Kirkham 289FIA vs. Unique 427

kingbone · #1 (**permalink**) 02-17-2003, 03:20 PM

I do not know exactly what it is, but I definately have a thing for 289FIA's. I currently own an awesome Unique 427 but I am considering jumping on one of these Kirkham 289 bodies for sale on Ebay. I know the resale for 289's is not as strong, but I love the look of the car and would love to own an aluminium car. Can anyone talk me out of this?

southernfriedcj · #2 (**permalink**) 02-17-2003, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by kingbone

Can anyone talk me out of this?

Not me!

Edley Rondinone · #3 (**permalink**) 02-17-2003, 05:30 PM

Kingbone, Buy the car YOU want to own and drive. Get the aluminum car YOU want, put in the motor YOU want the car to have, route the rollbar where YOU want it to go, and HAVE FUN!!!

KeithBrown · #4 (**permalink**) 02-18-2003, 05:34 AM

Kingbone,

I think you are right on. The 289 FIA looks great. Personally, I love the hybrid concept. With some less expensive parts, it makes aluminum a possibility for a lot of people. A 427 SO is great, but a 396 stroker is almost as strong, and a whole lot less $$$.

Go for it.

Regards,

Keith

4RE KLR · #5 (**permalink**) 02-18-2003, 03:27 PM

You can't go wrong with ANY Kirkham

Ferrari Killer
Steve Parks

David Kirkham · #6 (**permalink**) 02-19-2003, 08:41 AM

Steve,

I got your e-mail. I will get back to you on it. It seems like a great idea.

Thanks for the kind words. We work hard to make a nice product that people will want to own.

David

Cal Metal · #7 (**permalink**) 02-19-2003, 08:58 AM

Regarding the resale of the 289, we have never had any difficulty with the sale of our Unique 289s over the years. In two cases out of five, we sold them for more than we had invested.

Randy Resetar · #8 (**permalink**) 02-19-2003, 11:06 AM

I have owned 2 Unique cars, a 427 and my current FIA car. I love both cars and the Weavers. They build a great car and they are super people.
It's all about your budget. If I could step up to the next level and buy a Kirkham I would...RR

sambrozy · #9 (**permalink**) 02-19-2003, 11:14 AM

Just do it!

decooney · #10 (**permalink**) 02-19-2003, 11:27 AM

Kingbone,

being a previous owner of a Unique 427 SC, I'd say its not easy to talk anyone into selling their Unique; especially if you built it yourself and you like it. I reluctantly sold mine, and later recovered with my existing car.

Now if you are comparing your existing car to a new Kirkham 289 FIA, my first thought is these are completely different cars - in many different ways. It all depends on what you are looking for and what you expect from making the switch - if you decide to switch.

Is final cost a factor? Functional driving differences? Asthetics? Originiality? Want a small block instead? Have an itch to try something different? Want aluminum? So many variables when wondering... For me, how it drives is my #1 requirement, and looking at cost vs. function is important. One car might drive much better than the other - and a deciding factor, no matter what cost or increase. For you, it might be something completely different that motivates you to stay or switch. Just having downtime without a car for a while building the new one, is also another deciding factor to some people.

It seems to me that only you can answer this question for yourself based on what what motivates or excites you? Good Luck. Decisions Decisions...

Guinness · #11 (**permalink**) 02-19-2003, 02:16 PM

I would choose the ERA FIA over the Unique FIA, but both are great cars. I bought the Kirkham 427 (had to have aluminum) over the 289 because the coil spring ride was much nicer than the leaf spring ride and resale market seems to be better on the 427. The Kirkham hybrid 289 with coil springs is a vey nice car and worth considering. If money was no object I'd have 1 of each.

Bottom Line: Visit Kirkham Motorsports, I think you'll be sold also.

Jeff