Newbe Trying to Learn about CSX
 

OK - So I'm a car guy thinking about purchasing my all time favorite car as a kid - a Shelby cobra. This would be my first cobra and I'm trying to figure what the difference is between a CSX 4000 series and a quality replica from one of the well known cos. Any information would be helpful.

Lock and load you guys!

It's pretty simple to get those answers. Just start reading the forum! Start with the manufacturer subforums.

You'll get plenty of "My Cobra is Better Than Your Cobra" opinions, but in the end you won't really find that any one of the majors is better than the others, just different.

If you're looking to purchase please refer to 427 Cobra Country--Ford AC Cobra replica manufacturers SUPER-SITE and remember they are for sale ads so they want to make their car look better than any of the others.

I strongly encourage a personal inspection of any car you purchase. The cars are quite small and cramped, and you should determine if your car "fits" before buying it. I found the difference between a Superformance and Shelby CSX was whether the steering wheel rubbed on my lap or not.

Good Luck!

So where's Real1?
Erin, I heard you were back in town!?
This should be good!:LOL:

In all honesty, you have a range of options as wide as the Grand Canyon.

I agree with what twobjshelbys said.

Also, one of the best ways to see to see the differences in person is to contact your local Cobra club and attend one of their meetings. Most clubs have enough variety in makes and models that you can see the similarities and differences in person.

I think there is a Long Island club and maybe some others near you. Look in the "Club Forums" section here to see who is near to you.

Good luck!

Totally agree with Dallas and TwoShelbys. Just learn, learn, learn before making a decision. A local club is a great place to see it all first hand. There is much to learn here too.
Look at them all and learn....it will drill down to a personal decision.
Good luck with your quest.;)

Yes, Cobra clubs - there is a set of subforums here so you should be able to find one nearby.

In addition check out the regular gatherings like Cars and Coffee. At the one in Vegas there are regulars with Cobras that show up every Saturday morning, and let me tell you that each and every one of them will fill you up with all the information.

In your search for a car you also need to realize that Cobras don't come with power trains, and it is as much or more important that whatever car you decide to buy has a "sorted out" and reliable power train. And if you buy a kit or roller, that you choose a reputable installer. It's not as trivial as it sounds. They are pretty custom built cars so variations of fit are common so it can require some "on the fly engineering" to get things to fit.

Again, good luck!

My Spidy senses were tingling and low and behold, yep sure enough.

To the OP. Its not a question of "mine is better than yours". Not at all. It depends what is important to you. Do you want a "Cobra" or a car that just looks like a Cobra, albeit there are very good ones in that class like SPF, ERA, Backdraft etc...

Buy a SAAC Registry and start reading to educate yourself.

If you want a genuine Cobra/Shelby Cobra you have no other choice except a Continuation CSX, Kirkham or an original series, AC according to the Shelby American Automobile Club. It's all in the Shelby American Automobile Club Registry. I happen to agree with them.

As to quality of the various vehicles, yes you should visit various shows, meets, showrooms of SPF dealers, builders etc... There are differences between the cars and difference is quality, aesthetic accuracy, cost etc..

The old adage applies. You get what you pay for.

What other brands are you looking at besides the CSX4000 "continuation series" cars?

Are you wanting an apples vs apples comparison or an apples vs grapefruit style comparison?


Bill S.

If you don't mind FredinNY,

Budget and intended use please...

This would outline the landscape for CC members to chime in with their humble experiences. Thus leading you to the brands best fitting those requirements.

There's less than a .1% chance that he ever actually buys anything that even remotely resembles a Cobra.:cool:

Agree with Dimis,
Also, what is your timeline? Do you want to wait for a roller and finish it? Or, are you looking for something ready to go? And, some budget parameters would help...

$30-$40k? Door #1
$50-$70k? Door #2
$100k +? Door #3

Dimis beat me to it. Budget will drive many of your decisions. If you haven't budgeted $120-150K, forget the Shelby continuation and original cars. Kirkhams will come in a close second in price and are basically the same as the Shelby cars since I believe Shelby still sources their bodies and chassis from them- I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong on that.

Figure out what you want the car for- cruising, track days, all-out racing in a sanctioned series, ability to build it yourself, the camaraderie , or just plain an ego boost. What is important to you- originality, drivability, comfort, etc.... then plan accordingly.

Real1 is partially correct in that the real thing is probably the most accurate, but for about half the money, you can buy a Carbon bodied car by Roger Bollick that is available right now that is about as accurate as a replica can be and not be a CSX car. You've got a long bit of reading to do unless you have a deep checkbook and just want to go out and buy what suits you and drive it.
Keep in mind these cars aren't for everybody so, if you have a chance, sit in a few of different manufacturers and drive a couple if possible to see if this is the right fit for you. The noise, the harsh ride, the lack of creature comforts all can combine to create a hostile atmosphere to the uninformed buyer.

Good luck in your search.

Bob

Well...no one can ever say that this site doesn't jump in and try to help a newby!
All good advice.;)

How many times have I told a newb to wait six months and, during that time, speed read every post on this site? In all but a couple of instances, the person comes to his senses and buys something else. I can already tell this guy does not have the necessary amount of Cobra fever. He should buy an old Corvette.

I didn't think your car for sale. :LOL:

The curmudgeons appear to be awake!;)

Hmmm, obviously your senescence is taking its toll.

Nope, still operating at peak performance. Got my usual 120 minutes of HIIT this AM. You? ;)

I had a fat chili dog with cheese for lunch and I'm about to polish off a big bowl of shrimp and steak for dinner.:cool: