Kirkham vs Shelby

[nkb]

Originally Posted by tkb289

nkb

Welcome to Club Cobra.

I have been following this thread and you are certainly doing your homework and have a very good sense of what you are looking for in a Cobra. Lots of good advice, suggestions and options here. Kirkham, Shelby Continuation, Superformance, ERA and many other companies offer a great many choices at different price points. They all have their strengths & weaknesses and people tend to recommend what they own or have experience with. Keep in mind, that no matter the make or who builds the Cobra, these cars do require work from time to time and things will come up that need to be addressed or improved upon.

Like several folks here, I too can recommend ERA, they make an excellent Cobra and their customer service is first rate. One reason I went with ERA is their ability to make modifications (within reason) to customize the Cobra to better fit the customer’s needs. I went with the FIA body but with no hood scoop, oil cooler scoop or trunk bumps, but with a grille. The car also has a few modifications to accommodate my height and has two different roll bar configurations, details are in my build log.

ERA 2136 Build Log

Many people don’t need or want modifications like these, but for those that do, ERA is great to work with.

That said, this type of customization takes time and ERA is busy, but well worth the wait. My experience 10 plus years ago with SB-100 was fairly straightforward, but good job in seeking current information as things can change.

If you would like to look at another ERA, I am in the SF Bay Area as well and would be happy to show you my Cobra, just send me a PM.

Good luck with your project.


tkb289

Tim,
I read through your build thread with much interest. What is clear is that ERA can readily accommodate various mods as per the customer needs.

I was intrigued by your creation of an FIA "street" version. The ERA website refers to such a version as historically in existence. The reference on the ERA website is to "a British street 289 officially manufactured by AC, as opposed to Shelby. It retained the flares and doors of the 289FIA." Also, the website references an illustration in "the Rinsey Mills book" (which one I don't know).

I would be very interested if you or others could shed light on such an original 289FIA street car having been produced. I couldn't find anything (yet) on the web. What I found were AC 289 Sports models, but these don't have an FIA body/doors.

I note that it took you about three years from order to "completion" for your car. As you say, the journey is part of the fun. I am familiar with this after a 5 year restoration of my (original owner) '69 Lotus - to get it exactly to where I wanted it. As you further note, the process never really ends as there is always something to fiddle with.

Your build log was highly informative and helpful. Thank you.