ERA vs SPF

[frankym]

just curious, there is so much talk about authenticity, everyone seems to overlook the fact that both ERA and SPF use frames that are absolutely nothing like the original. One look underneath the hood or from underneath reveals that they do NOT have tubular construction and the design is antithetical to the original. Both ERA and SPF earn very high marks for being period correct in every place it matters and both deviate from authenticity only to make a better car, utilizing current techonolgies and more attention to aesthetics. The ERA roll bar is unquestionably spot on with the original, the SPF roll bar deviates a little in height and geometry, but not enough to diminish even infinitesimally the finer points of its quality of design and workmanship. I also think the rear of the ERA sits a little more squat which is more authentic (and looks awesome!!) but considering that most of these cars are intended for street use, lower can be impractical. Both are great cars, and no offense to people that choose to finish the ERA beyond the body mounting, but to me, the value of the home finished car is far less than the new briton assembled vehicle, not stating opinion here, it's just a matter of fact that a factory produced vehicle will be done with the benefit of collectively hundreds of years of experience and for the average joe that's very handy, assembling a vehicle with excessive power can be a recipe for disaster. In all the 100s of connections that get fastened, welded, fused, bridged, configured etc.,, or otherwise, the liklihood of the casual builder making some less than perfect decisions is much higher. I hope nobody gets offended, both SPF and ERA are super high quality cars and works of art, the biggest difference is in the consistancy (overall number of finished ERAs and SPFs) and SPFs are all built the same. As far as customization is concerned, there should be none, the best looking replica is one that accurately duplicates, so having any unique features runs against the grain of striving for authenticity, yet I hear many people saying that ERA is more authentic, and at the same time bears more of its owners' imprimaturs. A properly finished ERA and SPF are both top notch, it's important to be objective, doing so should avoid any conflicts between the two owner groups. The buyer of any of these cars also needs to be objective, consider facts, logic and recognize opinion when you hear it.

frankym, ERA and SPF are the best of their kind

[John A. Simpson]

I see a lot of discussion about looks, but is any body interested in having a Cobra under the skin? As far as I can tell only Shelby, Kirkham, and the replicas from Cambridge Auto Racing have authentic Cobra suspensions and Chassis. To me a 2X4 rectangular frame and a rear suspension that uses the half shaft as a load-bearing suspension member is not Cobra!

Something I forgot to mention before is the aluminum interior, with fiberglass footboxes that are identical to the real deal. From what I can gather everything except the fiberglass body will exchange with a Cobra, and I guess the body would interchange with the fiberglass ones.

Has anyone else looked at their site ?www.Cambrigeautoracing.com

[G.R.]

From what I've read and gathered here from information regarding the original CSX, the newer tubular frames are thicker walled w/ more reinforcement at points that were subject to failure. Not strictly "Real Cobra". Probably more "Cobra correct".
But in the scheme of things "who the heck cares", whether it uses a tubular frame or a rectangular frame--it isn't going to be a "original Cobra, made in the 60's' ".

One can nitpick all they want but the "Cobra " you drive still gets more attention than most any other vehicle on the road, "correct" body, frame, tailights, scoops, windsheild wiper parking, engine, wheels/tires, and even (sorry Evan)hood rivets--not withstanding

you have a good one ,today

[Ray R]

Well, I spent the day with Dennis at Dynamic Motorsports yesterday in Reno. They had a really nice operation with very knowledgeable folks. And REALLY NICE cars. I must say I was pretty impressed with the SPF design and execution. I got to ride in both big block and small block cars. I thought I wanted a big block until I was able to ride and examine a small block car. I'm now leaning toward 351 stroker ...lighter ...easier maintenance (spark plugs, etc) ....easier fit ....hp capabilities ....parts availability ...etc. The SPF drove with no rattles, no torque steer - even the big block (514ci 650hp), decent ride quality, great handling....I'm sure the same characteristics as an ERA.

At this point, I'm still undecided whether to go ERA or SPF. I know the wait for ERA is long, but that doesn't bother me. I'm in no hurry. I'm leaning toward SPF due to the $10-15k difference in build price. The ERA is a bit more authentic, but as the posts above state, no matter how "authentic" you get, it will always be a replica. And since I'm also leaning toward the 351W small block...well...there goes any chance at authenticity out the window!

Again, if someone could quantify the $10-15k build cost difference for me.......I understand "why" the price is different...hand built in America vs factory built in South Africa...both are top notch quality cars, so where and how they're built doesn't seem relevant since quality is so similar as far as I can tell. I guess I'm looking for someone to help me with where the $10-15k value is in the ERA. If you get $10-15k more in resale, which it looks like that's what folks are asking, then the cost of ownership, as far as resale goes, is a wash.

Maybe I should just wait for the best "deal" on a pre-owned car?

Another question: What experience have you folks had with financing these cars? What's the process?

Again, this thread has been great! And I hope others in the future will find it as valuable as I have! Keep those thoughts and comments coming!

[Excaliber]

Financing? Easy, I simply mortgaged the house and paid cash, ha ha. Tax credits on your Cobra payments,,,,that is sweet!

Ernie

[sparks]

Just got my SPF a couple wks. ago....Tita./blue str. .Had a custom 460 put in . 555hp/565tq. . Let me tell you that its a handfull. It is a tight fit but it looks great. Eric at performance eng. in ross ohio did my motor.He also builds a 351(not stroked)with about 460hp/trans and install for around 14k . That BB sure has a great sound.......BUT HANG ON
As far as the cars fit,finish and quality,could'nt be happier.90% of the people would not no if was real or not. Is one better than the other,no.......One might have some more similarities than the other but thats it.....I would take the $$ saved and buy a H.D....

Sparks

[jhein]

I would get the SPF, take the extra $$ and buy a nice Featherlite hauler to pull it and a install a lift in your garage to work on it!! You'll be all set.

As far as financing is concerned, you'll probably have a hard time finding someone to do it and if you do the rates will probably stink. I like the idea someone else had about taking morgage on the house. Rates are low now and the interest is deductable. If you had finance that'd be the way to go.

John
spf1421

[REAL 1]

I'm not so sure the difference between a BB ERA and BB SPF will buy you a Featherlight trailer. They are fairly pricey.

I've seen used SPF's in the range of $47K to $55K. The difference in price for the ERA is insignificant considering the total expenditure.

As to the chasis both being square tube. So what? You can't tell they have square tube chasis by looking at the cars unless you look underneath or down in the engine compartment.

Aesthetically both in the finer details and demensions the ERA is spot on except for chasis and suspension which is not immediately visable.

While the SPF appears correct in all its dimensions to the casual observer or John Q Public, for those that have a more "expert" eye they are clearly off dimensionally in several areas. To people who know what they are looking at like us Cobra nuts the ERA is more aesthetically accurate in all its dimensions. No question.

The only downside to the ERA is the wait for a new car. SPF is clearly better for those that don't want to wait.

In the end both are very nice cars and I would happily own either.

[frankym]

looks like a pretty good deal, anyone know this car or have any thoughts on why somebody else on this forum is asking 65k for almost the very same car while this guy is asking only 47k?? Usually things are priced a certain way for a reason, anyone care to guess if this car is appropriately priced or is he unaware of how much these cost to replace, or is this really just a grossly misrepresented car?


For Sale: ERA 427SC #404. Dark green w/o stripes. Black Connolly leather seats with wool carpets. No rollbar. No hood scoop. Street dash with Smiths gauges, correct knobs on the switches and glovebox. 4-pt. racing harness for driver and passenger seats. Tonneau cover and convertible top. Wing windows and tinted sun visors. Rectangular taillights. Carpeted trunk. Will supply an ERA rollbar and template if you prefer. All the frame-mounting points are already there. Complete chromed bumpers. 427 sideoiler with steel crank, LeMans rods, low-riser heads and intake with twin 4V Holleys. MSD ignition with rev. limiter and dual-point distributor. Aviaid high-capacity aluminum oil pan. Oil cooler with steel braided lines. Assembled by Jim Carlson of Niagara Motorsports. Have complete spec sheet for your review. Jet Hot Coated headers & black sidepipes. Large spline toploader, 3:54 Jag rear with inboard brakes, Spax coilovers, pin drive wheels with wired knockoff hub nut. Best of everything used, as this 427SC was completely assembled by the professionals at ERA. Delivered turnkey, ready to drive. Done right, no excuses, subtle but can be very loud and very fast. Has 4,100 miles. Had oil service, fresh tune and valve adjustment 100 miles ago. Email for more information and pictures. Price is a very reasonable $47,500. If you have looked at the ERA website and looked at other ERA 427SCs, this 427 sideoiler version is everything you would want at the right price. Contact the owner Bill Kraft at (800)387-5397 ext 20 days, and (716)553-0989 at most other times. Email: BillK@Kraftwerks.net
Lockport, New York
28 January

[Chaplin]

I also saw that ad for ERA 404. Seems to go to be true. If it is legit and there are no problems with it, it won't last long. . . Too bad he didn't post any pictures of it on cobracountry

[Jeff Frigo]

I’ve been holding back on this one, but I can't resist anymore. There is one big difference between the two cars:

Nearly all of the money spent on the ERA comes from and stays here in the states. Well over half of the money that goes into an SPF goes back to South Africa.

I know there are a lot of things that can't be bought from the US, but when I get a chance, I would rather support our country than somebody else’s country, especially ones that are subsidized by their government.

I do believe in the World Economy, but only when it is conducted on a level playing field. Won't be long before we see cars (not Cobras I hope) coming out of China.

Let the flames begin!!

[decooney]

a quick guess on ERA 404 pricing would be...

1) its a street version, a bit different than an SC version. Attracts a slightly different crowd of buyers and interest. Still very cool though in my book.

2) some people choose to price their Cobras fair and realisiticly in today's market and economy (possibly a motivated seller?) Usable cash is king "today", not one year from now or never.

Someone said it, "its low" and we're talking about it, which is good for the seller. Looks like the owner's strategy worked. IMHO Someone who is looking for this type of Cobra will get a nice car for the money if all mechanicals and the build quality checks out OK.

[Excaliber]

Price! Your suggestion that somehow there is a "tie" bewteen price and quality often does fit in the Cobra world. Some are ridiculously high priced, others APPEAR to be a "good buy". SPF and ERA prices do seem pretty steady compared to others.

"Street" car setup, yeah, I can see that lowering the price somewhat. Smaller pool of buyers, might be a good buy for someone looking for that. Not for me, I want the S/C look all the way, as I suspect most of us do. While I still admire that street look!

That Cobra in Hawaii listed on CobraCountry,,,,,,,,in my opinion,,,,,will never bring near that asking price from someone who has even a little knowledge of Cobras. A recent sale of a Hi-Tech car here, which was NOT in great shape sold quickly in the low $40's. Now THAT surprised me, so what do I know!

Ernie

[Buzz]

$47.5K is a decent price for a good sideoiler equipped ERA. Even though it's a street version, the seller is willing to include a roll bar w/template and adding quick jacks & sidepipes wouldn't cost much. Many SC type replicas (and probably a few converted originals) have the street style dash so that shouldn't be a deterrent.

[frankym]

about the comment about dollars diverted from US to SA: First off, the reality is that ERA operates beyond it's capacity with excess demand not capable of being fulfilled by ERA. So until ERA expands capacity to a point where they have cars unsold, there is no dollar being diverted away from America. Secondly, taxes paid on the purchase of either car are paid to our state governments (if owned and registered in the US). A significant portion of both cars prices reside in the drivetrains which always bring in US workers and craftmen. Thirdly, ERAs and SPFs are high end cars, and do not have substitutes in other US manufactured cobra replicas. This is fact, there are 3 or more tiers of quality, price etc for every manufactured goods. Toyota isn't selling cars to people that are considering a BMW 740, since ERA and SPF are near perfect substitutes, the purchase of an SPF doesn't sacrifice the sale of another make of cobra.

In many cases, a Honda accord purchased here in the US employs more US man hours than many US cars, so buying American isn't what it once was, this is truly a global economy. All for keeping jobs within the US, but in order for a free market economy, there has to be free and unrestrained trade with other nations. There are benefits to specialization and if a country posesses a peculiar and unique skill or process, it is more profitably for that country and a lot cheaper for other nations to outsource making for a greater good. If we can't be competitive, we do a disservice to free trade by creating subsidies for inefficiency. Maybe a little tangential but thought it was worth considering, just my 0.02 cents, all that it is.

[PANAVIA]

Originally Posted by frankym

First off, the reality is that ERA operates beyond it's capacity with excess demand not capable of being fulfilled by ERA.

Case in point:, I tried to get ERA to quote me and they couldn't do it. I tried several times and I think they only have 1 guy at ERA that quotes cars.

Sooooo....I found a new, uncompleted SPF at a dealer that someone had to bail out of the contract on and got a great deal. --car is shipping shortly.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by PANAVIA

Case in point:, I tried to get ERA to quote me and they couldn't do it. I tried several times and I think they only have 1 guy at ERA that quotes cars.

Yep, if you want a new ERA you're going to have to wait. But, there are a lot of us out there that patiently waited a long time for our name to finally rise to the top of the list and continue to be very pleased that we did.

[RICK LAKE]

Panavia Sorry you feel that ERA was not responding to you. It takes about 1 year to get an ERA car. ERA cars are NOT MASS PRODUCTED, like some other in the market. ERA sells 80% of it's cars from word of mouth through thier customers. ERA has a 90 day waiting time even before your name is put in the system. This is even after you give your deposit to them. ERA is the standard that all other cobra replicas are measured. Quality, fit and finish, what special equipment you want in your car,( out board brakes for the rearend on a Jag rearend, power steering, any Ford motor and trans combo you want, supercharged with the correct twin setup). The list goes on. I'm not saying that the other companies can't do this. The resale value on an ERA is higher than any other car but a Shelby with a CSX number. ERA is only going to build about 1,200 cars total, that's it. GT-40 cars will be about the same number as the total built from Shelby. ERA completes about 3 cars a week total not 15-20 like other companies. If you poll 100 owners of ERA cars, that have waited the year to get there car, 99 out of 100 will say it was worth the wait and very happy about the final product. There are cars in the low 100 numbers that still look like they where just built. Good luck with your SPF car and the build. Rick L ERA owner and very happy.

[JWheaton]

Originally Posted by PANAVIA

Case in point:, I tried to get ERA to quote me and they couldn't do it. I tried several times and I think they only have 1 guy at ERA that quotes cars.

Sooooo....I found a new, uncompleted SPF at a dealer that someone had to bail out of the contract on and got a great deal. --car is shipping shortly.

Wow -- you really dug deep to find this thread to post your first comment on Club Cobra. This thread had been dormant for 5 years!

Seems that you got the car that you wanted and best fit your needs in the end. Enjoy driving it!

[Chaplin]

I find it hard to believe that Peter could not give a quote on a car. If you know Peter, you know he never misses an opportunity to make a sale

In any event, that is the difference between ERA and SPF. Think of ERA more as a family owned custom build shop and SPF like one of the OEM manufacturers with a vast network dealers. Dealing with each has its plusses and minuses. As far as ERA goes, the only minus I can think of is that it does take time to get your car, but the end product is more than worth the wait. But if you are one of those people that "gotta have it NOW", than SPF is the way to go.

Enjoy your SPF, they too are nice cars!