Retained Value - Kits not in Production

[PaulProe]

I have only paid attention to kits and cars that are currently produced - shame on me.

Can anyone give me a quick education on kits that have ceased production over the years but are still desirable to own.

kits or completed replica Cobras, not originals

Thanks

Paul

[Three Peaks]

Probably the best examples are the cars that are most accurate to original specs. The two easiest ones to cite would be Hi Tech and Comtemporary.Both excellent cars and well built, relatively true to the originals in shape and design, good resale for both of them.


Bob

[767Jockey]

Originally Posted by PaulProe

I have only paid attention to kits and cars that are currently produced - shame on me.

Can anyone give me a quick education on kits that have ceased production over the years but are still desirable to own.

kits or completed replica Cobras, not originals

Thanks

Paul

Paul,
I imagine you are asking because of recent rumors that perhaps Hurricane has ceased production? I am currently undergoing a body off down to the frame rails restoration of one of the first Contemporary's built. The only real challenge in owning or working on one of these cars is obtaining parts that are proprietary in nature. The good news is that these cars replicate a car that was by it's very nature fairly rudimentary, and most of the companies that made them were far from highly financed enterprises. The benefit to that is that there are usually very few pieces on these cars that can't be sourced from places like Cobra Restorers, Finishline Accessories, and many more. Those pieces that in your case are Hurricane only can usually be easily fabricated by someone with talent, and there are many of these people amongst us here on Club Cobra. You'll have no problems, even in the unfortunate event that Hurricane is not reborn. Obviously all of us in the hobby wish to see them come back. A good strong owners group is your best tool in the box with these cars, and my understanding is that the Hurricane owners are a large tight knit group. No worries, it's easier with a factory to turn to than without, but either way you'll be fine.

[PaulProe]

767...
Yup, you're right. My concern is founded by the fact I own a Hurricane.

Yes we have an active owners group, and we want to do everything we can to make sure our cars stay in the "desirable" category. The kit and body are very true to the originals so we have an edge up. The kits were recognized as being a very high value and we don't want to fall into the abyss of some of the past.

We've developed a website and forum to maintain our identity. We hope to learn from some of the kits that preceded us.

Your comments are most helpful. I'll study the Contemporary and Hi-Tech builds and company history

Paul

[wtm442]

There probably are 50 Out of Business Cobra Companies.

The more popular ones were Contemporary, Hi-Tech, Butler, Indy Exotics, Midstates and NAF.

Check out the list of manufacturers .....
List of Manufacturers

[mr bruce]

If you're worried that much, band together and reverse engineer a car, make a new mold for the body, and a new jig for the frame. A new mold for the body will cost aroung $10k, and jig for the frame about the same. most of the other stuff on a Hurricaine was off the shelf, so for $25K you would be in the cobra bizz, these cars aren't rocket science,

[Clois Harlan]

Or you could wait until the economy picks back up and talk to the guys in Texas that bought the rights to produce the Hurricane. I am not sure I would start tooling up in this evironment to build another Cobra kit. Hurricane's are a good and well built kit and they should retain their value as well as any other Cobra. I'm not sure Hurricane is done!

Clois

[elmariachi]

Originally Posted by Clois Harlan

I'm not sure Hurricane is done!Clois

Maybe not, but the their phone has been disconnected for two weeks.