Which Company makes "best" replica?

[Excaliber]

FFR certainly is the best bang for the buck. I heard a rumor they have lowered the rear end on the most recent models to address the 'perky butt' syndrome. Is this true?

[bdeutsch]

having said this and recognizing that budget drives the ultimate decision...

Shelby
Kirkham
ERA

Bob

[aspenbubba]

I have seen only a few of the many brands out there mentioned. I agree with the concensus of the top brands but I do not consider Factory Five to be the most bang for the buck. It is essentially a kit car that needs a donor. The quality is dependent on who builds it.

Superformance is a turnkey minus of good quality and in the same category is Backdraftracing which is priced approx 8-10 grand less. It doesn't include a top or side curtains (but who drives these in the rain anyhow?).If you are tall (over 6'2" ) then the BDR would certainally be a car that you should consider with its' 92" wheel base.

I think that a good question to ask current owners is "if you had to do it all over again, which car would you choose?"

[franklin]

Kirkham
Kirkham
Kirkham

I've also built a non donor very nice Factory Five. Kirkhams do cost more, but when you truely compare piece to piece they are hands down the best quality for your buck!
JMHO

[Rosco]

I would also look at Unique as the Weavers are great to deal with....

Real Happy with my Unique 427 and received many compliments on the looks...

Just my $.02....

[jperickson2001]

"I do not consider Factory Five to be the most bang for the buck. It is essentially a kit car that needs a donor. The quality is dependent on who builds it."-Aspenbubba

Check again, Factory Five Raceing has "Donorless Kits" now. For those of you that view the word "donor" as a dirty word this is now a non-issue. If you are reasonably competent with a wrench and a screwdriver and can follow instructions you can assemble a quality car. If you are not up to the challenge get a ready made car. Both can be fun. -John

[RedBarchetta]

I used two primary criteria when I decided to take the plunge:

1. Could I fit in it reasonably comfortable (I'm 6'3")?
2. Buy the most Cobra that I could afford.

Superformance ended up being the best match to both of those, and I ended up buying pre-owned. An outstanding market for that today...

-Dean

[bulletbrown]

One tip is to look at the drive train carefully to make sure it is up to the power of a 427 FE . Some come with BMW rear ends , it can not last long under the torgue of a large motor. Next are the brakes , how are you going to drive it street , track ? Some kits come up short in this department. AS they say it cost more to do it over than to do it right the 1st time.

[Danr55]

If you can find one, Contemporary is about as good as they come.

[Got the Bug]

Pretty much ditto what Dean said. I'm 6' 2" and found that the seat position of the SPF with the rails removed (seat bolted down and moved as far back as possible) was perfect for me. I only test drove an FFR and and the SPF before deciding to go with the SPF.

[1985 CCX]

My $0.02: (order in my opinion)

Kirkham
Shelby American
Contemporary = to ERA ( I am partial)
SPF
FFR with IRS
Unique Motorcars (Weavers are great folks)

[fkemmerer]

Take a look at ERA. They build a very authentic car. Especially if you are looking at a 427 Big Block roadster. I am in the progress of working with ERA on a 427SC and I'm very please with their cars and the work that they are doing.

- Fred

[Tom of VA]

I own a Superformance with an FE and love it. But if they all cost the same I'd pick a Kirkham. I know two guys that have Kirkhams and the quailty goes beyond the aluminun body. A better car than the original.

[1985 CCX]

kzof

Who makes aluminum Continuation CSX4000 cars? Sounds like KMS?

[saltytri]

Originally Posted by 1985 CCX

kzof

Who makes aluminum Continuation CSX4000 cars? Sounds like KMS?

Correct. Whatever his other faults, Ol' Shel is smart enough to use the Kirkham chassis and body.

[patrickt]

It's very simple....

If you want to fool yourself, or others, in to believing "it is real," then CSX.

If aluminum is important to you, then Kirkham.

If you can wait, then ERA.

Otherwise, SPF.

If you can not afford an SPF, then investigate the myriad of others.

[PANAVIA]

Superformance if you want a car now. ERA if you can wait.

[Anthony]

What a great thread. It's about time someone finally asks this question.

first off, whatever you want, buy it used, unless you want a specific color/make, engine,etc.

You have to understand that the reason there are replica's, and I mean that in a sense that the parts are not interchangeable with the original design, is that to produce a cobra identical to the original is usually more expensive than using "off the shelf" parts that are used also for other automobiles. Replica's are really a compromise to the original design, using a different chassis set-up because it is cheaper, and some are cheaper than others. Maybe it's not as good as the original, maybe better, maybe it doesn't matter to you, you need to make that detrmination.

If you want original spec, then CSX4000 and kirkham are your choices. CSX4000 also has the cheaper fiberglass option with the original spec chassis. Aluminum does dent, easily in fact. Although the current Kirkham/aluminum CSX4000 car bodies are stronger than the original, it's still aluminum.

All other cobra's are compromises of the original design, again some good, maybe some not as good. All companies all there to sell you a car, i.e. make money, not necessarily the best designed product, but maybe the best for the money, maybe not.

Have fun, and whatever you do, don;t ruffle anybody's feathers.

[ENTDOC]

OK, I will bite.

1. Csx 4000 aluminum car

2.Kirkham

3. CSX fiberglass car

4. ERA

5. SPF

6. Unique

7. FFR (if new body style is available)

8. the above are "money not in the equation" picks

[PatBuckley]

Good answer, Chuck - I agree with the ranking but I do not think that the Shelby cars are replica's.