Looking For An Alloy CSX4000? Here Ya Go

[1ntCobra]

Originally Posted by Gunner

I dunno. I thought about a CSX4000 Shelby, but IMVVVVHO there's no such thing. Having various builders put them together for CS badging is bogus.

Buy a Kirkham if you want alloy. Buy an ERA or SPF if you want a solid model at lower cost than real tin. But I think the $20k for the pasted-on Shelby name is wasted. YMMV.

Are you suggesting the the aluminum CSX4000 is just adding a CSX number to a Kirkham for a $20k premium? It is not that simple. The CSX has Shelby suspension components, while the Kirkham has billet aluminum suspension pieces. The Shelby is painted, the Kirkham is not. ... Etc.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by 1ntCobra

Are you suggesting the the aluminum CSX4000 is just adding a CSX number to a Kirkham for a $20k premium? It is not that simple. The CSX has Shelby suspension components, while the Kirkham has billet aluminum suspension pieces.

That's right. In addition to spending more, you also get inferior components.

[Excaliber]

It's not that cut and dried. You can spec a variety of suspension components on the Kirkham. From billet (most popular) to original (BIG dollars). Shelby specs vary from that, but it's a tough call to say which is "better". It all depends on what you want and are willing to pay. Is Shelby workmanship better than Kirkham? I wouldn't bet on that, both are of excellent quality. Many prefer a non painted alloy body so that could be a plus not a negative.

One thing's for sure, you won't get the Shelby name with a Kirkham and no matter what, that fact alone DOES add value to the car.

I really like the spec's on Sal's CSX car. It's very true to the original spirit and soul of a Cobra. For some of us that is a huge factor. In general, it seems to me, your more likely to find a Shelby closer to original specs than a Kirkham.

Sal's car is for sale but this is not a "plug", it's just recognizing reality. Let's assume Sal's car was a Kirkham and the same price as another Kirkham for sale, with billet this and that and more modern whatever. Hands down I would choose Sal's car, (not to mention the coveted CSX number).

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by Excaliber

One thing's for sure, you won't get the Shelby name with a Kirkham and no matter what, that fact alone DOES add value to the car.

Only to morons.

[1ntCobra]

Originally Posted by patrickt

That's right. In addition to spending more, you also get inferior components.

Well, technically, yes. And a heavier car too. But it is a really nice paint job. Add a really nice paint job to a Kirkham and see what that costs.

If I had the extra cash burning a hole in my pocket where I could get either a Kirkham or an alloy CSX4000, I would get the Kirkham.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by 1ntCobra

If I had the extra cash burning a hole in my pocket where I could get either a Kirkham or an alloy CSX4000, I would get the Kirkham.

I had my pick of the two... and I went with an ERA.

[Gunner]

Originally Posted by patrickt

I had my pick of the two... and I went with an ERA.

Without trying to throw racing gas on the fire here... so did I. IMHO, these are the only three builds worth serious consideration, when you aren't trying to save money or you care more about looks and convenience than about what, well, makes a Cobra a Cobra. I had my finger on examples of all three, and it was no difficulty at all to save $30k over the CS and at least $20k over the Kirkham to get what I think is the best all-around example of the breed not built before 1970.

Now go look up YMMV if you don't recall the meaning. There's twenty builders of these beasts for a reason.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by 1ntCobra

Well, technically, yes. And a heavier car too. But it is a really nice paint job. Add a really nice paint job to a Kirkham and see what that costs.

If I had the extra cash burning a hole in my pocket where I could get either a Kirkham or an alloy CSX4000, I would get the Kirkham.

I'm not sure, but adding a fully polished or even a brushed finish on a bare alloy CSX, would add a lot of money too. I think that's a wash or close to it, but I've never spec'ed a CSX alloy car.

The Kirkhams charge $8,000 for a brushed finish and $10,000 for a polished finish. Stripes are even more money.

[1ntCobra]

Originally Posted by patrickt

That's right. In addition to spending more, you also get inferior components.

And of course, you can spend more and get the inferior original suspension from Kirkham too.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by 1ntCobra

And of course, you can spend more and get the inferior original suspension from Kirkham too.

Ahh, that's one thing I learned while in New Britain... the more you spend, the more you get, and the better it is.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by 1ntCobra

The Shelby is painted, the Kirkham is not. ... Etc.

You can spec "no paint" for your alloy Shelby. However, Shelby will paint your car, but Kirkham will not.

Patrick...morons? Really? All that therapy gone down the drain. The Shelby name does add value for some, nay, many, but not everyone. This is definitely old territory.

For me the added attraction WAS the billet aluminum pieces, gauges that actually work, battery in trunk, etc. The R&D was one of MY reasons for buying a Kirkham. I'm hoping that some of that new R&D on the $1MM Larry Ellison Cobra will trickle down to the older and obviously new Kirkhams.

Appreciation was not a purchase decision point for me when deciding which Cobra to buy. There are other reasons, but why bore everyone to death.

Chocolate, strawberry and vanilla. Everyone likes a different flavor.