Tom T.- You're right. As SAI sells Kirkhams, that won't happen. I suggest we end the thread. You are right.

"bullpoople"

Damn it Tom, I missed the class where they explained the use of that term. I was thinking of some other phrases for a response here...:LOL:

Well the "glass" guys take flack all the time (to long, to short, perky butt, to thin, to heavy, to whatever), so it's kinda nice to see a discussion on the "metal" virtues! Refreshing!

Ernie

Ron,

I think I learned it in real property, from the late, great, little orator, Jerome Curtis. May he rest in peace.

TT

Tom

I'm still grappling with Burby's (my property prof) explanation of the rule against perpetuities.:LOL:

Well I am now depressed. I had almost made up my mind to go with Backdraft and hardly anyone placed them high on their list. I guess I have to keep looking................ and saving.

Heck I want a Classic Roadster and I wouldn't put IT on the list! The MOST accurate is a real short list after all.

You don't always get what you want (a 1964 CSX2000 series car).
But you get what you need (Classic Roadster with a little room).
Or in your case, Back Draft, which I understand is a great car!

Ernie

My car is the most accurate replica of a Unique 289FIA in the country at this particular time..... It is an exact copy of the one before it and the one after it.. A perfect replica of a Unique.:3DSMILE:

Someone said above that they all look like cobras just some look a little more original than others. Then again no two original Cobras looked exactly alike.

Unless you are a money is no object person then you buy what will not break the bank and give you the most satisfaction. If you are long legged, with very little mechanical ability and about $30k to spend the Backdraft is a great car. It compares well to cars that cost more and does have a uniue suspension setup that works really well.

I chose a Hunter for several reasons
#1 affordability
#2 Aluminum Corvette IRS
#3 Robust frame
#4 16 gauge steel floorpan
#5 Hand laid Body that is real close to a 427street body(does have the SC hood scoop, rollbar, sidepipes just not the lip on the rear fenders)
#6 Randy Hunter is a great guy


I have had many people look at my car while it is around other brands of Cobra replicas and had comments that it looked different so was it a real one? They could not put their finger on what made it look different but they sometimes say it looks smaller. I think it is the DIY paint job that is not mirror shiney and smooth so some think it is a older car. I kind of like it.

If I had the money to buy any cobra kit out there and finish it like I wanted it would be a Kirkham with a 427 and a toploader. But I have a beer budget and I love my car.

Remember they all are replicas including the new SAI cars.

Well,,,,,,,,Wether or not the SAI cars (with the exception of the "glass" cars) are a replica or a continuance car could be (has been) hotly debated!

I consider them genuine Shelby Cobras, not "replicas" at all. In fact, there are one of two "standards" by which to gauge the originality of other Cobras. The first being, of course, the 1962 to 1967 Cobras. The biggest thing they have in common with each other? Carol Shelby built them!

Ernie

[quote]Originally posted by aumoore

Then again no two original Cobras looked exactly alike.

Just waiting for someone who knows.....


Thanks aumoore

Ernie, in my 19 years of manufacturing, including machine shop experience, I would venture to say that a "handmade" Kimmons body does not make a car more accurate or better than a machine made, and I would imagine, hand finished Kirkham. It is probably more expensive to produce though.

This does not mean to take anything away from the Kimmons body as I understand are quite nice.

The consistency and quality of modern machine presses, etc. help to significantly decrease part to part variablility, which ensures consistency. As a side benefit, cost is normally less, which to me is very important.

Bets Regards,

Keith

Pretty late to this thread, but I would have to say that the most accurate replica was the continuation Mk 3 that was offered by AC cars in 1996 - 97 and imported as rollers by David Wagner.

These cars were made by the original company, in England, on many of the same body bucks as the '60's cars. Some of the original craftsmen were still there. Almost completely hand made.

I don't know if they are still available, but I inquired about one before I decided on my Kirkham, and was quoted the sum of 65,000 pounds sterling (about $105,000 US) for a roller. Curiously, during the Brian Angliss/David Wagner days, (only a few years earlier) this same roller could be had for about $53,000 US. Beautiful car, though not as practical (relatively speaking) as the Kirkham due to a somewhat thinner body.

My .02 cents worth.

Bud:JEKYLHYDE :JEKYLHYDE

Ha ha, that made me laugh, he he!!!

As far as I see it the CSX 4000's while "replicas" in the sense they duplicate or clone the original exactly (applying the dictionary definition) they are also unique in the fact that they are Cobras.

As a "Cobra" each CSX 4000 is PERFECT AS BEING A COBRA. BECAUSE THEY ARE COBRAS. Same as the originals ie.. each perfect as being a Cobra.

As far as the "replicas" which iare not "Cobras" being the most accurate it would have to be the Hi Tech cars. I do not count Kirkhams since in my mind they are the "AC" of the modern Shelby Cobra and therefore qualify as a "Cobra" in my mind (blood brother- thats my personal view). After Hi Tech probably the Hawk replicas out of England are next then ERA.

My opinion.

Medusa ain't got her own chassis yet, but what a body!


[IMG]http://www.clubcobra.com/photopost/d...ge_body_ad.jpg[/IMG]



[IMG]http://www.clubcobra.com/photopost/d...83vserpent.jpg[/IMG]


[IMG]http://www.clubcobra.com/photopost/d..._05_1_-med.jpg[/IMG]

Real 1
Very interesting comparing the Kirkham to an AC vs a Shelby car. I never thought of it that way, but you can make a strong case for it.

Ernie

quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by Excaliber


I understand the Kimmons is "hand made? Thus, more expensive? But does that constitute more accurate or better in some way?

Ernie
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


3 pictures are worth 3000 words:
#1
http://www.clubcobra.com/photopost/s...t=1&thecat=500
#2
http://www.clubcobra.com/photopost/s...t=1&thecat=500
#3
http://www.clubcobra.com/photopost/s...t=1&thecat=500

A Kimmins has a much softer patina to the finish than a Kirkham. This is because it is neccesarily softer aluminum. Also, unlike a McClusky or Kirkham, the gorgeously shaped hood scoop is aluminum, not aluminum painted or black fiberglass. A Kimmins has a Shelby frame. If I post too much I will enrage the Kirkhamistas, so I will stop there. Judge the photos for yourself.

...the more accurate replica would have a fiberglas scoop.

Bolte,

It's painful, but you got it bring it out, good, bad, ugly or whatever. We will just have to "deal with it". Heck you know most of us all ready have our loyalties lined up one way or another. So lets shake it up! I've heard about the glass hood scoop thing, and this after all, about "originality" more than what "looks best". :rolleyes:

I can see where a machine made body would be cheaper (huge benefit) and be more consitent (nice). But theres something pretty cool about "hand made" and no two being the same. Kinda like the originals?

Ernie