Which is the best cobra manufacturer?

[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

[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.

[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.