New Cobra buyer - Questions - Driving Them...

[g8rnbft]

Originally Posted by AdamIsAdam

Thanks. Yea, this makes sense. It's funny, because I was trying to compare the overall quality and driving feel of the Superformance to the Factory Five to see if I thought it was worth the difference in cost.

The car drove fine, felt underwhelming in terms of power surprisingly, even though it ran well (no clutch slipping or anything like that, just not "Cobra" strong). The clutch was stiff obviously. The interior under the dash was a little bit of a wiring mess, the panel above my knees was loose. The car didn't start without a jump even though it was cranking. And then took a while to fill the carb bowls and fire. But once on, ran ok, especially for a car that sat so long.

Oh but the wiper WASHER worked! LOL. That was funny when the broker hit that switch by accident. Everything worked as far as I could tell.

Overall, I didn't see it being worth $65k vs the $45k or so I can spend for a similar FFR. So that's sort of my dilemma. Is a Superformance or ERA worth a $15-25k price difference over a well built Factory Five? That's over 40% more money to buy. How will depreciation affect both? Enough to get back (or not lose) the purchase price? Meaning, if I compare spending $65k vs $45k car in 5 years, what's the ROI on both?

I'm looking at one FFR locally that was fully built by the FFR factory, so it's professionally built and that can be documented. If I got it for $45k, is that a smarter buy than a $65k Superformance?

Again, I am fully aware that this is a hobby and not my 401k. We are all on the same page there. I just want to make the above comparison and welcome input from those who have been in this market longer than I.

Thanks!

FFR owner here - and I seriously doubt documentation of a FFR built car. It just doesn't happen. Not even a "roller" - much less a "driver".

[AdamIsAdam]

Originally Posted by g8rnbft

FFR owner here - and I seriously doubt documentation of a FFR built car. It just doesn't happen. Not even a "roller" - much less a "driver".

It's true. They built the car for a charity auction. After seeing the car, I spoke with Tony Zullo at FFR personally to confirm this, since he is the one who actually built the car. He said they build it in the factory first, then take it apart, ship it to TN to put it back together again on the golf course with the FedEx pilots, to be auctioned off for charity. (I presume they shipped it via FedEx LOL)

I have tons of proof, but how about this for proof:
https://youtu.be/xWj7I4Q3ReU

At 1:40 you can see the car in question.

[g8rnbft]

Ask FFR what VIN # is on the MSO. FFR does not meet Federal Standards to market "automobiles".

But - have it your way. Don't mean to be argumentative on the issue, just wanted you to not be hoodwinked by an unscrupulous seller.

[MKS427]

Originally Posted by g8rnbft

Ask FFR what VIN # is on the MSO. FFR does not meet Federal Standards to market "automobiles".

But - have it your way. Don't mean to be argumentative on the issue, just wanted you to not be hoodwinked by an unscrupulous seller.

The law changed a couple of years ago, so FFR may now qualify to do up to 300 or 350 complete cars per year now. However, they may decline due to liability issues. Regardless, companies that sell "rollers" have had a work around in place for quite some time.

[cycleguy55]

Originally Posted by MKS427

The law changed a couple of years ago, so FFR may now qualify to do up to 300 or 350 complete cars per year now. However, they may decline due to liability issues. Regardless, companies that sell "rollers" have had a work around in place for quite some time.

Yes, the legislation was passed, but it was 2015. It's still not in effect, and SEMA had to file a lawsuit late last year against the DOT in California to get things moving.

Read more here: https://www.rcnmag.com/news/nhtsa-is...sed-rulemaking

Bottom line: As of right now no manufacturer is permitted to sell complete cars - though hopefully that will change soon. It will soon be open for public comment, and there's information in the linked article on how to do that.

[AdamIsAdam]

Originally Posted by g8rnbft

FFR owner here - and I seriously doubt documentation of a FFR built car. It just doesn't happen. Not even a "roller" - much less a "driver".

BTW, how do you like your FFR? Any tips/suggestions for me as I shop for one?

[g8rnbft]

Originally Posted by AdamIsAdam

BTW, how do you like your FFR? Any tips/suggestions for me as I shop for one?

I love it - have 30,000 miles on it in four years. Pushing right at 400 hp out of a stroked (347) 302.

I was at Daytona Continental race the first time Shelby showed up with Cobras! Only took me 50 years to get mine.

I am available to discuss anytime - shoot me a PM!