I looked at Unique, FFR and Backdraft. We have a local shop that builds FFR rollers and I drove a finished FFR. Unique has a great reputation and has been in business a long time. I looked at the pallet kit. the time and cost of getting a local painter got me looking at Backdraft. I followed the forums, ClubCobra, Unique and FFR.. All have strengths and weaknesses. I went to Boyton Beach and drove a Backdraft. I bought it that day. The ride is unbelievable with the BMW suspension. My wife prefers it over her Nissan Z350. I have had a few small problems like gas tank leak, had to tighten a lot of stuff. But I ride a Harley and it is similar to that for maintenance, just check stuff before you ride. On the Harley I always got into the habit of checking lights and looking for loose stuff and leaks. When I am wiping down the Cobra I do a quick inspection. I would buy another one, maybe with a bigger engine but still a small block .

It is hard to get to the Brake master cylinder and you can't even see the clutch master cylinder because of the power brake booster.
You have to remove the steering column the remove the header for a Windsor engine.You can't get your hands in there. Spark plugs look like they are going to be fun.

The car rides nice and the fitment of doors, trunk, and hood are good.

I just bought my BDR about a month ago. Dollar for Dollar I dont think you can beat this car. I looked at Factory Five, Everett Morrison, and a Huricane, when compared to those 3 the BDR won hands down. Much better ride, and in many cases for the same or less money. I bought mine used so it had the old slip on pipes, the are garbage and are going to be replaced by a flange set up next week. Also the master cylinder leaks, as well as the fuel tank. The guys at suncoast cobra tell me they will take care of it, and were supposed to pick up the car a few days ago, so far they have not showed up. But I figure they must have gotten slammed so I am going to give them a chance to come through for me next week. Other than that I have to say the car rides awsome, and with the 392 stroker (351W) the thing is a rocket and handles extremely well. I have had many other more expensive cars, and for a third of the money this is by far the most fun! Go with the BDR you wont be disapointed. I think with any of these types of cars there will always be some quirks to work out, so expect that no matter what car you choose. Remember these are not mass produced, so the quality control just wont be there like it is on your chevy or ford or nissan etc. Get a BDR save a bunch of money and use some of it to make the car what you want.

Just to set the record straight. I love the BMW suspension. If you are comparing cars, that is the place most owners/builders/dealers with talk about because that is the one major difference in the construction/parts. Most discount the IRS, saying it will not stand up to the torque, but we all know different. Great ride and corners like a slot car. I would by another one hands down.

Heck we can do one better! Wait till you see Reg and any other BDR on the track a Mid Ohio! WOOHOO!!! I"m not going to be able sleep till i hit that track.

Hi guys.

I'm the proud owner of a BDR. I got mine in Oct of 2006. I now have over 4000 miles on the car. The car performs like a champ. Corners like the car has crazy glue to the road. Vintage Motor sports is right on with the completion and assembly of these BDRs. Talk to Jay or Bryan at Vintage.

I set up my car as a driver with a Ford Racing 351W. It is Dynomite. I can get on it and it turns into a rocket ship OR I can cruise in 5th Geer on the Highway and still have a converstion with my passenger. You can set these cars up anyway you like. The 351W w/ the tremec 5 speed and a 3.46 rear is a very nice overall combination. Fit and finish is good and it is roomier compared to the Superformance and ERAs.

I looked at many options from FFR, Superformance, ERA, Unique, and find that the Roller concept is the best option (if you don't want to mess with building one yourself) I decided to go with the BDR and am happy with my decision.

the FFR: No resale value, your time, and money will later out weigh what the car is worth.
Superformance: Nice Car, I couln't afford a new one (a good used superfrmnce is what you can get a brand new BDR for)
ERA/ Unique/ "kirkhem": overall these cars are like the clone to the originals. These cars are very nice, they are on a different page of quality,but are BIG dollars.

With the BDR you get a lot of performance and quality at a good price and it seems the BDRs keep their value as well. This was one of the reasons I chose the BDR and that I was lucky to have Jay at Vintage Motor Sports just 15 to 20 minutes from my residence.

Happy hunting -
GAry

I'm with Gary call Jay and Brian @ Vintage. Those guys are awsome.

I have BDR #126. I bought it used with <600 miles on it. Keith Craft 306, 305 rwhp, fit, finish, handling and bang for the buck. I paid $37,500 > it has over 9500 miles on it in 16 months. I drive it hard, and work on it often. With the standard 15" wheel/tire package it handles very well, hooks up off the line and drives great. Lots of room inside, my sons are both over 6-4 and fit well as passengers. NO, they haven't driven it yet. I do have a couple more upgrades I'd like to do, even with them, I would do it over again tomorrow. The only thing that's holding me back from selling it and upgrading to a newer BDR is my '65 title. No knocks on FFR, SPF, ERA or Unique, they're all fine cars. Subtle differences, price, fit. It all depends on how deep the pocket is, what your trying to accomplish. Good luck with whichever car you choose.
Bill

Hows the hunting going. Overall, I remember that looking and researching was the fun part. Except once you get one its drivin it that far out weights the lookin.

Have Fun
Gary

Nobody wants poor little Gunrack, even priced the same as a new roller.

There is a curse on me.

UT

I've been looking around. It looks like a BDR is the way to go. Unfortunately, I have yet to go for a ride in own. I've only seen and sat in a rolling chasis. I have also seen a few used ones but none in my area, although the prices seem to very reasonable. Is this a down market?

What area of the country are you in? I'll give you a ride if you are in the SoCal area.

Hey Fly out to CT to Vintage. I'll give ya a real ride. These cars are almost too much fun.

Good Luck

Rwillia4,

I live in LA and was actually planning a trip to San Diego to visit California Cobras, eventually. I would love to take you up on the offer of a ride. If you happen to be this far north anytime soon please send me a PM and we can get together for a beer.

Payam

Payam,

Let me know when you are planning your trip. Once you take a ride your mind will be set. ;)

Rob

I'm surprised you haven't sold it. If you were closer, we'd be talking. In this case, the curse is proximity (or lack thereof).

... and of course, there's the whole registration/emissions fiasco concocted by the Republik of Kalifornia...

Back Draft
 

UT,

Noticed you are located in SE Oklahoma, where? I am looking to buy a Cobra I had a Lone Star 5 years ago when we lived in Plano, TX. We moved to Mena, Arkansas in 2003 sold the LS right before the move. We have put on the annual "Cruisin the Ouachitas" car show here in Mena the first week in June now for 5 years. This year we had the Superformance guys out of Plano here, I really like the SPF but they are expensive. I have been looking at the Backdraft Cobra, starts out $10K cheaper than the SPF. Keith Craft from Arkadelphia had a display at our show and I'm pretty sure that's who I want my engine from.

Is your Backdraft for sale, I'm like most of the other potential buyers all I have seen is the rollers,the only one I have been able to get a ride in is the SPF that was here in June. That car is an awsome car but way more than we need.

Thanks,

Alan & Donna

PM sent, Alan

UT

New Backdraft Dealer in Texas
 

Alan,
I sent you a pm.
Check out
http://www.radicalroadsters.com/

James has years of experience building show quality, race proven cars and has been on the cover of Kit Car. He'll get you set up. He's run KC motors in all his cars. I have BDR 126 w/KC motor and I'm very pleased. If you have any questions get back to James or myself.
Bill

Alan, I sent you a PM. Feel free to call me anytime.

Bill, thanks for the nice comments...

James