Hello from Seattle
 

I recently joined Club Cobra, but my love for the car goes way back...

I grew up in the shadow on the General Motors Proving Grounds, son of a GM Truck and Bus, United Auto Worker, force fed Chevy's since I can remember. As a kid I dreamed about owning a Corvette. By age 10, I knew every year, model, and option by sight. By the time I was a teenager, I began to notice other forms of American beauty. My good friend and his father introduced me to the mystique of the Cobra in high school, and I never looked at another Corvette again. The story of Carroll Shelby, the cars, and the racing captured my attention. An underdog from Texas kicking the mighty Ferrari's ass; a modern day David and Goliath.

That was back in circa 1987-88 that I discovered this amazing automobile. Now today, after serving my country, and going back to school to change careers, I'm finally ready to own and build my dream car at the age of 40.
I joined Club Cobra because I have a ton of questions. My goal is to build a respectful recreation of the original that is tasteful, powerful, and beautiful all in one. I've done a lot of research thus far and have discovered conflicting stories about chassis, fiberglass, construction methods, continuation cars, authorized cars, etc. It's a lot to digest. I don't want some cheaply made, flexy, wet noodle that's going to crack and twist the first time I punch the gas or through it into a corner.

If you guys bare with me, I have a lot of questions and I respect your expertise. Thank you in advance...!

Robert

Answer the following:

1: What is your maximum budget?
2: What are your planned use(s) for the car (ie: Sunday cruiser, daily driver, drag racer, road racer, show car, etc)?
3: Do you want a big block or a small block?
4: Do you want a 427SC body style, 289 slabside body style, or 289FIA body style?

Once you respond in detail, we can assist you further. Without knowing the above, there is not much we can assist you with.

Bill S.

Welcome to the party! It is very much a fun ride!

Thanks for the welcome gentleman. My dream build is to have an exact recreation of a 289 FIA, but I understand that might be well over my budget. I love the idea of a small block, and I have 66 289 4v on a stand in the garage waiting in the wings. I want to actually drive it, not cruise from gas station to gas station.

My budget is $50K. I've narrowed my search to the ERA 289 FIA, Superformance MKII, and the Factory Five. I really confused on several things; like... Where the chassis and bodies are made? Type of chassis- square tube or round tube? Coil spring suspension or transverse leaf springs? etc.

Of course build quality, ride quality, and correctness are all factors too. My goal is to have a car that I can enjoy with my wife either on road trips, car shows, cruise night, and the occasional track day. I just don't see a big block car fitting that neccessity very well. It's just too much car for practical use.

Growing up in Detroit as the son of a UAW worker, MADE IN THE USA is burned into my brain. The Superformance car is pricey and made in South Africa. So I ask myself... Does that matter? To me, I think so.

ERA 289 FIA (made in CT), but be prepared to wait for a year or more unless you find one already built. Within your budget, you could also do a FF (made in MA) with a Mr. Bruce body (made in PA).

If you are going for the original look, then round tube frame, but I would not use the traverse leaf unless originality is your top goal. Your 50k budget gives you plenty of options. Good luck!

Learn all about the ERA at their website, Era Replica Automobiles - Makers of the 427, 289FIA, and GT40 replicas.