Which is the best cobra manufacturer?

[David Kirkham]

Who makes the best Cobra/replica/Hot Rod?

The guy who makes it, that's who. I love all brand and makes. I am thrilled when I see someone (like Wayne Bulkley--above) come into our shop wanting to make his ride better/safer/faster. They come in with dreams. They come in with ideas to solve a problem. They come in wanting to learn. They are thinking, they are engaged. Rarely do I see an actually owner who does crummy work on his ride. They do the best they know how and are always looking to make things better.

Even our own cars can be improved upon, no doubt. I will never forget when I saw what Pat Buckley had done to one of "our" cars. He went nuts and brushed it with 400 grit. I told him he was nuts. When I saw it I was stunned. He raised the bar and we followed.

When I went to FFR's factory Dave and Mark Smith showed us everything--even their top secret cars. They opened their entire shop to us. They shared their dreams and visions. They are great guys. Their enthusiasm is hard to match. We learned from them in our production techniques (hey, they know something after making a zillion cars).

I love whoever's ride I happen to be driving

David

[MJJ]

Originally Posted by David Kirkham

Who makes the best Cobra/replica/Hot Rod?

The guy who makes it, that's who. I love all brand and makes. I am thrilled when I see someone (like Wayne Bulkley--above) come into our shop wanting to make his ride better/safer/faster. They come in with dreams. They come in with ideas to solve a problem. They come in wanting to learn. They are thinking, they are engaged. Rarely do I see an actually owner who does crummy work on his ride. They do the best they know how and are always looking to make things better.

Even our own cars can be improved upon, no doubt. I will never forget when I saw what Pat Buckley had done to one of "our" cars. He went nuts and brushed it with 400 grit. I told him he was nuts. When I saw it I was stunned. He raised the bar and we followed.

When I went to FFR's factory Dave and Mark Smith showed us everything--even their top secret cars. They opened their entire shop to us. They shared their dreams and visions. They are great guys. Their enthusiasm is hard to match. We learned from them in our production techniques (hey, they know something after making a zillion cars).

I love whoever's ride I happen to be driving

David

David:

I am in the market for my first cobra. I can't justify needing a Kirkham at this point as I already have 2 very nice weekend cars,....But I sure want one. You are a class act.

Someday I will own a Kirkham. Just may not be my first cobra.

Tag

[calSRQ]

Originally Posted by MJJ

David:

I am in the market for my first cobra. I can't justify needing a Kirkham at this point as I already have 2 very nice weekend cars,....But I sure want one. You are a class act.

Someday I will own a Kirkham. Just may not be my first cobra.

Tag

Second that....I have a FFR that the original builder did an insane job on. Recently went to a cars and coffee that had several cobras - ERA, SPF, and Kirkham. Must have had a dozen people put mine at the head of the pack (though mine is clearly more of a show car not track) BUT- I'd love to upgrade to Kirkham, and will at some point. Being new to the community really appreciate all of David's posts and support. I guess mfg comparisons gives all of us lucky enough to have one of the coolest cars on the planet something else to dream about.....

[fordracing65]

Originally Posted by David Kirkham

Who makes the best Cobra/replica/Hot Rod?

The guy who makes it, that's who. I love all brand and makes. I am thrilled when I see someone (like Wayne Bulkley--above) come into our shop wanting to make his ride better/safer/faster. They come in with dreams. They come in with ideas to solve a problem. They come in wanting to learn. They are thinking, they are engaged. Rarely do I see an actually owner who does crummy work on his ride. They do the best they know how and are always looking to make things better.

Even our own cars can be improved upon, no doubt. I will never forget when I saw what Pat Buckley had done to one of "our" cars. He went nuts and brushed it with 400 grit. I told him he was nuts. When I saw it I was stunned. He raised the bar and we followed.

When I went to FFR's factory Dave and Mark Smith showed us everything--even their top secret cars. They opened their entire shop to us. They shared their dreams and visions. They are great guys. Their enthusiasm is hard to match. We learned from them in our production techniques (hey, they know something after making a zillion cars).

I love whoever's ride I happen to be driving

David

I disagree completely. while all Cobras have their positive points, and they all can be built to amazing specs, only a Kirkham starts out as car that every part is top notch, where no corners are cut, I had a Superformance that was awesome but it wasn't a Kirkham, I have built Factory 5 cars, probably one of the best chassis in the business, but no where near the quality of a Kirkham, that's why I bought one, I wanted the best and feel I got the best.. No disrespect to anyone's cars, there all cool, even the overpriced CSX car...

[REAL 1]

Originally Posted by fordracing65

I disagree completely. while all Cobras have their positive points, and they all can be built to amazing specs, only a Kirkham starts out as car that every part is top notch, where no corners are cut, I had a Superformance that was awesome but it wasn't a Kirkham, I have built Factory 5 cars, probably one of the best chassis in the business, but no where near the quality of a Kirkham, that's why I bought one, I wanted the best and feel I got the best.. No disrespect to anyone's cars, there all cool, even the overpriced CSX car...

More juvenile comments intended to insult while while prefaced with the hollow phrase " No disrespect". ouch!

"best"is a relative term depending on the buyers criteria. Based on those criteria Kirkham could be at the bottom of the list.

What is "overpriced" is determined by the market not by ones self serving demeaning comments. In many cases the "overpriced" barbs and continual put downs help one feel better when the "over priced" item is also out of reach to those casting those comments. That wouldn't be you of course.

Cheers

[fordracing65]

Originally Posted by REAL 1

More juvenile comments intended to insult while while prefaced with the hollow phrase " No disrespect". ouch!

"best"is a relative term depending on the buyers criteria. Based on those criteria Kirkham could be at the bottom of the list.

What is "overpriced" is determined by the market not by ones self serving demeaning comments. In many cases the "overpriced" barbs and continual put downs help one feel better when the "over priced" item is also out of reach to those casting those comments. That wouldn't be you of course.

Cheers

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...

[fordracing65]

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

[REAL 1]

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]

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]

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.

[REAL 1]

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..?