Which is the best cobra manufacturer? - Page 5

REAL 1 · #81 (**permalink**) 08-25-2013, 06:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMK

Real1

Mmmm... Maybe just maybe ...

...you need to take a drive in your car. You seem to get too involved in debating a lost case.

Unless it is 'Pro Bono' your wasting your time in this non win case...

... as I said..

...maybe a waste of time so take that drive..

BMK. Great advice my friend.......if I was trying to " win". I'm just having some fun that's all.

fordracing65 · #82 (**permalink**) 08-25-2013, 06:56 AM

That's what I thought...now go represent someone pro bono...oh ya bring your registry...

601HP · #83 (**permalink**) 08-25-2013, 07:08 AM

Ever been lost in a corn field maze? This may be as close as it gets.

David

REAL 1 · #84 (**permalink**) 08-25-2013, 07:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fordracing65

It costs a certain amount to produce a car so it's not all profit for the manufactorer, hence a factory 5 cost less than a Kirkham because the parts are not of equal, with a csx to prove my point the cars price as a roller does not equal the mark ups of the other car manufactorors, you quoted my post where I say all cobras are awesome just some charge more, example Honda accord vs a Mercedes 350, same class car, I drive a Honda but its not a Mercedes, the benz costs more because the quality of parts is better, that's not to say an ERA for example is not a great car and priced accordingly, I think you get more for your money buying a Kirkham, it's my opinion, this is an opinion site, right, REAL1 don't put words in my mouth where I have bad mouthed another ones car, even your car is awesome, just in my opinion way overpriced, deal with it...

Cogent analysis. Deep.

I don't know where to begin. You have out done yourself with this one. So I'll just let it sit here unmolested for all to take in.

No,no,no I certainly wouldn't ever think of putting words in your mouth which would dilute such astute and well reasoned explanation of well..your "opinion".

I just have one question. Does this mean Continuation Cobras would even be more awesomer if they was less money and maybe even awesomer than a Kirkham..?

REAL 1 · #85 (**permalink**) 08-25-2013, 07:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fordracing65

REAL1, can you give me a reason why Kirkham is not the best Cobra Manufacturer?

No, apparently I can't. Not even David himself was able to get through.

Seems this quote is fitting...

"Some men you just can't reach, so you get what we have here..."

fordracing65 · #86 (**permalink**) 08-25-2013, 08:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by REAL 1

No, apparently I can't. Not even David himself was able to get through.

Seems this quote is fitting...

"Some men you just can't reach, so you get what we have here..."

David, you and I all have our opinions, what's your point, the OP asked what is the best cobra maker and I stated Kirkham for many reasons, again my opinion how can that be wrong...

RodKnock · #87 (**permalink**) 08-25-2013, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fordracing65

REAL1, can you give me a reason why Kirkham is not the best Cobra Manufacturer?

Well, clearly, if you want to build your car with or without your family, then an ERA would be the best manufacturer. Or maybe an FFR, depending on budget. Also, if don't have $100,000 +/- then the best manufacturer becomes the one that works within your budget. If you desire to have a Shelby MSO, then Shelby is the best.

And if you want AC, PS, heated seats, stereo, cup holders, quiet exhaust, and a weatherproof top, then a Corvette is best.

The best is obviously very subjective.

ermenasce · #88 (**permalink**) 08-25-2013, 10:59 AM

Well it looks like that my question triggered a heated debate.
From your answers and comments I know have a good indication of the different cars out there, and a result I can start my search.
Thanks a lot

Bartruff1 · #89 (**permalink**) 08-25-2013, 11:07 AM

Best ? What does that mean...quality ? value ? .... I have a Superformance because I was interested in Value , bang for the buck, and I had no intention of selling it.... if resale is a criteria, I probably would have bought a Shelby.

Just my 2 cents..

fordracing65 · #90 (**permalink**) 08-25-2013, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bartruff1

Best ? What does that mean...quality ? value ? .... I have a Superformance because I was interested in Value , bang for the buck, and I had no intention of selling it.... if resale is a criteria, I probably would have bought a Shelby.

Just my 2 cents..

I think of best as best quality, best service, best value for the money, a Kirkham body is hand built by them, not a fiberglass mold, there suspension is billet built in house, all those reasons to me make a Kirkham the best Cobra maker, which the OP asked who is the best and why, none of the other guys are producing an aluminum body with billet parts is house, all kits are awesome and can be finished anyway you want, but only one does what the Kirkham's do...call me crazy...

OnyxRider · #91 (**permalink**) 08-25-2013, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jamo

I may have been a touch wrong.

Mmmm still at it I see.

Real 1 Well I'm glad you have your paperwork. I will leave it at Continuation Cobra because for me it does not fit the definition of other words I have used. And also maybe watermark was the wrong term but for current pictures taken I need to put something on them if posted online. I wouldn't want someone to think what is a real Cobra, Daytona, 300 SL Gullwing..., to be not a real one.

Best has to be better defined by OP. Is a Continuation or Kirkham better than mine in workmanship I would have to say so since most everyone states the workmanship quality of a 60's Cobra.

Bartruff1 · #92 (**permalink**) 08-25-2013, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fordracing65

I think of best as best quality, best service, best value for the money, a Kirkham body is hand built by them, not a fiberglass mold, there suspension is billet built in house, all those reasons to me make a Kirkham the best Cobra maker, which the OP asked who is the best and why, none of the other guys are producing an aluminum body with billet parts is house, all kits are awesome and can be finished anyway you want, but only one does what the Kirkham's do...call me crazy...

No, I won't call you crazy at all....you are one of the best and most thoughtful posters on the board.

Kirkham likely has the best quality...but it was a very poor value for me for several reasons....

I definitely did not want a shinny aluminum body... so I would have painted it.

Furthermore, I did not want a aluminum body for a variety of reasons centered around damage and repair. My opinion, that's all.

And so, Kirkham was not on my list for long.

I think if you are looking for value and you are willing and able to pony up the dough... a original is the best value, it will actually appreciate, it is hard to beat driving a capital gain... and you can drive them and make money.

Fast Freddy's Ferrari that he paid $14k for (about $100k adjusted) just sold for nearly $30,000,000....soooo....that is great value.

I have had the Porsche disease for 50 years and have not only driven them for free...I have made money....you can't beat that....

And yes, I love the line...." What is the difference between a porcupine and a Porsche ? ...... A porcupine has the pricks on the outside "

Mother · #93 (**permalink**) 08-25-2013, 01:55 PM

Best Cobra? Well, that is first answered by, "show, or Safe Going" I would use mine on the track and the street.

For my money, putting power on the road safely with VERY little Flex in the frame is a totally round tube frame. The main frame tubes are thick walled extruded steel. Not hydraformed tubes. All joints on frame are gussetted. Smaller sized round stock (extruded) is to be used on the remainder of the frame build. The car will be designed so that bump stear is a non-issue. Four wheel disk brakes by Willwood. Rims by Vintage Wheel with custom offsets. I would like a custom hand laid 5 layer, one piece, fiberglass body so there are never unsightly seams showing up as the car ages. All guages to be custom made in England by Smiths. Seats by Europa, in leather. Brightware is the to be brass and the tripple nickel coated. Also supplied by Europa. Finally the car would be built by a technician who is full time building AC Cobras as a full time job. The Motor clutch and transmission would be supplied be a qualified NASCAR engine builder with proven results in the Canadian Tire series. I would not even consider a Rousch motor. Not even if it has stage 9 tuning.

Boss Replica Motors, on the web has these options. Have a look, if your interested. Or take a wee look at the web sight and think about Safety and speed. Ya get what you pay for. And great don't come cheap.

REAL 1 · #94 (**permalink**) 08-25-2013, 02:13 PM

Omg. Two guys who arent staying Kirkham is the best and gave their understandable personal reasons as to why? Can't be! Say it ain't so!

AL427SBF · #95 (**permalink**) 08-25-2013, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by REAL 1

Omg. Two guys who arent staying Kirkham is the best and gave their understandable personal reasons as to why? Can't be! Say it ain't so!

... which would also make the SAI aluminum body not the "best" for the reasons stated. But understand the difference between the two. If you want the "premier Cobra aluminum body" then Kirkham is the recognized standard for that. Kirkham is also recognized by your precious SAAC registry. SAI "might" be as good as a Kirkham, certainly no better, but at double the cost. Given that, it would be one costly brain fart to go with SAI when you have the Kirkham option, ergo Kirkham trumps SAI for "best" in the aluminum body category.

fordracing65 · #96 (**permalink**) 08-25-2013, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AL427SBF

... which would also make the SAI aluminum body not the "best" for the reasons stated. But understand the difference between the two. If you want the "premier Cobra aluminum body" then Kirkham is the recognized standard for that. Kirkham is also recognized by your precious SAAC registry. SAI "might" be as good as a Kirkham, certainly no better, but at double the cost. Given that, it would be one costly brain fart to go with SAI when you have the Kirkham option, ergo Kirkham trumps SAI for "best" in the aluminum body category.

Now that's well said, exactly what I was trying to say, thanks...

Bartruff1 · #97 (**permalink**) 08-25-2013, 04:38 PM

That is why the " best " depends...has to be defined by each of us....absolutely none of those things are important to me.

They might be important or even valuable for example for resale, but I intend to leave mine to one of my grandsons..... He is such a considerate boy, he keeps asking about my health.

Al G · #98 (**permalink**) 08-25-2013, 05:53 PM

For me the best Cobra was one that had Shelby in the name. I also wanted one that was as true as possible to the original design. Since I couldn't afford an original I bought a continuation car. Aluminum was also beyond my budget so I went with fiberglass. I know I paid a premium but the name and design were important to me. I have no regrets and would it again.

Dimis · #99 (**permalink**) 08-25-2013, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Al G

I have no regrets and would it again.

Amen to that... and good for you!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Al G

I also wanted one that was as true as possible to the original design. Since I couldn't afford an original I bought a continuation car. Aluminum was also beyond my budget so I went with fiberglass.

But if this part were really true... then why did you put a 468 Aluminium block in it?

Don't worry, it's rhetorical... I know exactly why

fordracing65 · #**100** (**permalink**) 08-25-2013, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bartruff1

That is why the " best " depends...has to be defined by each of us....absolutely none of those things are important to me.

They might be important or even valuable for example for resale, but I intend to leave mine to one of my grandsons..... He is such a considerate boy, he keeps asking about my health.

Grandpa, hows your health, oh wait, your not leaving it to me...