Cobra Make, Engine: ERA Street Roadster #782 with 459 cu in FE KC engine, toploader, 3.31
Posts: 4,533
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Quote:
Originally Posted by A/S65
I have to admit normally Im a pretty compulsive person when it comes to cars.
This thread has gone on so long that I've forgotten how much work you are intending to do yourself or how much turn-key you are anticipating. I'm pretty cumpulsive also and I have to warn you that this trait can extend your build period if you intend on doing most of the work yourself. I'm going on 2-1/2 years and hope to be up and running before I hit 3 yrs on the build. I find building a car consists of a thousand little jobs and if you obsess over each one seeking perfection or close to it - expect it to be awhile before you are tooling down the road. If you go with ERA add 6 - 8 months on to that for their fabrication time. Right now - I'm hoping I'm still limber enough to get in this thing when I get finished.
Cobra Make, Engine: Unique Motorcars 289 FIA street version
Posts: 98
Not Ranked
Chaz I in fact have thought about the slabside. But there is no getting around the fact that I prefer the aggressive look of the comp car.
Oops I meant to say impulsive, but I can be compulsive too. ;D
Dan, I plan on doing all the work myself, minus machine work on the engine.
Initially I was looking at getting the complete roller minus paint, to help shave some build time, but now am looking at saving a buck or two here and there where I can. This is where the simplicity and price of the Unique shines through. And I think I just came to a conclusion.
Cobra Make, Engine: ERA Street Roadster #782 with 459 cu in FE KC engine, toploader, 3.31
Posts: 4,533
Not Ranked
Quote:
Originally Posted by A/S65
Chaz I in fact have thought about the slabside. But there is no getting around the fact that I prefer the aggressive look of the comp car.
Oops I meant to say impulsive, but I can be compulsive too. ;D
Dan, I plan on doing all the work myself, minus machine work on the engine.
Initially I was looking at getting the complete roller to help shave some build time, but now am looking at saving a buck or two here and there where I can. This is where the simplicity and price of the Unique shines through.
Yes, I kind of hated to say that outright because I love my ERA. But that is one point I suspect somewhat in favor of Unique.
A/S 65:
My answer will be a compound answer so bear with me:
Unique-I have no knowledge on how these cars are done but a quick browse of their site they seem to be quite nice. ERA-that was my first choice when I decided to buy a Cobra, about 6 years ago I visited the factory in New Britain CT and got a tour of the factory and how are these cars made in detail. I was very impressed, knowing how the original Cobras were built, ERA are one of the most loyal to that design that I could found. Unfortunately the price is a determining factor many times and 2nd- fitting. The prices of ERA has gone off the charts at times, I don't know if this is justified or not. Fitting, I am a 260lb 6'1" guy and fitting comfort is a big factor to me. Fitting in an ERA for 2hrs was not comfortable, neither it was in an original Cobra then.
Having said this (I will probably get shot for this) but I bought a West Coast Cobra. The body is 6" longer and 4" wider, the cockpit is a dream when we talk comfort, the wheel base difference makes this car a delight to drive (2800lbs).
I am not looking to race my car, but if I did I would not mind racing this baby, I have one with a true 427 side oiler and it has 520hp at the rear wheels and more torque than I will ever need.
The lines of the car are sexier (IMHO) and flow better and wider. If you are a purist and want a car looking as close as the real thing go for the ERA or Unique. If you are looking for comfort Go for WCC.
Now before you do this, go to the New York Dealer for West Coast Cobras; Perry Adams and don't go to the website home office, you will be disappointed. Perry will take care of you 1st class. (perrya77@hotmail.com) and deal with him.
Go to my albums of the Lake George Cobra Run 2012 and you will see both my car and Perry's there.
I hope that I did not bore you too much but I must be trutful and loyal to my car.
Cheers and good luck
Lou (Basque1)
PS
The Black one is mine and the blue one id Perry's
Cobra Make, Engine: Unique Motorcars 289 FIA street version
Posts: 98
Not Ranked
Lou I appreciate your sentiments about your WCC. Ive had my mind set on a 289 car for quite some time, and was trying to figure out which of the two would best suit me, and it appears I have finally come to that conclusion.
Cobra Make, Engine: ERA #732, 428FE (447 CID), TKO600, Solid Flat Tappet Cam, Tons of Aluminum
Posts: 22,025
Not Ranked
Quote:
Originally Posted by BAsque1
Having said this (I will probably get shot for this) but I bought a West Coast Cobra. The body is 6" longer and 4" wider, the cockpit is a dream when we talk comfort, the wheel base difference makes this car a delight to drive (2800lbs).
Naah, it's like I wrote to the OP. You build these cars to suit yourself; no one else. If I thought otherwise, I wouldn't have gone beige with dual roll bars.
I’ve built two Unique Motorcars 289 Cobras. Both were built to be examples of the 289 USRRC cars. My first was built in 1993 and I drove it for 13 years. The second was built in 2005 and I am still driving it. Every year I drive from Connecticut to Gadsden, Alabama in the Cobra. I drive it. Trailers are for boats.
As for “original”, even Ol’ Shel himself didn’t build his “continuation" Cobras using the same antiquated materials and assembly methods that were available in the day. I’ve probably got close to 100,000 miles in the driver’s seat of these cars. My current car is pretty well tricked out with modern features that are hidden in various ways.
In the end it’s your car, build it to enjoy. Life’s short DRIVE IT.
Cobra Make, Engine: Unique Motorcars 289 FIA street version
Posts: 98
Not Ranked
Mike out of curiosity, are there any pics of your car on the Unique site? Or would you mind posting a.pic of it? Theres a couple on there particularly that kept drawing me back for a closer look into Unique.
Taking all that has already been discussed about Unique Motorcars and then factoring in the pure ease and speed of the build process, the Unique Deluxe Pallet Kit is absolutely one of the very best values among the quality 'glass replicas.
As for the droopy butt; IMO in the world of Cobras (as opposed to the other world), a drooping derriere is a good thing. I'm no fan of the Contemporary Classic DNA that spawned the high-arse, tall-sided look that spread throughout the replica industry because manufacturers like SPF and others believed the heavily sectioned and modified Contemporary body was the gold standard for accuracy.
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Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the strength to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. -(wasn't me)
Cobra Make, Engine: ERA #732, 428FE (447 CID), TKO600, Solid Flat Tappet Cam, Tons of Aluminum
Posts: 22,025
Not Ranked
As in "'Dis, I Like." Yes, Chas, 13,775 and going strong; we need to work on your Club Cobra prolificacy. Betcha didn't even know that was a word now, did ya....
At least she dropped the ah like, ah like ah like --- just before the questioning (she was more concentrated on that and missed the question), now I almost wet myself
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Scratch build 289 FIA see the Scratch builder forum on CC - sold
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