ERA vs Unique FIA

[Dangerous Doug]

I looked at an ERA and a Unique side-by-side, took pictures of the body panels, interior, and engine compartments. Unique was less expensive, but I liked the ERA body better. If I recall correctly, Unique had a "droopy butt" effect when I compared the profile to ERA.

I built my ERA from the basic kit. You can't go wrong with them. Have fun choosing, and love what you drive!

Cheers,
DD

[wolf k]

Troy, I was in the same situation as you three years ago. I talked to both manufacturers and neither would say a bad thing about each other. However, the deeper you look at the ERA body compared to the Unique, it is just simply more accurate than the Unique. I can spot a Unique FIA a mile away. Side bottom edges do not curl under, droopy rear end, fender flares just aren't right. It is funny you notice these things once you own one. Yes the ERA cost more, I believe your math is correct. I am in one hour west of St. Louis. You are free to take a look at my ERA FIA. Wolfgang

[A/S65]

Thanks for the input everyone. Patrick you made avery good point thanks for the reminder that it all doesnt have to be done at once.
The car will be used as primarily a road car, so the basic jag rear, and brakes will do just fine.
I already have the powertrain, 289 w/toploader.
Body and paint will be done by me.
Im considering forgoin the powdercoat and painting the chassis, but thats still up in the air.
That might be one area were the cost outlay outways the extra time of bonding and mounting the body myself. Doug any input on this?

Wolf you are correct, another ERA owner pointed that out to me also, looking at pics of both cars it was just one of those details I overlooked. I think Ill just call ERA this week and nail down what I want and what its gonna cost. Thanks everyone again for your input.

[PDUB]

Both are great cars and will fill the bill quite nicely. There are some panels on the Unique flares that get left off of some of the competition bodied cars, for some reason, that make the flares wrong (I have them for mine!). Not sure why they do that...

I believe that you are correct, the Unique is going to get you into a quality car for less green. Also, I think you have more options for entry with Unique. Like others have said, they don't bad-mouth each other that I am aware of.

You should realize that everyone is going to vote for whatever brand that they own... that's why they own it. So for that reason I'll advise Unique! That said, If I didn't have the Unique, I'd have the ERA and vice versa: if I had the ERA I'd say, "If I didn't have the ERA, I'd have the Unique." Hope that makes sense.

I'll make the same basic offer as Allen, contact me if you would like to talk more, and we can swap phone numbers.

Good luck with your quest!

[DanEC]

[quote=PDUB;1200378] Like others have said, they don't bad-mouth each other that I am aware of.
QUOTE]

I can vouch for the Weavers anyway. I contacted Unique about a car when I was shopping and use to participate in their forum. They contacted me after I ordered my ERA and had kind of faded away so I told them the reason (buying an ERA). They replied - Well, if your not buying a car from us, I'm glad you're buying one from them (ERA). They seem to be a pretty good bunch of people.

Dan

[PDUB]

Originally Posted by DanEC

I can vouch for the Weavers anyway. I contacted Unique about a car when I was shopping and use to participate in their forum. They contacted me after I ordered my ERA and had kind of faded away so I told them the reason (buying an ERA). They replied - Well, if your not buying a car from us, I'm glad you're buying one from them (ERA). They seem to be a pretty good bunch of people.

Dan

They said that to me even before I bought mine... that told me they were very confident about their product and straight shooters. I'm happy with what I got!

PS Dan if you go back and add the [/ right before the QUOTE], then the quote will appear correctly...

[froggyman]

I think both cars are very, very nice. Both made in the USA, both with a strong and long tradition of building quality Cobra replicas.

I bought a Unique 289 FIA, looked at both ERA and Unique. I guess my choice was clear when I discovered how long it would take for ERA to complete the car. Way too long, I am a bit impatient.

Unique Motorcars by the Weaver family in Gadsden, Alabama is a great example of a well run American Company that has been around for well over 30 years.

You need to cal Alan Weaver at Unique and if possible visit them. The decision will be clear after you do.

Either way you will be pleased.

Juan

[DanEC]

Originally Posted by PDUB

They said that to me even before I bought mine... that told me they were very confident about their product and straight shooters. I'm happy with what I got!

PS Dan if you go back and add the [/ right before the QUOTE], then the quote will appear correctly...

Yes - I think I got in a hurry and sloppy in editing the quote.

Thanks

[mrmustang]

Originally Posted by PDUB

That said, If I didn't have the Unique, I'd have the ERA and vice versa: if I had the ERA I'd say, "If I didn't have the ERA, I'd have the Unique." Hope that makes sense.



Good luck with your quest!

That is about it, very well said.


Bill S.

[A/S65]

Ive been in contact with both companies and got the same from both, if I didnt buy thier car the others was the next best thing. Glad to see there are still companies in this country who belive in good old fashion service. Ive been putting more thought into this purchase than I did my previous marriage.