How to buy a Cobra?

[steve286]

I am stumped on how to buy a cobra. I am not interested in anything offered in Arizona right now. It seems as if everything I look at that I am interested in is on Ebay on the east coast. Is buying a car on Ebay sight unseen crazy? This is somewhat of what I would like.
Must be somewhat of a good deal.
Must be under 50K
Must not have a modern drive train.
Hopefully have the right color combination.
Should be a pristine car with minor flaws if any.
Any feedback guys?

What do you think of this car?


Shelby Cobra Factory Five MK4 | eBay

[DWRAT]

What do your really want?
With a 50k budget you can find a nice car for sure.
Maybe even some local buys available, like a Superformance.

BTW , the FFR you posted looks nice but 50k for a FFR is pretty high.

[cycleguy55]

Have you checked CC classifieds? PhotoPost Classifieds - Cobra/Daytona/GT40's for Sale (private party sales only) - Powered by PhotoPost Classifieds
How about Cobra Country? http://www.cobracountry.com/cobrasforsale-cobras.html

What constitutes 'somewhat of a good deal'?
'Modern drive train': Do you have a preference for Ford, or don't care whether it's GM or something else?
Automatic or manual transmission?
What is 'the right color combination'? Black with red stripes, or something else?

[steve286]

Originally Posted by cycleguy55

Have you checked CC classifieds? PhotoPost Classifieds - Cobra/Daytona/GT40's for Sale (private party sales only) - Powered by PhotoPost Classifieds
How about Cobra Country? http://www.cobracountry.com/cobrasforsale-cobras.html

What constitutes 'somewhat of a good deal'?
'Modern drive train': Do you have a preference for Ford, or don't care whether it's GM or something else?
Automatic or manual transmission?
What is 'the right color combination'? Black with red stripes, or something else?

I have other members offer me their cars. One was a FFR and he wanted 68K. That to me is not a good deal.

I would like to stay with a Ford drive train as I think they are better for re-sale.

As far as color goes I would prefer dark grey or black if possible.

Auto or manual is fine but probably manual is better

[mrmustang]

Originally Posted by steve286

What do you think of this car?


Shelby Cobra Factory Five MK4 | eBay

I see a nice shiny car with no heater, no wipers, no mention of at least a 3 link rear set up or an IRS setup, not much of anything near the reported $75,000 build price unless the shop that did it is charging an enormous amount per hour for their labor rates.

Honestly, I see a seller fishing for a buyer who can't get past the "Shiny Bauble Syndrome".

The best bang for the buck right now on the market is Jim's SPF (CLICK HERE), don't let the mileage fool you, as the car has been well driven, but upgraded and well cared for........

You asked for an honest opinion, you got it.

As for how to be, see the link in my sig line, yes, it is really that simple.


Bill S.

[1795]

Seriously, I saw Jim's cobra last fall, since the rebuild, and you will not find a better car for the money. I would prefer that Jim not have to sell his car, but it is what it is. You can easily spend more and not have a nicer car. I saw the car during the rebuild process and can attest to the workmanship that went into it. Not only the workmanship, but also Jim's character. He is an honest and up front kind of person. When you research a car, you not only want to research the car, but the owner as well. Get a sense of who they are by following some of their posts, that will give you a good idea of whether it is worth the trip.

[Bob Broberg SPF667 460BB]

You do not want a modern drive train? Why? You’ll be sorry.
Under $50K? That only excludes the Shelby brand.
The FFR listed should sell for high 30s or low 40s regardless of investment.
What color are you looking for? If you don’t limit your colors you can find more qualified candidates.
You must buy a 5 speed or you will have trouble when it comes time to sell. Same can be said about sticking with Ford power.
If your friend offered his FFR to you for $68K he’s no friend of yours. Right Fitz?
Don’t rush into your purchase. The more you know the happier you will be with your purchase. Do not buy unseen. Do your research so you know what you want.

AZ Bob

[steve286]

Originally Posted by Bob Broberg SPF667 460BB

You do not want a modern drive train? Why? You’ll be sorry.
Under $50K? That only excludes the Shelby brand.
The FFR listed should sell for high 30s or low 40s regardless of investment.
What color are you looking for? If you don’t limit your colors you can find more qualified candidates.
You must buy a 5 speed or you will have trouble when it comes time to sell. Same can be said about sticking with Ford power.
If your friend offered his FFR to you for $68K he’s no friend of yours. Right Fitz?
Don’t rush into your purchase. The more you know the happier you will be with your purchase. Do not buy unseen. Do your research so you know what you want.

AZ Bob

When I said modern drive train I meant late mustang 5.0 or new coyote engine.

[krausewich]

Welcome Steve.
Huge questions you have there!
There are many decisions to be made. Pros/Cons/Needs/Wants...

I think the first is deciding on the style. Big Block 427SC, 427 Street (AKA AC 289), Small block car (AKA AC Cobra, 289, Slab Side, 289 Comp Car, 289 LeMans, FIA, etc...) The body style in a replica does not indicate the power train.

Know what level of authenticity you're after. OE style chassis, full tube frame, ladder and tub, etc... all kinds... lots of history and approaches.

Know what kind of interior/finish level you are looking for. Materials, instrumentation, comforts, accessories, hard/soft top, wheels, etc...

Be open to powertrain options. People use all kinds of power and ALL kinds of builds/options.

You can find GREAT low/no mileage cars for your price cap... do not rush to get there! Sit back and wait for the one you want.

Good Luck,
Mike.

[steve286]

Originally Posted by mrmustang

I see a nice shiny car with no heater, no wipers, no mention of at least a 3 link rear set up or an IRS setup, not much of anything near the reported $75,000 build price unless the shop that did it is charging an enormous amount per hour for their labor rates.

Honestly, I see a seller fishing for a buyer who can't get past the "Shiny Bauble Syndrome".

The best bang for the buck right now on the market is Jim's SPF (CLICK HERE), don't let the mileage fool you, as the car has been well driven, but upgraded and well cared for........

You asked for an honest opinion, you got it.

As for how to be, see the link in my sig line, yes, it is really that simple.


Bill S.

The nice thing about Jim's car is he is honest about its condition. To me that is more of a mechanics special that still needs quite a bit of work. That is not what I am looking for. I want something I can start driving right away. I also do not want any car with rust on it. Thanks but no thanks.

[mrmustang]

Sometimes you have to think out of the box...........

Originally Posted by steve286

The nice thing about Jim's car is he is honest about its condition. To me that is more of a mechanics special that still needs quite a bit of work. That is not what I am looking for. I want something I can start driving right away. I also do not want any car with rust on it. Thanks but no thanks.

Jim's car needs about half a day (what is 4 hours of labor in your neck of the woods) at a competent mechanics shop. Rust that he mentions is typical for cars in the east, it's surface rust only where the paint has flaked off the frame (the rest of the car is fiberglass ). A few hours with a can of POR 15 and a brush are all that is required, maybe a wire brush mixed in to the equation....

I'd say less than $1,500-$2,000 if you have someone else do the work for you tops......Then, you are in to a 50K+ car for right around 40-42K with shipping.........


Bill S.

Disclaimer: My "toy fund" is low right now, or I would have already bought Jim's car.

[steve286]

Originally Posted by mrmustang

I see a nice shiny car with no heater, no wipers, no mention of at least a 3 link rear set up or an IRS setup, not much of anything near the reported $75,000 build price unless the shop that did it is charging an enormous amount per hour for their labor rates.

Honestly, I see a seller fishing for a buyer who can't get past the "Shiny Bauble Syndrome".

The best bang for the buck right now on the market is Jim's SPF (CLICK HERE), don't let the mileage fool you, as the car has been well driven, but upgraded and well cared for........

You asked for an honest opinion, you got it.

As for how to be, see the link in my sig line, yes, it is really that simple.


Bill S.

What about this one?


Shelby RT3 Black | eBay

it has wipers, IRS and the Shiney Bauble option! WOW

[mrmustang]

Originally Posted by steve286

What about this one?


Shelby RT3 Black | eBay

it has wipers, IRS and the Shiny Bauble option! WOW

Backdraft builds a nice car, but I've seen few that have been sold on the second hand, used market for anything over $40,000 in the past 8 months.


I do suggest, if you can, to get together with your local Cobra club and see if you can view all of the different brands side by side. If you can, then you'll see the differences between each manufacturers body, especially the BDR's.........


Bill S.

[steve286]

Originally Posted by mrmustang

Backdraft builds a nice car, but I've seen few that have been sold on the second hand, used market for anything over $40,000 in the past 8 months.


I do suggest, if you can, to get together with your local Cobra club and see if you can view all of the different brands side by side. If you can, then you'll see the differences between each manufacturers body, especially the BDR's.........


Bill S.

I too have been watching the market and have seen no BDR Cobras sell under 40k not less 50k. Please let me know where these cars are ?

[mrmustang]

Originally Posted by steve286

I too have been watching the market and have seen no BDR Cobras sell under 40k not less 50k. Please let me know where these cars are ?

I have watched 4 BDR's sell in the $35,900-$38,500 price range on various cars for sale online lists in the last 8 months, 2 more at $40,000 and $40,300 respectively in that same time period. Non shilled Ebay auctions seem to top out at 34-38K.


Bill S.

[DanEC]

If you find a car on the east coast (or Midwest, etc) that you are seriously interested in but can't manage to travel to look at, you can post here and see if there is anyone on the forum who lives in the area and would be willing to look at the car for you. Not as good as looking at it yourself, but if you are new to the Cobra market, a third party may be more objective and provide you a lot of valuable feedback.

[patrickt]

Ehhhh, I don't know... if you're going to drop $50k on a toy, you need to catch a discount flight to check it out. Buying any of these cars sight unseen, even if one of us says "it looks good to me," is asking for trouble.

[Dimis]

Originally Posted by patrickt

Ehhhh, I don't know... if you're going to drop $50k on a toy, you need to catch a discount flight to check it out. Buying any of these cars sight unseen, even if one of us says "it looks good to me," is asking for trouble.

You're scaring him.... Its only money....
These things are easily "fixed". Particularly when they are Roller cars to begin with...

I bought mine sight unseen! YES, I would do it again.
Sight unseen is no big deal for a bargain.


Here's what I'd do in your shoes:

STEP 1. Pick up the phone

STEP 2. Dial the number on this ad: PhotoPost Classifieds - Superformance MKIII - SPO887 - w/Factory Hardtop For Sale - Powered by PhotoPost Classifieds

STEP 3. Exchange funds for car


Take the $10K or so you have left and buy you partner something nice!

[Bob Broberg SPF667 460BB]

Here are some references:
[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Cobra-Replicas-1980-2011-Essential-Buyers/dp/1845843959/ref=sr_1_9?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1434858660&sr=1-9&keywords=shelby+cobra+books&pebp=1434858666554&p erid=02ZGFQA357FEFCR6GD2W"]Cobra Replicas 1980-2011 (The Essential Buyer's Guide): Iain Ayre: 9781845843953: Amazon.com: Books@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51mI4NBvc3L.@@AMEPARAM@@51mI4NBvc3L[/ame]
Or this one:
[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Build-Cobra-Buying-Performance-Projects/dp/1934709433/ref=pd_bxgy_14_img_y"]How to Build Cobra Kit Cars + Buying Used (Performance Projects): D. Smith: 9781934709436: Amazon.com: Books@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51edZBtoXSL.@@AMEPARAM@@51edZBtoXSL[/ame]

or some of these: http://tinyurl.com/nouv756

Meet with owners and get to know everything.

I don't suggest I am OCD but, I did spend 2 years researching before buying my first and current cobra back in 2000. Even drove to LA twice for Kit Car shows at Knottsberry Farm. Read the only book and watched the only video back then. I went from looking for an incomplete kit to a Superformance. I've put 62K+ miles on the car and can sell it today for more than I paid then.

Free Fun!

AZ Bob

[twin turbo]

That FFR Mk4 on Ebay sold for 48k.