Superformance or Backdraft and why!

[mcracing]

JHV 48
I will take a minute and tell you why I made the BDR choice over a SPF.

First off I like the overall appearance of both of them but the stance of the BDR won me over. Purely my taste.

Quality: while they both have it they are in different areas. You have to ask yourself if the quality of an SPF is worth the money. For me it was not even a decision.

Talk to owners. I found that there is so much bias on these sites you will not really get to the bottom of what you want to know. If you talk one on one you will get more valuable information.

Options: They both have so many it really doesn’t matter what they offer as much as are they willing to do what you want in the time frame and price you are willing to pay.

My final decision came after not one but two trips to each of the two finalists in my search. I have to tell you that I had the money to buy either one and it really came down to what company treated me with the respect and took the time to answer all my stupid questions. SPF had me in there display booth not once but five different time in two different shows. I had one person actually talk to me and that was just to ask me if I could move aside so he could show the car to someone else. They did not ever make me feel like a company I wanted to spend my hard earned money with.

BDR was not only courteous to me but actually followed up with the things they said they would provide after they returned back to Florida. The next time I saw them they were right next to the SPF trailer again so I had to be sure it wasn’t me. This time I actually asked for help and they gave me the token speech that was for anyone stopping buy but never once did they even ask if I was interested.
I walked over the BDR trailer and the Owner greeted me by Name.
By the end of the day I made my purchase.
I know that was a lot of rambling about a individual sale but from My perspective people do business with people and that is one of the most important things to consider when making a decision like this.

My last comment will be about the after sale process.

#1 They met every commitment.
#2 Everything went as they said it would.
#3 I have come to determine that it was not just to make a sale. These people are really nice people.
#4 I had one problem that they told me what to do about and if it didn’t work they would send the replacement part right away. No questions.

Good luck on your decision.

BDR712

[Got the Bug]

Originally Posted by mcracing

I have to tell you that I had the money to buy either one and it really came down to what company treated me with the respect and took the time to answer all my stupid questions. SPF had me in there display booth not once but five different time in two different shows. I had one person actually talk to me and that was just to ask me if I could move aside so he could show the car to someone else. They did not ever make me feel like a company I wanted to spend my hard earned money with.

BDR was not only courteous to me but actually followed up with the things they said they would provide after they returned back to Florida. The next time I saw them they were right next to the SPF trailer again so I had to be sure it wasn’t me. This time I actually asked for help and they gave me the token speech that was for anyone stopping buy but never once did they even ask if I was interested.
I walked over the BDR trailer and the Owner greeted me by Name.
By the end of the day I made my purchase.
I know that was a lot of rambling about a individual sale but from My perspective people do business with people and that is one of the most important things to consider when making a decision like this.

My last comment will be about the after sale process.

#1 They met every commitment.
#2 Everything went as they said it would.
#3 I have come to determine that it was not just to make a sale. These people are really nice people.
#4 I had one problem that they told me what to do about and if it didn’t work they would send the replacement part right away. No questions.

Good luck on your decision.

BDR712

You should add..."your mileage may vary." I drove several cars, but my heart was set on an SPF. I didn't like the first SPF dealer and sales rep that I contacted, so I went to another dealer. Really no different than when you're buying a daily driver. The second dealer/salesman was so low key that I tried to hand him a check for a deposit and he said to think about for a week.

Superformance met all of their pre-sales and post sales commitments in my book.

Drive the cars, decide which manufacturer you want to go with, then focus on where you're going to buy the car from (used, new, which dealer). Not rocket science.

[dmorse]

Jim, the only thing I have to say is I am happy with my BDR. It was within my price range so I was happy to get it as I was not willing to pay the additional amount for the SPF (not saying it's not worth it, just saying the BDR was in my budget). I still need to sort out a few things (the front shimmies between 60 and 90 and the carb is running rich). Not sure why it started shimmying all of a sudden but I will get it taken care of. Supposedly the carb came all adjusted but I will get it down to the guy you recommended to have him take a look at it. Jay at Vintage was most helpful to me and to the guy who did my drive train. As you know, I had some issues (three leaking gas tanks, a broken differential, etc., etc.) that were out of my control. I had a bit of a time trying to convince BDR these problems should be under warranty and they originally balked but they eventually came through so that is behind everybody. I'm pleased now and I hope Jay and BDR are also.

I am also happy with the paint job I got. I just polished it today and it looks great. Others have also commented on the paint job favorably. Again, I can't compare to an SPF as the only one I have seen up close is yours and yours is several years older than mine so it is difficult to compare (plus the winter must beat the paint up somewhat).

Happy motoring.

[Jim Vander Wal]

I have seen but otherwise have limited experience with the Backdraft. I have talked to a few of their sales people and liked them.

I do own a SPF and am biased with no regrets.

I have driven my car to from my home in Michigan to Colorado then Montana and home twice for about 4,500 miles each trip. VIR for track events twice, 15 track days total, the London Cobra Show three times and multiple other long distance drives. In these trips I have had a ignition switch go bad but once I figured it out it was manageable and during a track event I broke a CV joint. This is the extent of malfunctions that caused real problems during trips and events. All this in 42k of hard miles since August of 2004. I have also had a few engine issues but this has nothing to do with the chassis. Oh, I don't own a trailer, if I can't drive to where I want to be I don't go.

I drive in the rain too, lots of it without issues. Good tires, high speed (80-100) and the water goes over the cockpit. So much for those that don't think you can drive in the rain, my SPF and I will prove them wrong.

Why a SPF - because it works, it looks great, excellent paint, great interiors, most pieces are period correct. The car is fitted with top, tonneau cover, leather seats, wood or leather steering wheel, coil overs, IRS, great brakes, Halibrand style wheels and knock-offs and many things that are options with other brands.

Are there things that could be improved, of course, show me any car that doesn't beg for personalization or specialization to accommodate a particular use. With the SPF the SCOF group discusses enhancements, lighting for night driving, suspension for track uses, exhaust for increased performance, roll bars, brakes for track use. People have been doing the same with cars since four wheels hit the road.

Is it pricey well this depends on how you look at it. If you want a complete car that you just need to choose and install the drive train then it's a great value.

I'd do it again if needed to w/o looking back or thinking about another brand.

But I'm biased.

Jim SPF 1855

[Roger Vincent]

I ordered and bought 2080 from the Rosens in Ohio. The first time I saw a Superformance was in a car show in Indiana and I knew that was the one. So after a few years of saving and the selling of a 94 Corvette, I did the deed. That was in late 2004. After placing the order I had second thoughts as cognitive dissonance began. After discussing the decision with Pete Brock and getting his endorsement I went with it. Shelby's licensure was the icing on the cake for me. I have never, and I mean never, had any major problems with the car and have made about 100+ passes at the drag strip and put about 12,500 miles on the car so far. These are just my experiences with the car. I saw the Backdraft at the London event a few years back. Great looking car. I like it a lot. I never drove one and wasn't in the market at the time. I am just saying I like the way it looks. But as others have said, I too have enjoyed the SPF and have no regrets. So, add one more personal opinion to your list. Good luck with your decision. I bet you can't make a bad one in this case. BTW, dealer support from Dynamic was a great experience for me. And of course there is SCOF.

Roger Vincent, SP2080

[kayakjack]

Bought my Superformance used about 2 1/2 years ago. It has been as bulletproof as my Miata. I did not expect that. I have tinkered around with it. Mostly routine maintenance stuff. I am a wrench wannabe. Wish I had more knowledge and experience as a mechanic. The other owners at SCOF are simply the best. Nicest, most knowledgable, eager to help people on the planet. I am a happy Superformance camper.

Jack

[SPF1061]

I met Reg and the Backdraft guys at Run n Gun in St Louis this past year. They are a great bunch of guys and I wouldn't hesitate to do business with them if they were selling something I wanted. I am not crazy about the look and the details on their cars, but that's just me.
I bought SPF 1061 new in 2001 from Olthoff Racing in Mt. Ulla, NC. Your choice of dealers will surely effect your buying and driving support experience. Dennis (and his Mom and Dad, before they passed) and everyone at his shop truly make me feel like family. I take 1061 in twice a year just for safety check ups and I always look forward to visiting and catching up on the latest news. SCOF is the Superformance owners secret society. Yes, I know, it is often mocked here on Club Cobra. Here is the truth. SCOF is a huge part of the exceptional Superformance owner experience. Anything you want or need to know about the cars is there. The camradeire and support of fellow members in need is unbelievable. It's free...and that's all I can tell you or they'll have to kill me.
In 8 years of driving 1061 I have I logged over 52,000 miles of smiles. The car has been absolutely bullet proof. Road trips, drag strips, road racing, Run n Gun, cruise ins. It is as tight as the day I bought it. Handles great. Runs like a scalded dog. If I were to do it all over it would be Superformance. Just one guy's experience. Whatever you decide, you're going to have a ball!

[rob frink]

.............

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by rob frink

With SPF having some 3000 cars under thier belt compared to BDR at around 800 or so...I think there is noteable difference in knowledge and experience.

Well, maybe. Remember though that ERA hasn't even made 800 427 cars yet....

[rob frink]

..............

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by rob frink

Or waiting for them to build it after I ordered it. I'm sure it's a nice car...but once I looked into an SPF...I felt anything else was a compromise in one way or another. For me, the SPF was a "Total" package.

Yes, every car they do is a "custom job." The upside to that is that you get exactly what you want, and no two cars that they build are exactly alike. The downside of that is the cost and the wait. The wait seems like it goes on forever....

[TButtrick]

Originally Posted by patrickt

Well, maybe. Remember though that ERA hasn't even made 800 427 cars yet....

ERA isn't even in the same league. Their work is incredible.

[Cashburn]

Constant comparison to a product that costs 35% more is a good thing.

[jhv48]

Thanks for all the info, both good and bad.

I am going to go to my local SPF dealer, Hillbank Motorcars in Irvine, this weekend and take a drive in one.

I got to crawl all over a BDR at the Knotts show and want to compare it to the SPF (which had a display 50 feet away but I was so into crawling all over the BDR's that I failed to compare to their cars).

As an aside, if I end up with a SPF, can I then thumb my nose at the FFR cars?

Just kidding FFR owners (of which I am one).

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by jhv48

As an aside, if I end up with a SPF, can I then thumb my nose at the FFR cars?

Thumb your nose, yes -- guffaw, no. To do that you have to move up to a Kirkham or an ERA....

[jhv48]

Both of those are out of my price range.

A polished Kirkham would occupy my living room as a permanent fixture.

Would never have the guts to drive it and maybe get a bug spot on it.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by jhv48

A polished Kirkham would occupy my living room as a permanent fixture.

On a sunny day the FFR guys can't see you thumbing your nose from inside a fully polished Kirkham anyway -- thus the need for the hearty guffaw.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by patrickt

Thumb your nose, yes -- guffaw, no. To do that you have to move up to a Kirkham or an ERA....

With that CSX4000 recently selling for $40K +/- on eBay, why not buy a CSX and thumb your nose at everyone.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

With that CSX4000 recently selling for $40K +/- on eBay, why not buy a CSX and thumb your nose at everyone.

But you have to explain to people that you settled for the poorest quality in exchange for an authentic name....

[Got the Bug]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

With that CSX4000 recently selling for $40K +/- on eBay, why not buy a CSX and thumb your nose at everyone.

Some would agree, except for the guy that sold his SPF to buy a CSX and was disappointed in the quality of the CSX.

http://www.sandiegoautonews.com/MAGAZINE.html

Time to leave the thread again before the full scale turf wars begin.