Buying Cobra (HELP) So many decisions - Page 2

Smokingcobra2 · #1 (**permalink**) 02-12-2008, 03:44 PM

And people here in the states want nationalized medicine. Now you see where the money comes from TAXES TRIPLED on everything.
Cheaper for you to move here.
joeg

JTD · #2 (**permalink**) 02-13-2008, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smokingcobra2

And people here in the states want nationalized medicine. Now you see where the money comes from TAXES TRIPLED on everything.
Cheaper for you to move here.
joeg

Not everyone wants socialized medicine...just the slackers

Dangerous Doug · #3 (**permalink**) 02-12-2008, 05:57 PM

First of all, any Cobra owner is more than likely to tell you that you need to buy the same brand Cobra he/she has purchased. That's just human nature.

By the way, you need to buy an ERA.

That out of the way, I see your budget is $35k. I'd say that pretty much pushes the big block or small block question over to small block, as those FE's are mighty expensive to buy and maintain.

Many Cobras when built from a kit quickly rack up to be about a $50k investment. I recommend looking at the used market for a Contemporary or a Factory Five Racing Cobra with a small block and a 5-speed (I'm thinking you'd want to squeeze out as many miles as possible out of that litre of petrol over there). There are a LOT of FFR Cobras on the used market. Sometimes you can pick up a kit that someone had started but never finished and get a good deal.

Take a look at 427 Cobra Country--Ford AC Cobra replica manufacturers SUPER-SITE and see if there is anything to your liking. Check on the cost of shipping overseas. I've known of guys that have purchased Cobras sight unseen and have had help from the Club Cobra crew getting the car picked up and shipped. You've found the right place.

Dangerous Doug

Excaliber · #4 (**permalink**) 02-12-2008, 06:19 PM

Thats solid advice Doug (get an ERA).

No really, a small block in something like an FFR is not only affordable within this budget it WILL be much easier to maintain and if it's done right won't be to bad on the gas mileage. But it wont be 30 years old.

You know, my friend is going to sell his Excalibur in the near future for around 30-35K. Now THAT would make a nice ride, easy to get parts for, easy on gas and built very strong. Whoa, shipping from Hawaii to Ireland might put a damper on that plan.

treblig · #5 (**permalink**) 02-12-2008, 07:40 PM

I bought a shell valley and their quailty is not there. Sand that was painted into the 9" housing, two days work, the off set is wrong on one side by .010 meaning that I have to trim the outside pad, the front sup. is not OEM mustang 2, had to caluate angles, scrude angle, IC CG to see what side I should adjust.

just not there, should of bought a ERA, kicking myself for not doing so. You get what you pay for!!!! Beat me, chastirate me but people need to know what is out there. good luck

WarrenG · #6 (**permalink**) 02-13-2008, 12:43 AM

BTW-I didn't think most US built Cobras could meet the UK SVA standards.

Donal407 · #7 (**permalink**) 02-13-2008, 03:13 AM

this is true, the car just needs to titled over 30 years ago, it dosnt matter when it was actually built, also I was wondering can any point me in the right direction for a shipping company who Would ship from USA

Rickd · #8 (**permalink**) 02-13-2008, 08:23 AM

Donal. Three years ago I bought a used Unique FIa car with a 302 and 5 speed T5 in it. Jag rear (inboard brakes). The car was registered in South Carolina as a 1965 Ford. I paid $29K for it and put $4K into engine modifications (aluminum heads etc).427 Cobra Country--Ford AC Cobra replica manufacturers SUPER-SITE is a great web site for tracking down used cobras in the USA. Each state has different registration regulations and some will register the car as the year that the car replicates, so it is possible to buy a recent replica build that has been titled somewhere as a 1965 Ford. You might even talk to Curt Scott at CobraCountry and ask if you can place a "car wanted" ad, outlining what you are looking for. There are a lot of people who monitor Cobra Country with the idea of listing and selling their car, but just don't, for some reason. I would bet you would get a bunch of replies. Good luck. Rick Durkin, Miami, FL.

Excaliber · #9 (**permalink**) 02-13-2008, 10:11 AM

Well good luck with that 1965 title thing. Sounds like a good idea, if it works, big surprise if it doesn't. People DID go to jail in Calif, some are still there, for fraud when trying to use a 1965 title on a Cobra clearly built after that date.

Norway wasn't going for it either, maybe Ireland is different...

Donal407 · #10 (**permalink**) 02-25-2008, 02:44 PM

Well our Local Authorities are not very well up on there stuff as classic cars are few and far between , Prob cause we dont get great weather dosnt help. Im goin to give it a try. Any all advice appricated

Ronbo · #11 (**permalink**) 02-25-2008, 03:14 PM

Perhaps you can skirt some of the taxes by purchasing "components" and assembling the car there.

I can't see you getting much beyond a clunker with your budget. The boat ride, taxes and import duty leaves a little over $20k.

Also some states here allow the car to be titled by engine date if the car lacks a chassis #. You'd have to check on "home built" cars. If some plans can be had you could have a local welder build the frame.

I feel your pain, our 2nd "tea party" is long over due in the US...