Cobra "wish list" for buying!

Excaliber · #1 (**permalink**) 02-12-2003, 10:55 AM

I'm shopping! Looking for some feed back, thoughts on what I need to do to "modify" my "list". Or a "reality" check on what it will cost to get what I want!

Observations:

302's don't sell as well as 351's. Chevy's don't sell as well as Ford engine based Cobras. Automatic trans doesn't sell as well as stick shift. Longer wheel base, wider body styles, dont' sell as well as "period" correct cars. "Custom" frames don't sell as well as known builders. IRS is more desirable than live axle, BUT price becomes a big issue here!

IF the car is VERY nice with 302, stick, live axle and the "regular" stuff it will sell in the ball park of 20's to 30's thousand.

IF the car is a "turnkey" by a recognized builder and has at least a 351 30 to 40's. Over 40's it gonna need a big block. Over 50's it better have a 427SO OR be an FIA that is "correct".

What I want: Classic Roadster (I do WANT to be correct, but I also WANT a daily driver with some ROOM) with a 351, IRS, stick shift, soft top with side curtains, and a "stripe". Red with white stripe is preferred.

Options I would "like": Leather Interior, chrome roll bar, NOT chrome side pipes, front and rear "hoops" or "bumpers" of some kind. Tilt wheel, racing harness (5 point), BOLT ON 16" wheels (17 is OK). NOT some "goofy" not even close to correct wheels, they GOT to be "close" to "correct".

And I want all this for 30 to 40K (still looking, lol)!

If I buy "used" and DON'T get what I want I WILL spend the additional money to make it "right" at some point, or get discouraged and sell the car (THATS what happened to the Excal)! SO, I suspect I will have to have one built to my specs.

Ernie

I "blew it" when I didn't jump on a JBL that met MOST of the above specs for mid 30's!

HIQ · #2 (**permalink**) 02-12-2003, 11:48 AM

Classic Roadster is not a "Popular" brand here at CC. How did you come up with it?

Blake Olson · #3 (**permalink**) 02-12-2003, 11:48 AM

Ernie,

you should buy Ren Man's car. that little 289 (323HP) is EXTREMELY STRONG!

and with the drop floor pans, plenty of leg room (similar to a B&B).

No detail was overlooked on that snake..

just my .02.

blake

Ron61 · #4 (**permalink**) 02-12-2003, 12:59 PM

Ernie,

Look at the picture of my car. It was built off a Classic Roadster mold. I don't have the original type roll bar, (my choice) and I have a bright white with a bright red stripe, just the opposite of what you want. I have the hoops and bumpers front and rear. If you wnat some other pictures of it to get an idea of how they look let me know and I will see if I can't find a couple to send. I like the white because of the red dirt we have here. It can be filthy and not show. On my red car you can see this dust from two blocks away. I also have chrome side pipes which was my choice and I don't have the original style collectors. Another of my ideas as I wanted my car to be different and was not at all concerned about it being taken for an original. I was surprised when some woman asked me what kind of Volks Wagen it was. HA !!

Ron

snakeeyes · #5 (**permalink**) 02-12-2003, 04:17 PM

Ernie,

FYI, you've probably seen it, but there is a white/red stripe CR with an injected 302 for sale on Cobra Country right now for $32K...

Bob

p.s., I concur on Ren Man's Cobra, it is a beautiful and extremely well-detailed car--

Excaliber · #6 (**permalink**) 02-12-2003, 07:01 PM

HIQ,,,Why a Classic Roadster? Room and quality of "build". I like the thick glass body (hate the extra weight though). Also they are fairly straight forward with the parts used to build them. Buying parts for some "off the wall" suspension, for instance, can be a nightmare! Iwant shocks, brakes, engine parts, etc. that I can EASILY find on the net or at NAPA! I like 'em, and in the end thats all that counts, lol.

Renmans car is TOTALLY awesome, and YES I would take a 302 in a package like that! BUT, rear drum brakes, no soft top and 4 speed. I want a 5 speed, 4 wheel disc. At 40K he is at the very TOP of the sales curve, not much room to "add" the components I want at that price. But.........it is tempting!

Ron61, I have looked at your car several times now, not sure why it doesn't "reach out and grab me". Maybe I need more specs, seems like "something" was missing? Soft top? 15" rubber? I forget! Send me an e-mail! If the price is right I could "add" the stuff I want I guess.

I check out Cobra Country quite often. I see there are a couple of CR's listed. One looked "right",,,,,,alas,,,,SOLD!

OK, IRS with coil overs. Tubular A arms up front (coil overs). 4 wheel disc. Balanced on all four wheels, near zero bump steer. I want "killer" suspension!

Ernie

dscott · #7 (**permalink**) 02-12-2003, 07:31 PM

excaliber, I have a CR I'm thinking about selling. It has most of what you want. It's red with white stripe. Hardtop, no softop. 427 center with dual quads, toploader 4 speed, 9" rear. Coilovers up front. Black leather, correct AC wheel with tilt. Chrome roll bar, harnesses, bumperettes. Totally wrong wheels with new Dunlop tires. New Jethot sidepipes. Give me a call for more details. Should be able to get what you want upgraded and still be in your price range.
Don 1-888-722-6272

ohekk · #8 (**permalink**) 02-12-2003, 08:01 PM

Ernie,

"DLS" here at Club Cobra had a red/white Excalibur he was thinking of selling. He did some nice suspension mods and converted from EFI to carb. Nice car! You may try an email to him.

Tom

Excaliber · #9 (**permalink**) 02-12-2003, 08:05 PM

Thanks for the tip, I will e-mail him! I just figured a Classic Roadster was the "next best thing"! I really won't be surprised that in the end I will have to have a car "built" for me to get the specs I want!

Can't e-mal DLS, if anyone can contact him have him send me an e-mail with specs on the car.

What other manufacturers make a "big" Cobra?

Ernie