Interesting "old" aluminum recreation

[mrmustang]

Originally Posted by PanameraPat

Another mistake on my part. Owner had worked with Tom Kirkham on a previous original, not David. Sorry guys. I'm learning......... But honestly don't really know what I am talking about yet. Slowly figuring the details out........

Originally Posted by PanameraPat

Probably best we just let this thread rest guys. Out of all the comments, I really didn't learn anything in particular to look for on the cars when I go see them in person. So while I did learn a lot about everyone's opinion about replica's (and one legit comment about value), I'm not really any smarter about what to look for on the cars when I see them in person. I know the basic's of what the frame, body and interior should look like, but knew those things before I joined.

I have seen some pics of the cars and saw them in person about 20 years ago, so that is why I have a general idea of what to expect. But back then, really had no idea what I was looking at. Not much smarter today............. Was hoping this group would be helpful. But the only real advise I feel like I got was "walk away and don't even bother looking under the curtain". Maybe sage advise....... But I was more looking for specific details of WHAT to look for when I see the cars in person. Thanks anyway.

The problem we as a group have, is that you have not given anything in which to guide you on. There are plenty of replicas out there that you as the inexperienced individual, cannot differentiate from a true original. Plenty of quality home builders who have gone down this path, with hand beat, aluminum bodies, some of which are absolutely beautiful works of art, others that are abominations. Throw a spray bomb to cover bad welds, or a shiny paint job over aluminum with an inch or more of bondo sculpted over it to create a smoother body shape, and unfortunately, people get sucked in to the "I better buy this at a price too good to be true, before someone else finds out about it" mindset. Over the years, I've seen brilliant people waste their money on such deals...At least you came here first, hoping to find an easy way to educate yourself as to the differences, unfortunately, there is nothing easy about reviewing a Cobra, real, replica, or everything in between. The quality of the build, the quality of the parts, the quality of the design, and especially the execution by the owner. Again, plenty of people are friendly with those of us who can work wonders with our hands, but that friendship, or their racing history, does not always equate to them being able to change a light bulb, let alone put a car together safely.

So, with that said, start with the basics, forget about stories being told to you, or 20+ year old pictures or personal recollections. Get a hands on view of what you are looking at, then take well lit pictures, then post them here with a basic description of what you are showing us, and we can then attempt to guide you into making the right choices with your hard earned funds.

Bill S.