Pre-Purchase Inspection: A Cautionary Tale

[twobjshelbys]

I would never have a Cobra, or any other specialized car, inspected by someone "from the internet" even though they are in the business. Sure if you're getting a modern production vehicle they can go through a checklist that probably has good coverage but would you trust a guy whose resume is full of inspecting Fords and Chevys inspect your Ferrari? Same with a Cobra. They've probably never seen a frame like it let alone know if it is a kit how well it was assembled.

I think the guy pretty much admitted he didn't know what he was doing.

As far as inspections being done by "people on the forum", I was asked over the years to inspect a few Cobras and a few Ford GTs that were in my area. I politely refused to do anything more than make a visit and to confirm the car existed and take some pictures but would do nothing as far as an inspection. I didn't want to get in a position of offering advice and if that car had problems you could be caught in the middle. Trust me in today's litigious society if something goes wrong the shotgun could go off in your direction. Professional inspectors have errors and omissions insurance for a reason. If you do offer your services it should be to do no more than recommend that a follow up PPI be done by a professional with experience for that type of vehicle.

For Cobra inspections I'd suspect SAAC has some experienced folks. I know in the Ford GT space there are a handful of very experienced and trustworthy individuals.