Help spend my money!

super88 · #1 (**permalink**) 10-31-2003, 06:42 PM

I am finally ready to buy my cobra but it seems as though there are a lot of options out there. I know a little, but not much about the different manufactures and pro's/con's of the different cobinations of motor and drive-train. I am here in So Cal and have spent a good amount of time browsing your site...sometimes very funny...This is my first message to your little world and if there is anyone that is willing to give me info or just a hard time that would be great...I am looking for a weekend fun machine...I am a little concerned about the So Cal traffic and overheating with a BB. I am thinking it might make more sense to go with the 302, 351...etc...Not sure though. I have a budget of around 25 - 30k and want a car that is done...I don't have the time nor the expertise to build the car...I look forward to hearing from anyone...Thanks, Dave

ERA 626 · #2 (**permalink**) 10-31-2003, 06:46 PM

Look at Factory Five Racing...Great car and all set up for the 302.

Richard Hudgins · #3 (**permalink**) 10-31-2003, 06:55 PM

Super88,

As you stated that you are looking for a car already built, the following:

If you are looking for a new car I would recommend the BDR. It is right at your price point.

Backdraft Racing

If you are looking for used cars, just look at what is offered in the car for sale section located on this forum.

You might also check with House of Cobras HOC for used cars. They are quite close to you.

Hal Copple · #4 (**permalink**) 10-31-2003, 07:29 PM

wise people always suggest saving a little of the purchase price for the enevitable "upgrades" and modifications to any used car.

Personally, i have always liked the "lines" of the Midstates a lot, they look very real to me.

Tom T. · #5 (**permalink**) 10-31-2003, 07:32 PM

Richard,

You are one class act. Nobody else would helpfully direct someone to a competitor's product but you, me thinks. Good on ya.

TT

Doc · #6 (**permalink**) 11-01-2003, 05:09 AM

Dave
My suggestion is a good already built car or used. Their are many out their in your price range and they are great cars with all the bugs already worked out. Look in the cars for sale section here and on cobracountry.com
Good luck
Doc

4RE KLR · #7 (**permalink**) 11-01-2003, 07:22 AM

CowtownCobra · #8 (**permalink**) 11-01-2003, 01:29 PM

The market for used cobras is depressed right now. You should find plenty in your price range on E-BAY. But be aware that these ARE kit cars, and any particular car is the result of the skill of the builder. Good luck.

Excaliber · #9 (**permalink**) 11-01-2003, 01:41 PM

Mid States is pretty accurate all right! I've seen one here that is DARN close in appearance in and out.

I have no idea what they sell for or where to buy one!

Ernie

Tony Radford · #10 (**permalink**) 11-02-2003, 05:50 AM

Dave, since you are budget driven, I wouldn't get too caught up in the particular manufacturer. As some have suggested on this thread, the trick in buying a constructed car is finding one that was built well and is generally sorted out. I was really lucky when I bought my car (off of the Cobracountry.com site) in that it was built very well. I didn't have a clue as to what I should have been looking for, so it is imperative that you have your potential purchase looked over by someone who knows what to look for. $30-32K is a reasonable budget for a clean car. I think that as you drop below $30, you're pushing the envelope. Be patient and do it right! If you're like many of the rest of us, you'll never regret it!

grumpy · #11 (**permalink**) 11-02-2003, 06:59 AM

Cowtown,
There are "Kit" cars and there are "Replica" cars. That definition as applied by auto show judging comittees, SAAC, many insurance companies, and even many state registration authorities.
grumpy

Dwight · #12 (**permalink**) 11-02-2003, 07:26 AM

GO WITH THE 351. FIRST CAR A STOCK 351 WOULD BE GOOD. EASY TO UPGRADE THE MOTOR LATER.

CowtownCobra · #13 (**permalink**) 11-02-2003, 07:38 AM

Did I say "kit car"? Damn I hate that term. Musta been a brain fart...

super88 · #14 (**permalink**) 11-02-2003, 12:29 PM

I want to thank all of you who have taken the time to send your suggestions. I agree that I do not know what to look for when it comes to a good condition "kit". Is there a group out there that I can trust to go take a look at something? Anyway I have to get back to work taking donations for the Fire Relief here at California Speedway. If you would like to help please log onto CaliforniaSpeedway.com.

Thanks again,

Dave

A Snake · #15 (**permalink**) 11-02-2003, 02:18 PM

Also keep in mind, when you buy, resale value is a key element in the purchase. A poorly done car from any manufacturer is still junk, because it costs a young fortune to try fixing the mistakes.....which you may not discover until after you've bought it.

Others have said here, and I agree, find someone who is knowledgeable to give it a thorough going over. I've even seen Contemporarys like mine that were really hashed up by the builder.

I had a Contemporary and liked it a lot. It is not impossible in this slow market that you might find one near your price range. If not, I agree that Midstates makes a darn good piece. They're pretty heavy as Cobra kits go but that's because their bodies are thicker.

Last note.....and this is really important.... If you buy a car that DOES NOT have independent rear suspension, don't get the idea that it will handle like a Cobra and start pushing it. That will get you killed. In point of fact, many kits can be made to handle relatively well, but very few actually drive like a real Cobra. For that, you must have chassis AND suspension like an original. The less expensive kits do not typically have this. Frankly, the engine you choose is a lot less important than the car's ability to handle......and stop when you want it to.

My advice mirrors others here. Take your time finding a car and remember, they all resemble a Cobra from 50 feet away. Shiny paint doesn't make the car.

Al

G.R. · #16 (**permalink**) 11-02-2003, 10:56 PM

I know of a NAF 289 FIA that could probably be had for around12-15k, IF the owner will sell--it has sat uncompleted for several years--has a rebuilt 302, ford 8" solid diff, and what looks like a Mustang II front end, Tremac trans, Cobra type "Halibrand" wheels and BFG's, has leather seats and doorpanels, wiring looks complete but gauges need to be installed, body is mounted, doors, trunk, hood are off, but are there wraped in tarps, body is painted, there are boxes of parts with gauges, etc, sidepipes, rollbar and misc. parts and pieces. Looks like a lot of care was taken as far as the build goes, wiring is bundled, labeled, things are neat and tidy, not cobbled together

I have no idea if the engine runs or the cars condition mechanically, and I've no Idea about the quality of a NAF, they are now defunct as a builder as far as I know. The owner owns the hangar/warehouse one of my subs has rented for the last several years. Brad told me about the car and that the owner, at age 67, was selling out and moving out of state to warmer climes, and Brad was going to buy the building--Brad said the car has sat under tarps since he moved in and was hardly touched after his first year or so there--it is in a walled off section of the building--I've only seen it once and not for that long--I tried contacting the owner, and briefly talked with him--he said he would call me back but has not done so yet.

I'm not a mechanic either but IF the mechanicals are good, wouldn't take that much expertise to finish the car and it would be very affordable IF the owner would sell.