Never Thought This day Would Come

[lamaluv]

Originally Posted by 4into4

I never did see a photo of the day at INDE in reading the car's history (great story by the way) but I found this photo of you, my brother (LMH) and myself from that day. I was so impressed with how well your car stuck on 15" Yokohama street tires!

Sorry about that but my wife tells me that photo was edited out and I guess that I didn't notice. But I'm glad you posted your shot as I didn't have that one.

[JAYD]

Hey lamaluv the car looks pretty nice but is also very old. Saw a almost new ERA on Cobra Country last month that was cheaper than your car with some minor engine problem. How come are you askin so much?

[xb-60]

Take it easy mate. That's a bit aggressive for a first post

[lamaluv]

OK JAYD I'll answer your question. When I read it last night I'll admit I was a little put off by it. Sort of like a stranger asking how much money you make or why you married your wife. For your first post on this forum, I'll take your post as a legitimate question.

The price is based on what I have invested in the car versus vs what I believe is a fair price for an ERA car that is in very good running order. The engine rebuild and FI system cost over $20,000 alone. If you are looking for a showroom new or concourse restored Cobra my ERA is not probably what you are looking for. If you are looking for a car that has the patina of a 30 year old car and is often mistaken for an original Cobra she is just what you are looking for. There have been several discussions on this forum regarding patina. Several people are actually building their new cars to look old and have patina. So to each their own preference. At the 2007 WSCB Duane and the organizers picked ten cars from the over 200 at the Bash and my car was one of those picked. Their criteria was twofold; 1) Well-built inside and out with attention to detail and 2) very obvious evidence of use, fun and being driven. I think that is a perfect description of my car.

When Peter and John had my car up on the lift at ERA in 2010 both commented several times what great shape the car was in.

[4into4]

Originally Posted by JAYD

Hey lamaluv the car looks pretty nice but is also very old. Saw a almost new ERA on Cobra Country last month that was cheaper than your car with some minor engine problem. How come are you askin so much?

So the older they are, the cheaper they get? Wow!! Those cars from the mid-60's must be really affordable by now! Back to reality...Low 50's is pretty cheap for an ERA. Being familiar with this particular car, I would buy it in a second if I had space in my garage. I doubt it will last very long.

[mrmustang]

Originally Posted by JAYD

Hey lamaluv the car looks pretty nice but is also very old. Saw a almost new ERA on Cobra Country last month that was cheaper than your car with some minor engine problem. How come are you askin so much?

Since I am the current owner of the ERA with the minor engine issues (now hopefully taken care of) I'll state that mine was a once in a lifetime deal and does not reflect on the used market for any other ERA.

As for this car, based on it's age, it can be legally exported to just about any country around the world. This in itself ads value, along with the top quality rebuild done by it's current owner (and seller). If you are unsure why these things are so, perhaps you should step back and do a little further investigating before jumping in with a chip on your shoulder.


Bill S.

[Donunder]

There's something wonderful about an old-school Cobra.

A few years ago my son (750HP on the forum) located a 1979 Arntz in Washington state and went through the paperwork nightmare of bringing it into Australia for me. It arrived in a condition that left both of us stunned; it was as close to perfect in every aspect as you could wish. The photos we had obtained before the sale did not come close to conveying what an absolute find this car was, and needless to say it's been the joy of my life ever since.

When I saw Dick's car on Cobra Country, which I check regularly, it was like finding the Arntz all over again. The story of its life only added to my excitement. I've always considered ERAs to be among the top three most desirable Cobras and EXP002's history just adds to its mystique.

Up until now I've counted myself very fortunate that I own a car, the like of which comes along once in a lifetime, but I can truthfully say that this car of Dick's would be an honoured and respected companion to Arnie if circumstances permitted. It is a true part of Cobra history and folk lore, it has been well used and cherished by its previous owners, and I for one would be proud to be its next guardian before passing it on to the next in line of its stewardship.

Dick I know how much you must dread the day this beautiful car leaves your home and I hope you find a buyer who is prepared and willing to honour its heritage.

[lamaluv]

Don the only consolation that I can come up with in selling my car is the firm hope that the next owner will honor her past tradition and carry on the tradition of good care as well as lots of use. I could just keep her in the garage to look at and drive a couple of times a year but I feel that would be a betrayal to the old girl. The "Red Headed Mistress" deserves better after all the good things she has done for all her prior keepers.

[Donunder]

Mate, I hear you.... this sale can not be just about the dollars.

Stay well, and all the best for the future.

[JAYD]

Sorry I didn't want to piss anyone off. My question was an honest one. Some here are just a little more sensitive that at other forums were I lurk.

[mrmustang]

Originally Posted by JAYD

Sorry I didn't want to piss anyone off. My question was an honest one. Some here are just a little more sensitive that at other forums were I lurk.

Are the other sites you lurk on subject to different manufacturers of the same general item? I ask because each cobra replica manufacturer is different, and cannot be compared to each other as each car is hand built by the owner, or to the owners specifications.


Bill S.

[JAYD]

Hay Mustang most of my other forums are manufacture specific like Mustang BMW Harley but that is why my question to lama was about one ERA to anlther ERA. I get that the Cobras are different depending on who made them. Again not trying to piss anyone off and lama gave me the anser I was looking for.

[mrmustang]

Originally Posted by JAYD

Hay Mustang most of my other forums are manufacture specific like Mustang BMW Harley but that is why my question to lama was about one ERA to anlther ERA. I get that the Cobras are different depending on who made them. Again not trying to piss anyone off and lama gave me the anser I was looking for.

No problem, I was not trying to attack your posts, just try and get a better understanding of where you are coming from. Since not all ERA's are built the same (base kit, pallet kit, roller kit, and turn key), it is difficult to compare one to another all the time. Since you mentioned mine in your initial post, I responded, otherwise I'd have been a fly on the wall for this one.


Bill S.

[PSB]

I just sold my Cobra on Cobra Country, but I got got over it fairly quickly by placing an order for a Superlite Coupe

I'd say the price the OP is asking is pretty reasonable for an ERA with a FE and stack injection. The Cobra market is hot right now - it took me a whole three days to sell mine.

Pete

[Dimis]

From where I sit... That ERA represents good value.

If the paperwork is as clear and kosher (as advertised) I'm tipping that it may find its way over this side of the pond.

Ps: its where my cobra funds would go if I wasn't already committed.
Just saying.

Best of luck with the sale - looks like a real beauty.

[lamaluv]

I am sure the old girl would love a trip across the pond but I'm thinking I would never get to see her again. Mixed emotions here. A good home were she will be treated right and gets used is going to be the most important criteria.

[ERA Chas]

Originally Posted by lamaluv

I am sure the old girl would love a trip across the pond but I'm thinking I would never get to see her again. Mixed emotions here. A good home were she will be treated right and gets used is going to be the most important criteria.

I was lucky that way. The new owner is great about caring for it and staying in touch.

[lamaluv]

Originally Posted by ERA Chas

I was lucky that way. The new owner is great about caring for it and staying in touch.

Chas I just hope that I am as lucky as you were.

Dick

[ERA Chas]

Originally Posted by lamaluv

Chas I just hope that I am as lucky as you were.

Dick

I hope so too.
002 is quite an historic ERA.
I'd also hate to see it become chartreuse with 20" wheels or such nonsense.

[lamaluv]

Originally Posted by ERA Chas

I hope so too.
002 is quite an historic ERA.
I'd also hate to see it become chartreuse with 20" wheels or such nonsense.

I would hope that no one would try to do that with the old girl. My wife says that if someone tried that the "Red Headed Mistress" would commit suicide by running off of a cliff with the new owner in her.