Why don't we like the CSX 7000 Continuation series?

[maxom]

Hi everyone,
as part of my research for buying a CSX or SPf, I have had a lot of people advising me to not buy a CSX 7000 continuation series (except for Allan). These cars are rare and it seems like that they would be more popular. Can anyone explained to me why?

[4pipes]

I can't keep track of the numbers, what's a 7000 car and how is it different from all the other late vintage Shelby's?

[maxom]

In this case I'm talking about the 289 FIA CSX 7000 series.

[4pipes]

I went over to the Shelby site and saw that they offer that car in both fiberglass and aluminum. If the aluminum car is based on a Kirkham roller, I would think that would be a great car to own.

[maxom]

It's not an aluminium car.

[4pipes]

Never mind .

[Power Surge]

You can get them in glass or aluminum, just like 4000 cars. They are VERY beautiful cars. I don't believe they are uncommon in CSX form, they are just uncommon because it's a different car. Most people like the 427 car. The FIA is a hot little car, but it's also smaller, with less interior room, so that's something to keep in mind. Also, some people don't care for the front facing roll bar, small 17 gallon fuel tank, etc, etc. The FIA is an acquired taste.

[PatBuckley]

Originally Posted by maxom

Hi everyone,
as part of my research for buying a CSX or SPf, I have had a lot of people advising me to not buy a CSX 7000 continuation series (except for Allan). These cars are rare and it seems like that they would be more popular. Can anyone explained to me why?

To try and answer your question.....I think the reason people don't like them is right in front of you - the 427! Better looking, faster, did I say better looking? Because of this, they also enjoy better resale value.

[Rickd]

It isn't a comparison of CSX or Superformance, but preferance for 427 vs 289FIA style. Depends on what you like about cobras. To me personally the 289 IS the cobra - that's what was sold first to the public and that is THE team car that Shelby raced and won the World Mfg. Championship with. I first saw it when all of the car mags did write ups in '64 (the famous 'yellow' 260 that was painted a different color for each test drive). Personally, I belive it is the best looking cobra ever built, whether it's an FIA or a slab side. I had a Unique FIA, sold it, and have a new ERA FIA in the works. So it's what YOU prefer. FIA's are built by Shelby, Kirkham, ERA and Unique, and apparently FFR is planning one. There are more 427's definitely built by those that offer both. Probably a 3:1 margin.

[RACER X #99]

Most nubies want a 427 because that is what they have been exposed to over the years with the constant bigger is better BS. I have a couple of friends that have both a 427 and a FIA with the 427 being bought first. Now both of these guys have the 427 sitting and collecting dust while they drive the FIA cars.
Lets face it the 427 was a decent engine 40 years ago and the small block Cobras were only puny 289's but todays bigger small blocks just dominate those lazy 427's. Funny how today's Big blocks have to be almost 500 cubes to compete with the 400ci small blocks.

Nothing wrong with a 427 street cruiser for shows and impressing the nubies but the guys who want to drive fast seem to prefer the big cube small blocks. Plus it goes perfect in a 289FIA body.

[ERA2188]

Those "cars produced in Poland" are incredible works of art. The Kirkham's are fanatics about quality and innovative engineering concepts to produce stronger, higher quality "replicas" of every component used to build those cars. They were amazed by the quality capabilities of the Mig plant in Poland which led to the innovative arrangement to have their aluminum bodies manufactured there. Shelby has the name and obviously the history, and put together the car concept we are all attracted to - but no one has ever built an aluminum roadster of consistent quality matching the Kirkhams. They set the bar the highest it's been set in the cobra arena. RD

[WarrenG]

Last time I checked, the CSX 7000 and 8000 cars cost more than the 4000 series. They also came with the old transverse leaf suspension instead of the 427 coil over. Either one or both of those could be a large part of the greater popularity for the 427. IMHO the 289 cars, FIA or slabside, are both better looking cars than the 427.

[LMH]

I like the FIA body better than the 427 body. Just my opinion of course. What you're going to get into with an FIA is the uninformed person, who's going to ask you if it has a big block. It will get old after a while.
My advice, buy which ever one you like the best. It's your car/money.
Larry

[Excaliber]

I could see myself in an FIA. A small block does it have it's good points, and that is the ONLY body style I would feel comfortable having one in. Plus, I rather like the grill/mouth opening and the forward braced roll bar. Many of the 427 cars also come with a 17 gallon tank, as far as that goes. What 'got old' for me was someone asking if my 427 body style Excalibur had a big block (302 inside)!

...and rumor has it the FIA's have more room without carpet.

[jay bentley]

Are the csx 7000 aluminum cars the ones with the front fenders that were not done to original spec.?

[FIA Mike]

Having owned an ERA 289 FIA car (ERA 2047) I prefer the FIA car over the 427. One reason I bought the FIA was that unlike the 427 the FIA sidepipes are tucked under the rocker panels. It is nearly impossible to burn your calf on a FIA sidepipe when you get out of the car. When I bought my FIA I had small children and did not want them to get a sidepipe "snake bite". Additonally, I like high reving motors (to me 7000 rpms through FIA sidepipes is a GREAT sound). But you miss out on the low end torque that the 427 has. So like others have said it is all a matter of personal taste. Either way choose one a enjoy it.

FIA Mike

[A-Snake]

Originally Posted by jay bentley

Are the csx 7000 aluminum cars the ones with the front fenders that were not done to original spec.?

Jay, the 8000 series front flares are slightly rounded without the crisp edge of an original.


Compare to this:

[Allan A]

Randy,

You can see the front fender in this photo, the aluminum cars are much less curved. Also the back end on a aluminum car just does not grap me for some reason.

[bdeutsch]

Have done pretty exhaustive research on both the CSX 4000 and CSX 7000 series models and when I am ready to pull the pin, will likely opt for the CSX 7000 series.

Some quick notes:

1. Base price for the CSX 7000 series is about $20k more than the current price of a CSX 4000. To my understanding, only HST is producing the CSX 7000 series in Fiberglass. Believe that a total of less than 60 CSX 7000's have been produced by Shelby (please do not hold me to this number, just something I remember being told by the dealer I am working with). Of note, I checked with Kirkham on their version of the 289FIA (which is a very nice car); at the time it would have to be ordered from their supplier. Not sure if this is still the case.

2. As pointed out in one of the earlier posts, rear suspension is different in the two models, as is of course the general configuration of the body itself and the appropriate engine. Also am partial to a small block fitted with Webbers (or appropriate facsimile).

3. While I believe that any Cobra is beautiful, personally like the lines of the 289FIA with exhausts exiting immediately in front of the rear wheels. There was a beautiful example for sale on this forum some time ago. Car was located in Colorado and just about the perfect car...just too far away from me to do anything about.

Of note, it is also possible to purchase a CSX 4000 without the side exhaust cutouts; at least via the HST route. In theory, this would give you a 427 Street (which were real cars in the day).

Bob

[A-Snake]

Originally Posted by bdeutsch

2. As pointed out in one of the earlier posts, rear suspension is different in the two models,

Front and rear