How do they rank?

[itstock]

Originally Posted by Marc Wulf

I do truly apologize.I didn't want to anger any owners.I should have been more specific .Im obviously a new member.I was looking for some kind of guidance to avoid a big mistake ,because I'm looking to buy my first one and obviously don't know much.I do know I've wanted one all my life.At 59 years old I'm finally doing it. Again I apologize,
Marc

I think you need to start with a budget before you dive in to what is the best. If money were no object, or I had a much higher budget, I would purchase a CSX for the simple fact of people asking...."Is that real?" I'm not joking either, but I'm also not saying that the Shelby is the best quality. The truth is, I think that all of the big manufactures of replica (not kits, as the quality varies too widely) cars are pretty close in quality, or kits if they are built by someone who knows what they are doing. These are simple cars with few items to go wrong, and some of the items that do have problems are shared among manufactures or are at least very similar (clutch cylinder comes to mind).

FOR THE MONEY that I was willing to spend, a new Backdraft was the "best" driver for my budget, and second was a used Superformance. A new superformance was more expensive than the backdraft by a decent amount, and there were trade-offs between the two (superformance is more authentic with slightly better paint from what I've seen, but doesn't handle on the track quite as well).

So pick a budget, sit on that budget for a little while, and decide if it's worth even having the budget. It might be worthwhile to wait a bit and up the budget to avoid any potential mistakes.

[REAL 1]

Marc: I agree with much of what Istock said.

What is your budget?
What is important to you?
If you budget is $100k+...
There is a cache' and an intangible value and enjoyment in many people's mind in owning a Shelby. They are not considered "replicas" by the SAAC Registry but genuine Shelby Cobras. However, some still do consider the CSX continuation Cobras "replicas". Every one knows where I stand on that issue but that's irrelevant here. CSX's are genuine Cobras and they are Shelbys. No other car can provide that. Further, via a Federal court decision they are the only car that can be legally referred to by their manufacturer as a Cobra or a Shelby Cobra.

As far as value. The buy in price is much higher but they do seem to retain their value and bring more money then non Shelbys.

Will they appreciate in value? I don't think so as long as Shelby is making new ones. Will they appreciate in value if Shelby goes out of business or stops Cobra production? Yes, I believe they will appreciate considerably in that case and your initial buy in price will definitely be money well spent. But who knows what the future brings? Not me.

The other issue is perhaps will current production CSX's have the same value as those produced when Carroall was alive and involved in SAI? Again, who knows, just something else to consider.

Below $100K it's a tough call between a glass CSX and a Kirkham. You need to weigh if the Shelby name and pedigree has more value to you then the aluminum body. Thats a personal call.

Below that and in the "below $$60K" range I would rank them:
1. ERA. Top flight car in every respect. Wonderful company to deal with.
2. Spf. wonderful car, great quality, great company, good dealer net work.
3. Then the rest.

I'm not saying "the rest" are not good and there are other great manufacturers and replicas out there like Backdraft, FFR etc.. but if I were choosing that would be my picking order.

Again, join a club, hang out with the cars and the owners to see if you really want to get involved with a snake.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by REAL 1

They are not considered "replicas" by the SAAC Registry but genuine Shelby Cobras. However, some still do consider the CSX continuation Cobras "replicas". Every one knows where I stand on that issue but that's irrelevant here. CSX's are genuine Cobras and they are Shelbys. No other car can provide that. Further, via a Federal court decision they are the only car that can be legally referred to by their manufacturer as a Cobra or a Shelby Cobra.

Marc, don't you love how my esteemed colleague here states that while it is irrelevant, he continues on the same path.

BTW, Kirkham's and Superformance GT40's and Daytona Coupes are also listed in the SAAC registry. Go figure.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

BTW, Kirkham's and Superformance GT40's and Daytona Coupes are also listed in the SAAC registry. Go figure.

My ERA was in the SAAC registry for a while because of my clever use of a fluted rotary wiper knob. It ain't that hard. See: Rick Kopec's "What's Your Beef?"

[lippy]

Originally Posted by REAL 1

Below that and in the "below $$60K" range I would rank them:
1. ERA. Top flight car in every respect. Wonderful company to deal with.
2. Spf. wonderful car, great quality, great company, good dealer net work.
3. Then the rest.

I'm currently building an ERA and I can tell you it can't be done (at least not easily) for $60k. If it is optioned decently but not over the top, and you build it with an FE, it will probably be $75+.

Of course, you can buy one that is finished to a high standard for less than it could cost to build a new one, but that's a different story.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by lippy

Of course, you can buy one that is finished to a high standard for less than it could cost to build a new one, but that's a different story.

But a pertinent one.