to go and not 4 show.

got mine delivered may of 2009 driving with plates in june 2011, in that time did 6 months remodel on the house never looked at the car in that time, also had a baby boy on may23rd 2010 .

good luck on your choice.

freddie

freddiehebert · #13 (**permalink**) 07-15-2011, 06:30 PM

im 5 11 and fit real good in my FFR. the best bang for the buck in my opinion is FFR I got the kit and did a mostly donor build. of course i did rebuild the engine everything else is used cleaned and painted. my build cost me right at $21k with out paint.

I looked at all the kits for 4-5 years I chose FFR because like i said it is the best bang for the buck, I get to build;d it the way I want. And what really sold me on them is that they have a weekly racing series with the challenge cars throughout the US. If these guys are running these cars week end and week out they must be a good car.

I built mine to go and not 4 show.

got mine delivered may of 2009 driving with plates in june 2011, in that time did 6 months remodel on the house never looked at the car in that time, also had a baby boy on may23rd 2010 .

good luck on your choice.

freddie

bobbyoz · #14 (**permalink**) 07-15-2011, 11:30 PM

Thanks for your help.
I think I have it sort now.
Looks like it is a Contempory Classic make.
Thanks again

DanEC · #15 (**permalink**) 07-16-2011, 05:30 AM

If your looking to stay at $30,000 or under I would be looking at complete, used cars. It may not be impossible but it is difficult to build a nice kit for that figure. You will get a lot more car for $30,000 by buying one where someone else has done all the work and is unfortunately facing the reality of depreciation and a buyer's market. Many of these cars are garage queens and have very low miles and very good care so with some careful looking you can get a lot more car for the buck. If you have $40,000 or more to spend then you have a lot more options in building a car. The old adage of restoring a car is that it will cost twice as much as you originally planned and take twice as long to complete. Building a kit car is not quite as bad but it definately fits in there just under restoring a car.