Kirkham 77k-SPF 65k. Your choice ?

[twobjshelbys]

Originally Posted by jhv48

Just my personal opinion, but I don't like the unpainted aluminum body. Don't care if is polished or not. Just doesn't look right to me.

Therefore, I bought the SPF.

I've never been a fan of the "bare naked ladies" either. It's kind of like black paint - an OCD delight but a nightmare to maintain otherwise. To me it's kind of like me and dogs - I love other people's dogs and they love me, but I don't have the time to keep up with one. Unfinished or polished aluminum? Let me know how that works out for you. Aluminum has been successfully painted for over half a century, so the FUD of getting one painted isn't real.

[froggyman]

I don't think you can compare these two cars equally. They each have their merits for the right person and market. As I see it they both are great products. As for the Kirkham, you cannot go wrong with this car, seems priced right and it is a work of art. If you have to buy this car so you can sell it later at a gain or a loss you miss the beauty and merit this car deserves.

SPF is also a great car that can be driven daily without fear of someone leaning into it and denting it, the beauty of the SPF is more than skin deep, it is incredibly well engineered, not as a work of art but as a great rolling product. IMHO

Both great cars, but not apples to apples.

[Flygirl]

Originally Posted by froggyman

SPF is also a great car that can be driven daily without fear of someone leaning into it and denting it, the beauty of the SPF is more than skin deep, it is incredibly well engineered, not as a work of art but as a great rolling product. IMHO
.

Is that really true? Is the Kirkham body really that fragile? Not disputing, but asking with some disbelief. That's my biggest worry with the Kirkham, by far more than the round tubed frame.

[HI Cobra]

The original Cobras had a thinner skin. The Kirkhams have an alloy used on
MIGs or other Russian aircraft that is a bit thicker and a lot stronger. Granted,
not as strong as steel but I have had mine for over 3 years and a few thousand
miles and don't worry about it. Cleaning is using Windex and paper towels (or
old diapers) and an occasional rub with scotchbrite as needed for finger prints.
Mine is brushed and I wouldn't have it any other way.

[STEVE-O]

Originally Posted by HI Cobra

The original Cobras had a thinner skin. The Kirkhams have an alloy used on
MIGs or other Russian aircraft that is a bit thicker and a lot stronger. Granted,
not as strong as steel but I have had mine for over 3 years and a few thousand
miles and don't worry about it. Cleaning is using Windex and paper towels (or
old diapers) and an occasional rub with scotchbrite as needed for finger prints.
Mine is brushed and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Saw in Sep 2011 Hot Rod magazine a new Kirkham made of copper. I cant imagine the upkeep on the blindingly shiny aluminum one let alone getting the tarnish off a copper one!

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by twobjshelbys

I've never been a fan of the "bare naked ladies" either. It's kind of like black paint - an OCD delight but a nightmare to maintain otherwise.

Wash and polish. Just like painted cars. You really ought to stop damning every painted and unpainted Kirkham. It's boring me.

Just say you don't like them, which is fine, but stop passing along nonsense. They're NOT a nightmare to maintain. And they don't dent easily from hail, assuming you actually take your Cobra out in that kind of weather.

There are plenty of rocks, stones, pebbles and other junk on the roads here and I haven't yet heard a complaint.

[FUNFER2]

It's not really a comparison, between the two, just a question on which you'd choose. Although we may think a painted car would be easier to maintain than aluminum, they both require cleaning, just in a different way.

I would like to ask any Kirkham owners if they've put a clear coat on the body to keep from oxidizing ? I assume,....someone has.

I wonder what the appearance would be between a typical high gloss clear and a satin ?

I think I would choose a satin.

[kobrabytes]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

Wash and polish. Just like painted cars. You really ought to stop damning every painted and unpainted Kirkham. It's boring me.

Just say you don't like them, which is fine, but stop passing along nonsense. They're NOT a nightmare to maintain. And they don't dent easily from hail, assuming you actually take your Cobra out in that kind of weather.

There are plenty of rocks, stones, pebbles and other junk on the roads here and I haven't yet heard a complaint.

I too have to laugh at this comment... That's the number one comment I get when I show my car. i.e. I bet that is a nightmare to maintain!

I've got over 22k on my car, I average 5.5k on the road a year. I can tell you that this is the easiest car to maintain that I have ever owned. If this were a painted car it would have had the paint sand blasted off the nose long ago. Rock chips that would tear a hole in paint go completely unnoticed on a bare aluminum car.

I've also been caught in a hail storm, hurt like hell hitting my head, but did absolutely NO damage to the car.

The finish of the car is a personal choice. Simply put, driving a polished (or brushed) car is not for everyone. Most people probably wouldn't like the attention. It's a car that sticks out like a sore thumb. It's a guaranteed 30 minutes at the gas station. You'll even see non-Cobra fans drop their jaw at first glance and ask you what it is. I don't remember once when someone hasn't taken a picture of my Cobra. It's a bit embarrassing to be out with the other Cobra guys and have people single my car out. (I personally like all Cobras.)

Probably the best thing about owning a Kirkham is the Kirkhams. Until you have rubbed shoulders with these guys your definition of excellence will be lacking. I have NEVER been more satisfied with the purchase of something than I have my Cobra. I'm lucky that I live an hour away, but at any distance it's worth every penny paid.

One happy and wind blown Kirkham owner!

len