CSX4000/6000 Vs. Superformance/ERA/Kirkham - Page 2

mrmustang · #1 (**permalink**) 10-04-2011, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by krkucin

427SC, and it will be a driver. I work 10 days a month and plan to hit the curvy roads on a nice summer day and also with the wife or kid(s) on the weekends. May show it occasionally at a local car show. Budget is always the hard part. I was looking to spend 50K or less, but have seen some CSX cars at Mecum recently for not too much more than that. That is what got me thinking about the CSX cars. I realize that you don't buy these for an investment, but would like to maximize the value of the car for the future if I do ever sell it. My thought was that a CSX car may hold its value better than others. I may be wrong. Anyway, hope this info helps.

The CSX cars you saw were not turn key, but rollers, for 50K I think I'd be snatching up all of the CSX drivers around. I think your best bet money wise is going to be a used ERA or SPF. As others have already stated, do not ever look at this type of car as an investment, but instead view it strictly as a toy (labor of love type of toy) and nothing else.

Bill S.

Steve Gallegos · #2 (**permalink**) 10-04-2011, 01:43 PM

As eveyone else has said, you need to buy the car that fits you and your style. Some of the 60" wheelbase cars won't work for tall people, so you need to look at what else is available. What extras do you want? Look on Cobracountry, there are a lot of different makes on this web site. I bought a Backdraft after looking at SPF and some others. Why did I buy a Backdraft? one reason was because I could not fit in the other cars. the BD has a 62" wheelbase and the price for what you get was great it also sits on BMW suspension which is easy to replace if needed. Look at all the cars and drive as many as you can to see which one feels right for you. Good Luck

DanEC · #3 (**permalink**) 10-04-2011, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve Gallegos

As eveyone else has said, you need to buy the car that fits you and your style. Some of the 60" wheelbase cars won't work for tall people, so you need to look at what else is available. What extras do you want? Look on Cobracountry, there are a lot of different makes on this web site. I bought a Backdraft after looking at SPF and some others. Why did I buy a Backdraft? one reason was because I could not fit in the other cars. the BD has a 62" wheelbase and the price for what you get was great it also sits on BMW suspension which is easy to replace if needed. Look at all the cars and drive as many as you can to see which one feels right for you. Good Luck

90 inch and 92 inch wheelbase - I hate it when I do or say something like that and I know better and can't figure out why I did so.

ront49 · #4 (**permalink**) 04-21-2020, 06:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve Gallegos

As eveyone else has said, you need to buy the car that fits you and your style. Some of the 60" wheelbase cars won't work for tall people, so you need to look at what else is available. What extras do you want? Look on Cobracountry, there are a lot of different makes on this web site. I bought a Backdraft after looking at SPF and some others. Why did I buy a Backdraft? one reason was because I could not fit in the other cars. the BD has a 62" wheelbase and the price for what you get was great it also sits on BMW suspension which is easy to replace if needed. Look at all the cars and drive as many as you can to see which one feels right for you. Good Luck

After looking at a variety of Cobra replica manufacturers, I too chose Backdraft Racing. A little larger cockpit, a superb BMW M3 racing suspension and an outstanding reputation for quality. Mine is a driver however I do take it to shows. VERY pleased with the purchase.

FredG · #5 (**permalink**) 04-21-2020, 08:06 AM

I take my car to shows also but never enter any. I just enjoy watching all the people looking at it and admiring it in the parking lot. It's the kind of car you don't see everyday especially here in NJ.

Fred

RodKnock · #6 (**permalink**) 10-04-2011, 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrmustang

I guess the first thing we really need to know is your intended use. Are you going to show it, race it, perhaps a Sunday driver to take the wife and or kids to the ice cream shop?
Bill S.

I'm pretty sure that the ERA, CSX, KMP and SPF, all can be shown, raced or taken to the ice cream shop on Sundays. Each to some degree, would have to prepared to race.

Again, I think they're all great. Some are more (and less) accurate to the original.

We all love what we bought.

fordracing65 · #7 (**permalink**) 10-04-2011, 02:38 PM

I have driven all and they are all fine. In my opinion the spf is the best driver, easy to get in and out of, they have opened it up a bit more than the others to allow for the bigger driver, of course the kirkham is a piece if art, and the era looks awesome and drives just as good.

Steve Gallegos · #8 (**permalink**) 10-04-2011, 05:26 PM

Sorry 92" for the Backdraft.

computerworks · #9 (**permalink**) 10-04-2011, 01:49 PM

90" .... 92"

Igofastr · #10 (**permalink**) 10-04-2011, 03:08 PM

I would agree with those that suggest NOT to buy one of these cars as an investment. That said, I think you would do OK investment-wise with any well-bought example. Of course, what that means is up for debate.

I will say that I think you would generally have a better chance at retaining value with the upper end cars (Kirkham, CSX)...fewer out there, and perhaps fewer buyers...but the buyers in that range typically have more disposable income, and will be willing and able to pay for what they want.

I think your most valuable asset is patience. OK, money first, then patience. But patience is a virtue, especially when shopping. Take your time, and get a feeling for the market before making any firm decisions.

Just my opinion, and probably worth what you paid for it.

Silverback51 · #11 (**permalink**) 10-04-2011, 04:07 PM

The CSX, SPF, and Kirkham cars are built in a semi-factory environment, so you do have a quality control system that ensures a certain level of build quality.

The majority of ERA's were built in someones garage, and the quality can be either outstanding, or crap. The first ERA I looked at for sale was from the lower end of the quality spectrum. It was truely a POS, and I would not have felt comfortable driving it 5 miles.

Now with that said, I don't believe you will run into that many ERA's in that condition, but they do exist.

twobjshelbys · #12 (**permalink**) 10-04-2011, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silverback51

The majority of ERA's were built in someones garage, and the quality can be either outstanding, or crap. The first ERA I looked at for sale was from the lower end of the quality spectrum. It was truely a POS, and I would not have felt comfortable driving it 5 miles.

Now with that said, I don't believe you will run into that many ERA's in that condition, but they do exist.

I've been waiting for years here to say this. The same is true replicas in general (and not just Cobras). If you buying a car that is roller based the quality of at least the body and frame is predictable (NOT guaranteed). I saw a truly horrifying kit (Backdraft, I believe) that looked like a 3rd grader had used masking tape and paste on some of the fiberglass work. That said, outstanding examples of all manufacturers can be found.

patrickt · #13 (**permalink**) 10-04-2011, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silverback51

Now with that said, I don't believe you will run into that many ERA's in that condition, but they do exist.

But you would agree that an ERA built 100% by the elves in New Britain is clearly superior to an SPF with its vertical radiator, drop down pedals, and the like.

RodKnock · #14 (**permalink**) 10-04-2011, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patrickt

But you would agree that an ERA built 100% by the elves in New Britain is clearly superior to an SPF with its vertical radiator, drop down pedals, and the like.

And before Ding Dong above mentions it, ERA is the only manufacturer that has a complete manual.

Phew! I'm glad I beat him to it.

patrickt · #15 (**permalink**) 10-04-2011, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RodKnock

... ERA is the only manufacturer that has a complete manual.

Which would definitely come in handy if you were looking at a routine chore, such as changing out a rear wheel bearing, and found yourself left with no alternative but to sit on your ass waiting for your SCOF membership to clear along with your secret decoder ring to be delivered.

Silverback51 · #16 (**permalink**) 10-04-2011, 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patrickt

But you would agree that an ERA built 100% by the elves in New Britain is clearly superior to an SPF with its vertical radiator, drop down pedals, and the like.

I really do not care about the orientation of the radiator as long as it keeps the engine cool. So far it's been in 107 degree temps and it's run fine and kept cool.

Pedals? As long as they work, I'm happy.

What is important to me is that it is reliable, comfortable, and I'm happy with it.

I do not care about originalty. Anything built/sold after 1967 is a kit, replica, continuation, or whatever term you wish to apply to the car. Regardless, it's not an original no matter how hard you try to make it be one.

Now with that said, I personally believe that ERA probably makes the best kit available today. And your Cobra is a beautiful example, and you have every right to be proud of it. The only downside I can see is the owners attitude at times that feels the pedal location or radiator orientation somehow make his car superior.

patrickt · #17 (**permalink**) 10-04-2011, 06:00 PM

Well John, that was a surprisingly well written retort.

Silverback51 · #18 (**permalink**) 10-04-2011, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patrickt

Well John, that was a surprisingly well written retort.

Not bad for a furry primate huh?

And honest, it was not intended to offend you, or anyone else.

RodKnock · #19 (**permalink**) 10-05-2011, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silverback51

Now with that said, I personally believe that ERA probably makes the best kit available today. And your Cobra is a beautiful example, and you have every right to be proud of it. The only downside I can see is the owners attitude at times that feels the pedal location or radiator orientation somehow make his car superior.

John, Patrick only laid-off of you because you were complimentary to both ERA and his car. If not for this, he probably would have hammered away at you and likely SPF.....again.

tortuga · #20 (**permalink**) 04-22-2020, 02:26 PM

No replica is really an investment, but the short list you provided aren't bad in terms of retaining MUCH more value than a comparably priced showroom new modern car, (albeit nowhere near as practical).

With the government strangling the country into a forced depression, i think there are gong to be some real deals out there on actual collector cars that will likely appreciate once we pull out of this insanity (and if don't do it again every year)...

Id really like to pick up a nice galaxy R code one of these days if the right one comes along.