Advice Needed on Available Cars in Australia

[Fender]

H, I'm new to this site and keen to get a Cobra built before too long.

I've done some preliminary research on local and foreign manufacturers. There seem to be some decent manufacturers here but interested in the collective knowledge/wisdom on which ones are best to approach for a turnkey or turnkey minus build.

I would like some advice if anyone has some to give on whether Backdraft, CSX4000/6000 and Superformance Cobra's can be imported to Australia and if so how and what sorts of costs/issues are involved? Is this a cheaper or dearer way to build a quality Cobra for someone without time to do much if any of the build myself? Can they be imported without engines/transmission or must they be a complete build.

if anyone knows of other quality product that can be imported to compare with local manufacturers, I would be interested in that as well.

Really appreciate any advice that anyone can provide on these issues.

Thanks....

[Donunder]

If you don't have much time or inclination to devote to the build yourself, your best bet BY FAR is to get along to the next Sydney Cobra club meeting and have a look at the assembled cars.

There have been some really nice cars completed in recent years and you might just find one that's perfect for you that's on the market right now. A couple were sold here in Qld a little while ago and both of them were sensational cars, and the price was right. Why wait and build, if what you really want to do is drive?

[Fender]

Thanks heaps Don for the insight. Most appreciated. Any ideas on how I finf out when the Sydney Club meets?

Cheers........

[Legless]

Hi Fender,
Welcome; the NSW/Sydney club's site is here Cobra Car Club of NSW : Cobra Car Club of NSW the forum on the site isn't used much except for our spam collection but we meet the first Tuesday of each month at Wentworthville Leauges club, members get there from about 6pm in the bistro area for a meal and chat with the formal meeting kicking off about 7:30pm. What area are you from?

[dadndave]

Better to go to NSW breakfast to see cars, there's usually a number on hand. I wouldn't park mine at Wentys at night, it's an open carpark.

[boxhead]

Head on down to Winton Raceway in Victoria late March for ShelbyFest, will give you a chance to see many different and varied cars.
You can watch them around the race track in anger on Saturday (Friday is practice).
There is a thread here if you want to book accommodation etc.

[Baz]

Hi Fender,

If I were building another Cobra, I wouldn't go past an 'Absolute Pace 427 Cobra.' Check them out on this Forum or google the product. They are first class and as good as any thing coming out of the USA if not better.

Get in touch with the companies owner, Craig White and have him send you some documentation. Better still, get on a plane and fly up to his factory at 23 Demand Ave, Arundel, QLD. Tele (07) 3103-0957.

Baz

[damage]

Kirkham Motorsport easy guys to deal with and awesome product. Super easy to assemble and even easier now as David Kirkham has changed his car to suit most Australian compliance issues. You still have to go through all the hoops but certainly would be a lot easier. Check out their website and go direct.

[Dimis]

Welcome Fender.

Your question is really open to interpretation...
It's really a matter of what YOU want out of your cobra.

You ask a dozen people and you'll get a dozen different answers.

Any cobra can be registered... Just depends how deep your pockets are to meet engineering. Backdraft and SPF are S.African and have been imported into Aus.
Intact from memory I believe Backdraft are on the REVS list, and there are SPFs getting around in Aus.

So now with that said - What is it you want from your cobra?

The build?
The drive?
The look?
The ownership?
The friendships?
Other?

From there we can better assist you with your research.

Enjoy

[Fender]

Thanks Damage re the Kirkham. Agree they are an awesome machine. My big question is exactly what/how can you import a road compliant machine to Australia and what does it cost? Is it cost prohibitive for taxes/duties etc v's sourcing in via local agent?

Thanks/cheers.......

[Fender]

Thanks Boxhead - looks like a good idea will try and get there. Cheers.......

[Fender]

Thanks Dimis, keen to get a quality product first of all asap to drive. Not so keen on building myself. You say Superformance & Backdraft cars are in Aus - sure would love to speak with someone who has done it to find out how and how practicle cost/taxes/compliance wise as this seems illusive and complicated info to get hold of. Appreciate anything anyone you know who knows this stuff and or has the experience of doing it. Thanks/regards.......

[Fender]

Thanks Baz, sounds like good advice & will be giving Craig a call. Already noticed his kit on the web and was thinking he was one of the better local options for sure. Rgds....

[damage]

You can't import them compliant per say but David Kirkham has now made some changes to his cars that certainly make the job easier.

If you want one quick order it as you want then Kirkham will dismantle it and send it as parts, bolting one together doesn't take long.

These cars are built awesome and really are easy to assemble if you are mechanically minded and it's also quite relaxing putting a big jigsaw puzzle together.

Check my build thread KMP 709 if you want to see some pics.

The one thing you can do is pick an engine that is already compliant this takes out some of the hurdles and makes the whole process less scary.

Where are you located.