CSX4000/6000 Vs. Superformance/ERA/Kirkham

[krkucin]

Still on the hunt for the right Cobra. Had my mind set on a Superformance, but then of course questioned my better judgment and thought maybe a CSX car may be a better investment. Then I heard that some of the CSX cars are built in Mexico. Are there quality issues with the CSX cars? Are they a better investment than a replica such as Superformance, ERA or Kirkham? Need a little help with all this from you folks out there on Club Cobra.

[YerDugliness]

Although I am not a fan of ol' Shel, himself, I do know that there are an incredible number of people who think he can do no wrong.

To that end, there will also be an incredible number of people to whom the CSX serial number will mean something...and that something may well translate into additional $$ at resale time.

IMHO, the ERA kits are the gold standard in our industry, not the Shelby products. I have seen one up close, it has some very nice features (one of which I particularly like is the way in which they finished off the cutout for the headers at the bottom of the front fender), but in the end it is just another replica in my eyes, even if it does carry the Shelby name (that doesn't mean he necessarily has ANYTHING to do with the production of the cars, other than perhaps selling someone the right to use his name).

You're wise to do some research....good luck in making your decision!

Cheers, Dugly

[twobjshelbys]

Some fiberglass CSX cars were built by HST International in Mexico, but they went out of business about a year ago. Some builders (Becker, Denbeste) considered the HST cars to be of higher quality, although I don't think a mere mortal could tell the difference from a HiTech car.

HST built a handful or two of carbon fiber cars. Mine is one.

[Slither]

Originally Posted by twobjshelbys

Some fiberglass CSX cars were built by HST International in Mexico, but they went out of business about a year ago. Some builders (Becker, Denbeste) considered the HST cars to be of higher quality, although I don't think a mere mortal could tell the difference from a HiTech car.

HST built a handful or two of carbon fiber cars. Mine is one.

There are at least 7 carbon fiber bodied CSX cars that I know of.

[twobjshelbys]

Originally Posted by Slither

There are at least 7 carbon fiber bodied CSX cars that I know of.

You're right. Somewhere between one and two handfuls, but not on to toes yet Mine was one of the first, and in fact, the first two were two of the CSX4000LA cars.

[Slither]

Originally Posted by twobjshelbys

You're right. Somewhere between one and two handfuls, but not on to toes yet Mine was one of the first, and in fact, the first two were two of the CSX4000LA cars.

Did HST ever put the very first (yellow w/ carbon fiber stripes) on a chassis and sell it? I remember that body was really, really heavy! I almost bought the second carbon fiber bodied car, but at that time, Shelby couldn't decide what they were going to charge for it. So I passed on it!

[twobjshelbys]

Originally Posted by Slither

Did HST ever put the very first (yellow w/ carbon fiber stripes) on a chassis and sell it? I remember that body was really, really heavy! I almost bought the second carbon fiber bodied car, but at that time, Shelby couldn't decide what they were going to charge for it. So I passed on it!

Actually, I hope not. I don't like exposed carbon fiber. It's a fine material but I never understood why everyone thinks has to be exposed and out in the open like the plaid upholstery on the couch.

And as much as I like Kirkhams, the care and feeding of naked aluminum is as much an OCD task as black paint on my Mustangs. Mine would be painted Guardsman Blue.

My new Ford GT is Heritage. Did anyone ever do a Gulf blue and orange Cobra?

[ERA 626]

Originally Posted by twobjshelbys

Some fiberglass CSX cars were built by HST International in Mexico, but they went out of business about a year ago. Some builders (Becker, Denbeste) considered the HST cars to be of higher quality, although I don't think a mere mortal could tell the difference from a HiTech car.

HST built a handful or two of carbon fiber cars. Mine is one.

um no... Bill Denbeste is a friend of mine and it is the EXACT oppisite The Hi-tech cars are better quality

[mrmustang]

Originally Posted by ERA 626

um no... Bill Denbeste is a friend of mine and it is the EXACT oppisite The Hi-tech cars are better quality

A non newbie newbie mistake.

You had to comment on a thread last posted in

10-06-2011, 06:28 PM

[Anthony]

Originally Posted by mrmustang

A non newbie newbie mistake.

You had to comment on a thread last posted in

10-06-2011, 06:28 PM

Yeah, but it's still entertaining. Clubcobra seems like it has been somewhat mundane, and it's good to rekindle a thread that's a little exciting !

[ERA 626]

Originally Posted by mrmustang

A non newbie newbie mistake.

You had to comment on a thread last posted in

10-06-2011, 06:28 PM

OK I give up, what is newbie about commenting on an old thread? What is newbie is being a TROLL...

[olddog]

Originally Posted by ERA 626

OK I give up, what is newbie about commenting on an old thread? What is newbie is being a TROLL...

Seek first to understand, before starting a war.

I suspect the newbie mistake Bill was talking about was your arguing that they had it all wrong on which was the higher quality replica. Picking a 9 year old thread to start an argument, from an incorrect point of view was just a secondary point.

Now I may have this all wrong, but you might should have made sure before tossing rocks at a fellow member who arguably knows more about the Cobra replica market and originals than than most people in the sport. Not that he needs me to polish his halo or anything.

[twobjshelbys]

If you are looking at aluminum Kirkham and Shelby are the only game. The Shelby aluminum cars are manufactured by Kirkham but, just like HiTech and CSX and SPF, there are no interchangeable parts. Both are different and unique and have their own pluses and minuses. Shelby does still make a rolled aluminum roller that starts life in England but they are at the very top end of the pecking order and the price shows it.

[Hydramada]

If you are looking at a Cobra replica as an investment, you are going to be disappointed. These cars are for personal enjoyment and should be treated as such. All of the manufacturers you listed have good things and not so good things about them. You need to decide what is important to YOU. Make a list of what you want and expect from a high end toy like this. Then see which of the manufacturers most closely meets that list.

Personally I am on my second Superformance car and could not be happier BUT that does not mean they are the BEST solution. Superformance quality and reliability are awesome if the car is prepared properly. In my opinion, the builder/assembler is more important than the manufacturer. I used Olthoff Racing for both of my cars and they created a top notch product for me.

Superformance was the car for me after careful analysis of what I wanted out of my Cobra.

Good luck in your search, that is half the fun!

[lemans24]

[stephen_becker]

CSX 6000 on ebay now:

Shelby | eBay

[computerworks]

Originally Posted by stephen_becker

CSX 6000 on ebay now:

Shelby | eBay

MSRP on this CSX 6000 427 S/C is $ 59,995.00 plus options - The options on this CSX car are: fuel level gauge ($ 695.00) Goodyear Sport Car special tires (billboards) ( $ 1250.00) Glove Box ($ 659.00) polished stainless steel quick jacks ($ 495.00) Oil cooler ($ 606.00) Carbon fiber (polished) hood, rear deck-lid, doors ($ 4,500.00) SAI shipping and dealer prep ( $ 1,750.00) - Total MSRP of this component/roller CSX car $ 69,950.00

70K for glas roller... no engine.

You said...

but have seen some CSX cars at Mecum recently for not too much more than that (50k). That is what got me thinking about the CSX cars. I realize that you don't buy these for an investment, but would like to maximize the value of the car for the future if I do ever sell it. My thought was that a CSX car may hold its value better than others. I may be wrong.

Above submitted for your information.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by krkucin

Still on the hunt for the right Cobra. Had my mind set on a Superformance, but then of course questioned my better judgment and thought maybe a CSX car may be a better investment. Then I heard that some of the CSX cars are built in Mexico. Are there quality issues with the CSX cars? Are they a better investment than a replica such as Superformance, ERA or Kirkham? Need a little help with all this from you folks out there on Club Cobra.

I would do some research here on ClubCobra. The search button is your friend. You ought to decide your budget and how much work you would like to do yourself.

Everyone here on ClubCobra has an opinion about which is best, but each manufacturer that you mentioned is a great car. They're just different in many ways, which is where the research button comes in handy.

[mrmustang]

Originally Posted by krkucin

Still on the hunt for the right Cobra. Had my mind set on a Superformance, but then of course questioned my better judgment and thought maybe a CSX car may be a better investment. Then I heard that some of the CSX cars are built in Mexico. Are there quality issues with the CSX cars? Are they a better investment than a replica such as Superformance, ERA or Kirkham? Need a little help with all this from you folks out there on Club Cobra.

I guess the first thing we really need to know is your intended use. Are you going to show it, race it, perhaps a Sunday driver to take the wife and or kids to the ice cream shop? The second question has to do with your budget and what you plan to spend.The final question has to do with body style, do you want a 427SC, 427 street, 289FIA, or perhaps a slabside body style. Your responses will then help us help you to whittle down the choices you have and we can go from there.

Bill S.

[krkucin]

Originally Posted by mrmustang

I guess the first thing we really need to know is your intended use. Are you going to show it, race it, perhaps a Sunday driver to take the wife and or kids to the ice cream shop? The second question has to do with your budget and what you plan to spend.The final question has to do with body style, do you want a 427SC, 427 street, 289FIA, or perhaps a slabside body style. Your responses will then help us help you to whittle down the choices you have and we can go from there.

Bill S.

427SC, and it will be a driver. I work 10 days a month and plan to hit the curvy roads on a nice summer day and also with the wife or kid(s) on the weekends. May show it occasionally at a local car show. Budget is always the hard part. I was looking to spend 50K or less, but have seen some CSX cars at Mecum recently for not too much more than that. That is what got me thinking about the CSX cars. I realize that you don't buy these for an investment, but would like to maximize the value of the car for the future if I do ever sell it. My thought was that a CSX car may hold its value better than others. I may be wrong. Anyway, hope this info helps.