ERA vs Unique FIA

[lippy]

I recently narrowed my choice down to the Unique and ERA. Both great cars. The reason I chose the ERA is that I looked at several manufacturers in person, and *to me* only the CSX, ERA, and Kirkham truly sit and look right. I wanted something I could build with my kids, and not a roller, so I went with the ERA. That said, it was a close decision and I was very impressed with the Unique kit and the people there. I think it would be worth your time to see both the Unique and ERA in person before you decide.

[A/S65]

Lippy enjoy the build time with your kids. That time together will make some priceless memories. Just remind them whats said in the garage stays in the garage...

I totally agree with you on the original look of the ERA, it has the right lines, the right stance, and all the other details look right.

The Unique on the other hand, "droopy butt", rear wheel openings dont look correct, lower rockers dont have the correct curve, the car sits low, the side pipes are tucked tighter into the rocker. Frankly I didnt realy notice that until I was talking to Allen, I knew something was different but couldnt put my finger on it. The reason is the car looks right to me. Not correct, but visually these differances make the car look tighter. And there lies my conflict. Do I put my money into the more period looking car? or the one I personaly find more visually appealing. (retorical question)

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by A/S65

Do I put my money into the more period looking car? or the one I personaly find more visually appealing. (retorical question)

You should buy the car that you find to be more visually appealing. Remember, most of us around here don't give two shi*s about anyone else -- you have to do what pleases you, not us.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by patrickt

Remember, most of us around here don't give two shi*s about anyone else

Well that's depressing. Chas will be upset when he hears this.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

Well that's depressing. Chas will be upset when he hears this.

Most, not all. And whether Chas is upset or not will depend on what category he falls in....

[Chaplin]

Originally Posted by A/S65

Lippy enjoy the build time with your kids. That time together will make some priceless memories. Just remind them whats said in the garage stays in the garage...

I totally agree with you on the original look of the ERA, it has the right lines, the right stance, and all the other details look right.

The Unique on the other hand, "droopy butt", rear wheel openings dont look correct, lower rockers dont have the correct curve, the car sits low, the side pipes are tucked tighter into the rocker. Frankly I didnt realy notice that until I was talking to Allen, I knew something was different but couldnt put my finger on it. The reason is the car looks right to me. Not correct, but visually these differances make the car look tighter. And there lies my conflict. Do I put my money into the more period looking car? or the one I personaly find more visually appealing. (retorical question)

You are exactly where I was when I started looking, except I was looking for a 427 car. I too had narrowed it down to Unique and ERA. Unique had the early advantage due to the cost factor, but then I went to Carlisle and saw each car in person and had an opportunity to compare them side by side. IMO, the rear of the 427 ERA just had a nicer look than the 427 Unique. The tires filled out the rear fenders better and the rear was just was fuller, rounder and curvier and it just sat right. Yes, I am still talking about cars. I promptly sent my deposit check to Peter when I got home from Carlisle.

The intersting thing is I view Unique's 289 and 427 differently. I actually like their 289 car much more than I like the look of their 427 car. If we're talking 427 cars, I think ERA has significant advantage in the looks department, but if we're talking 289 cars, I think ERA still looks better than Unique's 289 car, although not by much.

You can't go wrong with either car or company, both are great. As someone else said, get which ever car you like the most and what fits your budget best. If you don't have the cash right now to do exactly what you want with it, you can always upgrade over time.

[fastd]

maybe this will help with your decision: I didn't fit well into the unique 289. my knees, my elbow on the door, the steering. it wasn't comfortable for me. the era fit right. I'm 6 ft 200 lbs.

[*13*]

Bob Evans? 7' had a Unique. They can be modified

[A/S65]

In my op I commented on the steering wheel sitting so high, it was in fact his car I was looking at, so yeah at 7' 2" you would definately need to raise the wheel.

[Buzz]

The ERA owners are doing a great job of vouching for their chosen brand, and rightfully so. Beyond a lot of research and consultation, my experience with ERA is limited to close up visual inspection and photography, but I know enough to say that anyone who has a lot of negative criticism about their product is either misinformed or just plain wrong. If there is anything to consider as a possible drawback against any other quality 'glass replica, its the long wait time and possibly slightly higher cost.

When I was in North America, I had narrowed my choices to ERA and Unique as well, but then I moved back to the Caribbean and a combination of the high import duties (+135% on the cost and freight) and other issues, I more or less gave up on owning a Cobra and decided to bring my currently owned Corvette down which was duty-free as a 12 month plus posession of a returning national.

Well, against all odds, I ended up finding a right hand drive 1988 Unique 427 down here that was partially completed before the owner died in a plane crash and set about negotiating with his widow, a lovely British lady who wanted to sell but had strong sentimental ties to the car.

I ended up backing off but a year later she got serious about selling and gave the car to a local friend of hers to complete and ready for sale. He knew nothing about Cobras and made a real mess of the car, visually, electrically and mechanically.

Another year passed before I finally acquired the car from a second owner who got into hot water with a local girl and her family and needed to flee the country double quick.

The Weavers treated me like family from day one and I did a complete body off disassembly and rebuild using new interior, wiring harness, front suspension, brakes, exhaust and trim. I had never done anything like that before and It was a piece of cake. The car goes together simply and without excessive complication or issues. It is comfortable - contextually - and rock solid on the (mostly bad) road and very easy and accessible for maintenance and any repairs.

If building a Cobra is a challenging and rewarding project in the US, imagine what its like on a little tropical island. The Weaver family and the product itself made a huge difference in both the process and the outcome. I wasn't the original buyer, yet they even check up on me when there are reports of hurricanes or storms in the area.

Both great products with their own pros and cons, but my hands on experience only alows me to vouch with any credibility for Unique Motorcars.

You're in a nice position choosing between these two brands - good luck and enjoy! This is all part of the immense enjoyment of the Cobra experience.

[ERA Chas]

I think that no matter how grumpy, most of us DO give a ship about helping guys, including one Big Pain In The Ass, dressed in beige.
Buzz for instance, did a really nice thing for the OP with his experience.

[Buzz]

Originally Posted by ERA Chas

I think that no matter how grumpy, most of us DO give a ship about helping guys, including one Big Pain In The Ass, dressed in beige.
Buzz for instance, did a really nice thing for the OP with his experience.

Lol - Chas, I just reread my post and I was thinking I probably bored the poor fella to death with my rambling and irelevant details!

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by Buzz

The ERA owners are doing a great job of vouching for their chosen brand, and rightfully so. Beyond a lot of research and consultation, my experience with ERA...

I would like to know more about the mysterious death of the original owner, and whether the British widow had a relationship with the "local friend." And, exactly how did the second owner get in hot water with the local girl and her family? I'm thinking that maybe the British widow was trying to sell the love child on the international black market, but the drug-smuggling brother-in-law found out about it all and told the grandmother, who really runs the operation. Yep, your island is better than the new Dallas.

[Buzz]

Originally Posted by patrickt

I would like to know more about the mysterious death of the original owner, and whether the British widow had a relationship with the "local friend." And, exactly how did the second owner get in hot water with the local girl and her family? I'm thinking that maybe the British widow was trying to sell the love child on the international black market, but the drug-smuggling brother-in-law found out about it all and told the grandmother, who really runs the operation. Yep, your island is better than the new Dallas.

There actually was a bit of intrigue involved in the plane crash, but as for the rest I'm sure nothing I could type can live up to the feverent spurtings of your imagination; so carry on and please fill in the blanks. I for one can't wait to see how it all turns out.

[RodKnock]

That was an excellent post Buzz. Read every word and enjoyed it.

[decooney]

A/S65,

reading your former post about Unique, you will not go wrong with either car or company. I second everyone's comments about the Weaver's too at Unique. They are truly good people. The visual stuff you are talking about is partially due to the differential width, some illusion, and how the wheels and tires are set under the car and the profile and height of the car front to rear. I made subtle changes to my former Unique and some thought it was an ERA when it was finished. You can make either car look great.

[Tom Melia]

Troy:
I am new to this forum and a long time Unique owner. In 1992 I purchased a Unique 289 FIA deluxe pallet kit after seeing all the mfg's at a Kit Car show in Cincinnati. I had virtually no experience, but assembled the car including body work and paint prep in about 6 months.The results were remarkable due mainly to the simplicity and high level of factory finish. The manual is brief since most assembly has been completed. I drove the car that year to the Unique Cobra Fest in Alabama and have been doing so every year since. I can tell you that after 65K miles and countless 400+ mile drives in all types of weather, the car is totally reliable, comfortable and a great driver. I am posting this reply not only to give testimony to the Unique product, but to the Weaver family which has been such a large part of the Cobra experience. It you do come to Ct. I would welcome a visit. In any event, you cannot make a bad choice here and I hope I have added more things to consider.

Tom

[A/S65]

Tom thanks for the testamony, and welcome from another new guy. 65000 miles...thats good to know, because thats what I want this car for. You must be one of the guys Paul was telling me about that drives to the Homecoming every year from up there. Where abouts in CT are you from?

[Tom Melia]

Portland, Ct Dead center of the state about 20 min from ERA

[ERA Chas]

Sounds to me like you're a candidate for the ERA 289 Slabside. Jim Holden has one and he tours in it as you might.
Have you considered it??