Factory Five is by far the most popular yes but that doesn't make them the best. They sell more kits than the rest combined. If not then they are close to that. They have sold in excess of 10,000 kits. Kirkham is in the 750s. Not sure on the others. But just because you sell more doesn't make you the best. Is Toyota the best car on the road? And comparing a FFR with Kirkham is like comparing Toyota with BMW.

I think the OP went to the nearest Chevy dealership and bought a Corvette already. :LOL:

Still doesn't change the fact it's an overpriced KIT car...

Long Answer:
1. A reasonable facsimile of the original, doesn't have to be exact/real close.
2. Designed from the ground up to be serious track competitor, but with equally pleasant street manners.
3. Built with the highest quality of materials to uncompromising standards and workmanship.
4. Look awesome and intimidating.

Short Answer:
1. JBL

The OP wanted some opinions as to which "Cobras" are to be considered superior and we end up beating that old dead horse to death yet again !!!!!!! The OP has left the building.
To me it's so simple:
Only the Cobras built by AC and Shelby in the 60's are the "original" and very valuable cars. They are commonly refered to as "real" by the unwashed.
Everything else is a replica.
The replicas built by Shelby are "Real Shelby Cobras" they're just not "original" cobras.

Which is the best cobra?

Whichever one you decide to buy and enjoy.

Best???? ROAD SERPENTS, hands down! (do the search)

Sadly very had to find now.............................

This is only because of your biased definition of best. ;)

Case in point: I own, coincidently both a BMW and Toyota.
Trust me, the Toyota is better in many categories, don't let reputations con you.
It all depends on ones intended use, then we can discuss the virtues of which is truly "best".

For me, the cobra I chose IS the best... it's the best as per my desires and definition. It's even better than an original, because in my mind it has better components, engine and suspension. But that doesn't make it the best for you or the next guy ;)

So if we are going to be truly unbiased is our assessment - then FFR is the best for the vast majority. Since our op hasn't stated what his intended use is, then I think it's prudent to tell him to start by looking at an FFR, and then go from there. You follow?

[quote=REAL 1;1259021]Tommy: let's review.
1. The continuation Cobras are genuine Shelby Cobras. Fact.
2. No other manufacturer may represent or call their products "Cobras" or Shelby Cobras. Fact.
3. SAAC is the worlds leading authority on Cobras. Fact.
......

What do you base that statement on?

What's that got to do with his question as to who is building the best Cobra?

[quote=Paul F;1259061]Why oh why did you have to ask THAT question? To short circuit a long drawn out explanation from Evan, including references to the World Registry, let's just say it has to do with a lawsuit.

When it comes to JBL, the term "reasonable facsimile" is a relative term. They definitely have an interpretation of the Cobra's styling.

And there a lot of folks here on Club Cobra with serious track competitors from all the Cobra replica manufacturers.

Because I wanted a citing of that ruling. I can't find it.

The peculiar thing is that while there are hundreds of trademarks for the word Cobra, not one of them is for a car. There is a trademark owned by Ford for keychains and license plate surrounds and other trim, there is a trademark for car mats and there is a trademark for several different engines including those used for drilling. But not for a car.


[edit]
Shelby Cobra was trademarked, but no longer active
Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe is in force
Shelby King Cobra is dead
Shelby 427 S/C is active

Well, hopefully, he'll cite it, quickly and succinctly, but it has absolutely nothing to do with who makes the best Cobra replica. And yes, that includes the Shelby version. ;)

Although I think the OP decided he now wants a GT40 replica and presently is investigating "Who makes the best GT40?" Unfortunately, only Superformance can call their replica a GT40, and be listed in the World Registry, because they license the name from Safir, who bought the license.....eh forget it.

Kirkham, I don't have to explain why...;)

Just a suggestion to all those arguing...the OP said "which is best". He said nothing about "which car currently being produced is best".

That might throw another 50 manufacturers into the debate.

Given enough time and $$ you can turn a truck into a serious track competitor, doesn't mean designed from the ground up that way. It does play into the "styling" as you put it, and it should. Side by side against any replica - the JBL is lower, wider, and sleeker. The overall difference in appearance is the others start to look a little "boxy" by comparison.

vector1, where's that photo of yours next to a black one in a garage?

You asked the question What does "best" mean to you?
I just answered it for me, not necessarily for you or for anyone else.

If only the "Best" replica will do... Contact Michael McCluskey :cool:

McCluskey Ltd. - Vintage Car & Aluminum Fabricators

Rodknock: You need to read more carefully. Go back and re-read my post #11. Yes, no doubt Kirkhams are considered an authentic Cobra according to SAAC and IMHO for good reason. Nevertheless should you insist on being self deprecating as to what you own have at it. Doesn't affect me or bother me one bit. Some men you just can't reach.

Fordracing65: You statements are clearly intended to be disrespectful and demeaning toward the continuation Shelbys. I expect nothing else from the "peanut" gallery. Clearly your own personal opinion. You know what they say about opinions? Technically, every car is made of components and the originals weren't delivered as completed cars to Venice. Seems there is a viable argument they were kits.

Paul F: I am not your attorney nor do I have the time to do your research for you. Rest assured no manufacturer of replicas/kits are legally permitted to refer to their cars as "Cobras" or "Shelby Cobras" or use any trademarks associated with them. If they could they would be. They can't.

My comments have to do with this thread since the question was about which "Cobra" was the best.

If the original poster wants a 'Cobra" your choices are limited to a Shelby or a Kirkham unless you buy something from the 60s per the leading authority on the subject. .

According the World Registry the rest are "kits/replicas".

Thought it's only fair the OP understands the distinction set forth in the World Registry notwithstand the self serving biased personal opinions from the peanut gallery here who interesting buy and large don't happen to own Shelbys.

"Best" is subjective. Replicas/kits such as ERAs, BDR, FFR can be seen as better then original car even depends what your criteria is. They are less expensive, less subject to depreciation in value based on damage, less to insure, in many cases faster and safer and easier to fix when dealing with fiberglass.

If best means you want a "Cobra" as opposed to a replica of one. Your choices are limited as set forth above.

If you want a replica of a Cobra/Shelby Cobra my vote goes to ERA. Qualitiy product, aesthetically spot on, good people to deal with and respected in the replica community. Next I would vote for a Superformance. Quality product, consistent product, not as aesthetically spot on but close, cars can be delivered relatively quickly (ERA is slow), and they are less expensive than ERA.

FFR: good entry level car. Can be built to beautiful quality standards but depends on builder. $25K price point.

From the op, I would assume that he is going to be more interested in maintaining the value of his purchase......so the real question....._Which will retain value the most.......????...