Buying my first Cobra
 

I am wanting to buy a Cobra and am not sure how to value a used replica. I am looking at a Factory Five with a fuel injected 5.0 HO Ford motor and a Borg Warner tranny. I am 6'2" and also want something that I can fit into. This particular Cobra was owned by Johnny Miller, the pro golfer and is Black with silver rally stripes and satin black Shelby GT rims with Nitto tires. Any help with the value and suggestions about the vehicle would really help. Thanks

Factory Fives are pretty easy to appraise, because they are still pumping out kits today.

important considerations are what series FF is it? (MarkII, MarkIII, or MarkIV)? Also- who was the engine builder, and what premium options (if any) does the car have (things such as Independent rear suspension, etc.

If the seller has reciepts then you can tabulate what the car cost, and assess what it is worth now based on age, miles on the odo, etc...

Is a car going to be worth more because it was once owned by Johnny Miller...? Beats me.

Welcome and best wishes in purchasing a replica.

Generally if a FFR has a 5.0 FI Ford it was likely a donor build which will trend on the lower end of the FFR cost spectrum.

There is no way to give you a value range without knowing the model series, seeing photos of the car and the list of specifications.

Build quality will also have a big impact on the value.

edit: you can fit, but you will likely need Kirkey seats or something similar to gain a few inches of leg room.

How do I attach pictures?

Factory Fives are readily available in the $25,000 to $40,000 range depending on fit and finish, quality of the work, state of repair, etc. they aren't rare, so prices are generally lower than most of the other brands. With that engine, i wouldn't pay more than the lower range. Just me.

Cobra
 

Cobra with a 427 and 5 speed in classified section ..
A Superformance for 39k
That may be a better investment

Look at cobras that were factory built. They are dangerous enough without the variable of "was it built correctly". My .02.

You should look at the cars that are for sale in Cobra Country: 427 Cobra Country--Ford AC Cobra replica manufacturers SUPER-SITE

Another good site with usually 40-50 cars listed.
Shelby Cars For Sale

I bought my first cobra about 22 months ago. My advice would be buy one that has the power plant and the exterior color that you prefer. More than likely you will be modifying the car in the future or correcting issues you are not aware of at this time. When you start swapping drivetrains or repainting that is where you can sink in some money. Go ride in a few....do not let anyone tell you a specific power plant will be more power than you can use or not enough.....just go see for yourself. If you grew up with 60's era cars you will probably think they are fast but if you are of the younger generation and are use to higher powered cars then you may want more than your average cobra owner. Good luck!

Nothing wrong with a FF5 car, or any other if it is put together right. I've seen $25K cars that looked great and $75K cars that looked like they were put together in a kindergarten shop class.
Best advice I can give you is find someone in your area who knows Cobras and have them walk you through what to look for. Have them go to look at a few with you until you are comfortable with what you are looking for. The obvious signs are straight body panels and matching gaps at all the body panels, wiring that looks neat and organized, clean and well thought out engine bay, and a few others that you will determine along the way. At least these items will tell you if the owner/builder cared about his work and took pride in the assembly.

The next thing to determine is what do you want to do with the car? Cruising, track days, drag racing, garage queen, etc.... Each kit will have different ways of addressing these items. For example, if you wanted to do a lot of track days in a Factory Five car I would be looking for one with IRS, a good peppy small block, T5 tranny, Koni Shocks- double adjustable if possible, the proper stance and wheels/tires, and other amenities you choose.

Is originality important to you? How about ride quality?

This will at least get you started. I wouldn't jump into owning a Cobra until you learn a bit about them.

Good luck in your search.

Bob

Don't do it...they are addictive ....I notice you said your "first" Cobra...that is a clue of what the future holds...:D

I met Miller at Silverado Golf Course....we both had new Porches and that was the catalyst .......he is a car guy and I would be confident that his cars are top notch....

Best check the for sale area. A Superformance for a really good price is available there..... Blas

Embarrassed to ask: is there a For Sale section here just for cars?

The link is at the top of the page in the blue bar. It says "For Sale" :roll eyes: Don't worry, we all have made similar mistakes. Good luck.

I came across this BDR today.

AC Shelby Cobra Backdraft Racing w Nitrous for sale: photos, technical specifications, description

Jeez, how did I not see that?! hahahah. Thanks.

Here is what I found out about the details about the car I am looking at.

It's a Factory Five Mark lll.
Chassis built by Factory Five.
Borg Warner Drivetrain.
Ford 5.0 Liter High Output motor
Three link rear suspension.
Built in 2004.
8200 miles
Any thoughts about value? Thanks

With that lack of detail I'm going with $16-30K ;)

What else should I find out about it?