Frustrated with superformance

[Mark IV]

Originally Posted by bcrumpley

It is easier to have sex in a motorhome than a Cobra...I'm told.

But not as good a workout!

[spitfun@aol.com]

If you look at the bottom of this posting you will see I have owned quite a few different branded Cobras (and 6 in total),to be honest the Unique I have now is 90-95% of the SuperFormance and the best handling of all of them was the 2nd FFR I had with a 408W in it. My Unique FIA was built in 1994,there are no stress cracks in the body,the interior has held up great,the fit and finish are excellent and no problems with the drivetrain AND it has 14K miles on it-more than any of the previous cars I had... If the Unique mentioned earlier is visually to your liking I would check it out-and it has a big block in it-BOOM!! Rich

[66gtk]

You've mentioned twice now that it will cost a lot to get "what you want". Please state the features and options you are looking for and we may be able to help you. Colors, engine, etc..

[SteelCobra]

Hauss,

Just wanted to share my thoughts- I bought my SPF last year, I spent the prior 3 years doing my research. I chose an SPF based on what I wanted in a cobra. I drove several brands, and the SPF fit me the best. That is key. Drive a few of each of the brands, and decide based on your needs. Then I went after a car that had the options I was looking for- FE date coded 427 (mine is from 1963), built by reputable engine builder installer. Mine was built and installed in 04 by Southern Automotive. After 14 years, I could still get the build sheet, and they are a pleasure to work with. Do your homework by visiting some local clubs in your area. They are everywhere, and we all love to talk about our cars.

Most of all, decide if these cars are for you. No matter what brand you buy, there are going to be issues. New ones need some tweaking. Used ones may have issues from a lack of preventative maintenance. If you aren't willing to wrench on the car, that is OK, but plan on additional funds for a good mechanic. Hope this helps, and feel free to reach out (PM) if you want to chat. Good luck, and enjoy!

Dave

[desgros@vtlink.]

Hauss

[eschaider]

On second thought, it appears what the OP's is really taking issue with is spending $50K or more for his Cobra, original manufacturer location not withstanding.

As luck would have it there is a ready made solution for him — the scratch builder approach! This will allow the OP to benefit from all vastly reduced price of components, just like the manufacturers use. Additionally he will be able to build the car exactly as he would like and who knows he could even come in below $35K perhaps even below $20K if he choses the lowest priced components.

This solution has the additional benefit of delivering the exact car he wants (after all he did the design and build plan) at or below the price point he wants.

Of course if he is insufficiently motivated, there is always the motorhome. Who knows he might even get to work on it as frequently, perhaps more so, than the Cobra.

There is a simplicity and beauty to this solution that allows the OP to hit all of his goals and there is no one else involved other than him — so the outcome will be exactly what he wanted and created.


Ed

[patrickt]

Yep, motor home it is.

[cycleguy55]

Originally Posted by eschaider

On second thought, it appears what the OP's is really taking issue with is spending $50K or more for his Cobra, original manufacturer location not withstanding.

As luck would have it there is a ready made solution for him — the scratch builder approach! This will allow the OP to benefit from all vastly reduced price of components, just like the manufacturers use. Additionally he will be able to build the car exactly as he would like and who knows he could even come in below $35K perhaps even below $20K if he choses the lowest priced components.

This solution has the additional benefit of delivering the exact car he wants (after all he did the design and build plan) at or below the price point he wants.

Of course if he is insufficiently motivated, there is always the motorhome. Who knows he might even get to work on it as frequently, perhaps more so, than the Cobra.

There is a simplicity and beauty to this solution that allows the OP to hit all of his goals and there is no one else involved other than him — so the outcome will be exactly what he wanted and created.


Ed

If $50K is the upper limit, that rules out a number of marques, including Superformance, ERA, Kirkham, Shelby and Backdraft - and I'm sure I'm missing others. Regardless, there are number of cars on the market that qualify as both <$50K and made in the USA.

Suggested steps:

1. OP needs to figure out what he wants - what is most important and what he can do without
2. Find the nearest Cobra club or gathering and check out the different makes - including sitting in them and checking for fite wherever possible (ask REAL nice)
3. Start searching with Google, Bing, Yahoo, whatever - it doesn't take long to find lengthy lists of cars for sale
4. Narrow down the list, based upon the above and check them out personally.
5. It would be wise to take along someone with knowledge of these street legal race cars who can check out what's right and what's wrong with each car.
6. Make a decision and write the check.
7. Enjoy.

[rodneym]

I don't see what the big deal is.
$50k can get you a really nice motor.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by rodneym

I don't see what the big deal is.
$50k can get you a really nice motor.

... or a tool that can remove your spinners.

[Mark IV]

Originally Posted by patrickt

... or a tool that can remove your spinners.

So you can remove spinners? I never thought you would admit to being a "tool"!!!

I predict this thread will go 17 pages with no further posts from the OP.

[Sailfish]

So, it appears the issue boils down to: 1) the wait time and expense of buying a new car, or 2) the wait time and expense of buying a used car. Definitely a conundrum. You'll have to figure out which is more important. For what it's worth, I've owned my Superformance for almost 11 years. It has a small block stroker Roush motor. And the car has over 25,000 miles. It's been an amazing car and I can't imagine having one that would be any better. And yes, it's for sale. And definitely less than 69K!!!

[Bartruff1]

Are you only pricing new cars ???

I really don't know what your problem is, there are dozens of low mileage used Superformance cars for sale for less than 75K....

And there are dozens of car search sites on the internet to find them....

I suspect you can find a reputable and bonded agent to do a pre purchase inspection .....it can cost between 2-4 bucks a mile to ship them between major cities..

Most of these cars are near new condition as many are owned by people who take excellent care of them.

Happy wife happy life...she might like a motorhome....I doubt she will be thrilled by traveling in a replica Cobra.... about 150 miles a day in one of them is plenty for a senior citizen like myself....

[eschaider]

I think we are back to Patrickt's motorhome recommendation. The longer this thread gets the better that solution looks ...

It is interesting that we haven't heard from the OP since post 29 and we ar already to post 50. I suspect he is out prowling about motorhome lots sizing up his favorites.


Ed

[Alfa02]

Mr. Hauss, I would give a Cobra a chance to win you & your wife over. if not I would say that's shortest love affair with a Cobra, I've every seen (2 month's). Good luck to you sir.

[DanEC]

Originally Posted by hauss

Not sure what to do maybe just forget the whole thing! Please help

I think he chose to just forget the whole thing. I think this thread is beating a dead horse.

[Blue66]

Originally Posted by DanEC

I think this thread is beating a dead horse.

Yup... I cam smell the rotting carcass from here

[Millsy]

DAMN, my vette and cobra are not 100% made in the U.S.A., im selling those pieces of crap and getting me one of those motorhomes instead.

[Alfa02]

Dear Mr. Hauss, I believe you take our good natured ribbing, as a personal attack on you. That sir is not the case. We here have had a love affair with Cobra's, some of us for most of our lives (me for sure). When you talk about buying a motorhome, instead of a Cobra, to us a motorhome is just a accessory, to be enjoyed with our Cobra's, not another option. I hope this clears up any misconception's. Thank you & again good luck on your purchase, what ever that may be, Tom.

[cycleguy55]

Originally Posted by Alfa02

Dear Mr. Hauss, I believe you take our good natured ribbing, as a personal attack on you. That sir is not the case. We here have had a love affair with Cobra's, some of us for most of our lives (me for sure). When you talk about buying a motorhome, instead of a Cobra, to us a motorhome is just a accessory, to be enjoyed with our Cobra's, not another option. I hope this clears up any misconception's. Thank you & again good luck on your purchase, what ever that may be, Tom.

Don't forget that a motorhome can make a perfectly good tow vehicle and 'home away from home' while touring the country and enjoying the Cobra.