Who to go with?
 

Could I get some insight from some of you as to recommendations on who has the best kits, superior quality and service. My father is a major car enthusiast and I want to build a kit car with him. Thanks

How much you're willing to spend will help determine the choices.

Personally for a 'kit' I would check out ERA and Unique.
Rick

Good question
 

I am in my initial stages on investigating specific details. I have known that I wanted to do this for a long time. I am not as concerned with price as I am with quality. I am looking for a quality kit that provides quality parts and a very well organized outline. I have looked at the kits at both todaysclassic.com and team-c-racing.com. Please let me know where I should go. Thanks

Eroc:
You have just taken the first step on a long, slippery, agonizing, frustrating and ultimately totally satisfying slope.
Best advice is to go through the various segments of this site and get some initial feelings about the different kits from the posts and then investigate further.
ST has nailed one of the two PIMARY considerations that have to be nailed down. Money and Time. Once you have decided on these the rest becomes a bit easier.
DonC

Re: Good question
 

If what you say is true, then the options are simple.

My choices would be.

Fiberglass bodied.......E.R.A. or Shelby American
Aluminum bodied........Shelby American or Kirkham

What are the websites for these companies?

www.shelbyautos.com
www.kirkhammotorsports.com
www.erareplicas.com

Don't forget http://www.uniquemotorcars.com/

Rick

I really like unique's website. It looks very thorough and trustworthy. If you would, two more questions I have
1) Am I better off going with the 427? I kiind of like the 289 body better.
2) Give me a couple websites I can go to to look at motors and trannis.

Thank you guys very much!

Most importantly, do your research. There are many companies out there all with a different product. The more information you have going into this the better off you will be in the end. Good luck!

I have spoken in person to all the Weavers at Unique. Give them a call if you like. Very helpful people. Bob Putnam from ERA is lurking around here some where. Great guy. Dave and Tom Kirkham are also on here, another set of terrific guys. All have an outstanding reputation for quality and customer service. To me these cars represent three different price points. Hard to go wrong with them.

As for a 427 or 289? Your choice. 427 is more in demand but the FIA car is more unique.

Motors and trans. I hear lots of good about Southern Automotive. Seems to me Unique has a deal through Roush (another excellent shop). Trannies, try David Kee. There are many good shops around, this is just names I have heard over and over again....... and to the best of my recall, all positive.

Big decision with thousands of variables, take your time. There are MANY manufacturers out there. These are but a few. You stated you wanted a 'kit' so I purposely left out companies that normally deliver a 'turn key minus' or arrange to deliver a finished type of car. Although I am sure companies like Kirkhams (VERY nice) would accomidate your request. Many of the manufacturers will accomidate virtually any level of finish.

Companies like Unique and ERA have been around for a long time. Unique I think is going on its 28th year as a builder and was a restorer before that. My Unique (in my gallery), is over 18 years old. Not a single problem.

Try www.google.com or the search function here to find links and more information.

Rick

Rick, ST,

Many thanks for the kind words.

EROC777,

Good luck in your search.

Please let me know if we can help,

David:) :) :)

Rick, many of the motors in Unique cars are in fact sourced from Southern Automotive.

You don't mention Budget or outline any plans for usage. I wouldn't cut any of the manufacturers short with out doin my homework first. By "Kit" do you plan on doing the build yourself? Are you going to autocross, show or daily drive the car?
as was said above, this is the first step on a great journey. But do your homework grasshopper. many times we here tend to give you answers as to what we would do. Not necessarily what fits into your plans.

BTW, don't forget to check out Factory Five !!:D :D

Oh I'd also check out all teh manufacturer's forums too. Lot's of good info out there. Good Luck and good hunting!

Objectivity
 

Please post objective messages only as I am only in the information gathering stages. If I am to do this, it is going to be done right with the right company.

I am personally building many stages my ERA FIA car. I bought the car with the optional rear, had the frame powder coated & the body bonded to the frame. I have assembled the front suspension, Dash, Installed the rear assembly & have done all of the bodywork my self to this point. ERA does great work, the frame is a work of art, the welds are beautiful & so far everthing has mated up perfectly. I can't say enough about the product & the service they have provided me.

You want a KIT or Turn Key?
 

You are correct Mike. Kit? Turn Key? I think he said a kit, but getting most info on factory builts! Whatever.**)

Peace,
AJ

I decided on ERA this time around,and I am getting it complete except for finishing the interior and possibly the wiring.I have been through this once before(a Classic Roadsters) and enjoyed the experience.It was also an excellent car,and I had a great time building it with my then 8 year old daughter.I'm hoping to build a Factory Five with her in a couple years when she finishes college,as she is still car crazy like the old man.She had a ride in a Superformance a couple months ago,and is still talking about it!There has never been a better time to do a Cobra,simply because there is so much really good product to choose from.The differences can be subtle,so do take your time and enjoy the experience-it is every bit as much fun as the build.Do come and visit often at CC also !