Antique and Collectibles vs FFR

[rsimoes]

I'm looking to hear from both types of vehicle owners and those who have looked at both kits and bought one over the other. Without insulting anyone, what are the differences? For example, what is better about one over the other and vice versa. They seem to be closely priced. . . Thanks! I will be building one (having one built actually, but I'll be involved)

[RACERAL]

Before everybody get started on the "old worn out parts" people use on FFR cars.. donor parts is almost a thing of the past.. 90% of the folks building ffr cars these days almost always use new parts.... the new MarkII ffr car cannot be compared to the old ffr cars.. let the debate begin

[Satanpez]

The MAJOR thing that A&C has over the FFR is the body. It's beautiful, just in gel-coat. That can save you considerable expense as you may not have to paint it.

What turned me off was I didn't really like the frame. (There is no way the A&C frame can be as strong as the FFR just by it's design) and the setback of the motor. It seems that the engine is set more foward than in the FFR, so the weight will be less rear biased.

I don't believe IRS is available for the A&C

-steve in nj-

[Double Venom]

rsimeos.

I have both companys cars in house as we speak. Two complete different animals. Any, and I mean any "kit" car on the market can be build with used parts OR new parts. This is strictly up to the owner/builder.

The A&C frame is one of the best and strongest on the market. Not that the FFR frame is less or more. I am not a specialist in torsional rigidity by any means, but a visual inspection to compare frames, unless you are a true mettalurgist / engineer is almost impossible.

A&C will save you thousands in body work. Their glasswork IS some in the best of the business. Dollar for dollar, if you break it down on a spread sheet, compare apples to apples, I'd bet there is going to be very little difference between either one.

FFR did take some huge and major negative hits about their quality of the bodys. However the Smith brothers have improved, improved and improved over the last few years. In fact we just inspected one of the kits that was days old and the new mold and glass work were superb. 1000% improvement over a few years ago.

If you want, if you get in the area, London, Oh. 15 minutes due west of Columbus right off of 70, is our shop. Stop in, compare them side by side, then make up your own mind.

DV...get it now, make it to the Fling!

[Excaliber]

"without insulting anyone"? Heck, your no fun, ha ha!

,,,,and if you get over to London, OH check out that cool hardware store in town........

We had a great visit DV, thanks for being there!

Classic Roadster for me, when the time is right!

Ernie

[TheShadow]

Ernie

"Classic Roadster for me, when the time is right!"

Can you share with us why you like the Classic Roadster. How does your desire to have IRS fit into this. I Know there's some similar features to the Excaliber you sold. Ed

[JT]

I opted for the A & C package, here's why:
1. Gelcoat-this saved me thousands on paint & body costs, and ensured no voids or patches in the fiberglass. I've taken "Best in Class" with it-nobody realizes it's not paint.
2. The body is fabulous. I asked some independent builders-they typically responded that A & C's were the best in the business.
3. Ease of build. I got the FFR manual-it looks like a big city phone book. A & C's is much smaller and simpler.
4. They finance it for up to two years, not just one.
5. I could order all the donor parts from A & C. No junkyard crawling for me. I got a narrowed 9" with 5 lugs-very important.
I like the FFR because of the aluminum panels, but you'll look like Popeye by the time you're finished with all those rivets!
Whatever your decision-enjoy the build.

[Roscoe]

Two years on the road and still looks like a nice paint job



Roscoe

[Excaliber]

I considered very many different builders in my quest to discover the right Cobra for me. I love to race, so JBL was at the top of the list. I love original, so Kirkham was a in there (heck, I even looked for a real Shelby for a little while, $$!!!). For price I had to consider FFR. I want a "daily driver" too, and that means I need a "cup holder" for my coffee, whimp that I am, lol. Also MUST have a soft top and heater.

I like the Classic Roadster "build quality", thick body for instance. The extra room behind the seats (snorkel gear storage) and between the seat and the trans tunnel (thats my cup holder) make it a "practical" daily driver. The price is right, if you carefully pick the options, with a V10 and IRS, ouch $$$ again become a concern. 351W will be the motor, I sure want that IRS as I WILL be racing it, but as a "daily driver" I must keep the costs within reason.

For an "all around" car, not TO heavy, looks great, well built, PLENTY ROOM, easy to get parts for, it's the one for me! MUST be ceramic side pipes or cooler, leg burn issues and I don't care for heat shields. Leather int. of course. OH,,,,and red with white stripes!

West Coast was in the "running", weight issues there.
I have not ruled out JBL, by the way, but I haven't seen one yet. Kirkham will sure hold it's value, but a soft top is not recommended. Re-sale is also a consideration in the whole "picture".

Hmmmm,,,that Red Butler for sale looks VERY interesting by the way,,,,,,good price, got all the "right stuff". I like the setback motor and the body lines are excellent. As for daily driver, I don't know.

In the end, it's a TOUGH call!

Ernie

[Phantasea427]

I will search for a site but thought that it may be easier for others that may be interested in A & C or FFR. I'm still researching and looking at different options from Shell Valley, Unique and ERA as well as any other options. Now I will research A & C and dig up some info.

By the way, anyone have a Team-C Racing Cobra Kit with feedback? Saw there add with a Cobra kit roller for sale on e-bay for $15999.99

Thanks

[Roscoe]

Phantasea427,

You can check my build site at

http://www.priveye.com/cobra.htm

Roscoe