Which is the best cobra manufacturer?

[phattyhales]

Originally Posted by Dimis

I'd have thought FFR are the "best". No?
They have sold far more than any of the others.
Possibly more than all others combined.
Popular opinion would therefore suggest that for the vast majority of cobra owners agree with me.

Else FWIW: I'm with rodknock

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.

[RodKnock]

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

[fordracing65]

Originally Posted by REAL 1

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.
4. A major purpose of the Registry is to identify, catalog Cobras and to establish definitions defining what cars are considered by SAAC authentic "Cobras". Fact.

Your suppositions as why SAAC included some cars and not others remains your personal suppositions....to which you are entitled to have. They specifically and expressly provide definitions as to replica/kit vs. Cobras. You may not like their definitions and position but there you have it. I just happen to agree with them.

I said nothing about collectibility. That's a different discussion. However there is no doubt in my mind that Shelby continuation Cobras have a far better shot at being collectible than replicas and are more desirable finances permitting. That's MY Humble opinion to which I am entitled.

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

[AL427SBF]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

And to the OP, Evan's diatribe doesn't necessarily make them (Shelby) the "best" Cobra replica on the market.

And Evan didn't mention that the Kirkham Cobra is also listed in the World Registry, but that doesn't necessarily make them the best Cobra either.

Now, back to the OP's original question.

In terms of Cobra replicas, "best" means TO ME that a Cobra must be:

1. aluminum bodied,
2. reasonably accurate to the 1960's original (originals were aluminum too),
3. built by a customer and engineering focused manufacturer, who truly desires to make their product better every day,
4. sold only by the manufacturer w/o middlemen, and
5. finished in the USA, in one location (UT) by the same people, since their 1994 beginning (i.e., product consistency).

What does "best" mean to you?

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

[MOTORHEAD]

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.

[jhv48]

Which is the best cobra?

Whichever one you decide to buy and enjoy.

[Mark IV]

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

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

[Dimis]

Originally Posted by phattyhales

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.

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?

[Paul F]

[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?

[Paul F]

Originally Posted by REAL 1

There is only one Company that is still legally manufacturing Cobras. SAI. However, The only 2 companies continuing to produce authentic Cobras as according to the leading authoroty are Shelby and Kirkham ... this according to the SAAC World Registry. If you want a "Cobra" those are your choices outside of those made in the 60s.

....

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

[RodKnock]

[quote=Paul F;1259061]

Originally Posted by REAL 1

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?

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.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by AL427SBF

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

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.

[Paul F]

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

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by Paul F

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.

[fordracing65]

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

[joyridin']

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.

[AL427SBF]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

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.

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.

[LightNFast]

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

McCluskey Ltd. - Vintage Car & Aluminum Fabricators

[REAL 1]

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.

[CHANMADD]

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.......????...