Kirkham vs Shelby

[cycleguy55]

nkb:

I can't speak for you - this decision is yours and it appears you're weighing the various choices to make the decisions that are right for you. Best wishes for that process as well as the car you'll eventually receive. I suspect either will be quite enjoyable.

Regardless, I'll provide my thoughts if I were facing the same decision, even if it runs the risk of enraging fans of either (or both) marque.

I've heard nothing but praise for ERA, but Superformance has its supporters as well. Both manufacturers have made changes over time but it appears to me that Superformance remains more committed to retaining the original lineage and legacy, perhaps due to their licensing agreement with Shelby as much as anything else. ERA appears to be more inclined to maintain the visual originality while evolving more when it comes to updating and improving key elements like suspension.

Certainly the original Mark 1 and Mark II (rack and pinion steering) Cobras used the leaf spring 'buggy' suspension and there are many who appreciate cars that replicate the original design - warts and all. Mark III (or Mark II according to some) cars not only changed the body and chassis design, but also the suspension. There were reasons for that and, like many other aspects of evolution, I appreciate the benefits that offered.

The net of this rambling is that I'd go with the ERA if it were me. YMMV.