New Cobra afficionado from California

[mrmustang]

I'd suggest you get together with a local or semi local Cobra club and sit in and ride in more than just one brand of "Cobra" replica. Forget about the hype and the sales pitches and spend a little time truly researching the car(s) as they are all a little different.

As for new vs used, your time, your money, but when looking at a used Cobra, spend a little more time watching the market, as 35-40K may get you a used Cobra, spending a little more 45-55K gets you a much better, low mileage one.


Just my two cents worth as someone who has been successfully putting buyers and sellers together (without charge) for 30+ years

Bill S

[Buzz]

Those advising you to get to know your local Cobra club members, talk with them and become familiar with the major brands of replicas are spot on.

Other than the fact that they're all a bit different, there are other factors that will affect the medium to long term appreciation and enjoyment of the replica you choose and buy.

The issue of authenticity to the original is a big factor in the amount of "respect" (which influences market value) a Cobra gets among aficionados and enthusiasts. If you just want a Cobra-like hot rod to blast around in, that may not matter, but if you are becoming a Cobra enthusiast, you might place a higher value on authenticity, which will become more and more obvious to your eye as you learn more about the marque.

There are some brands that are known (and duly respected) for having accurately shaped bodies that sit with the "correct" low stance with wheels tucked sleekly under the wheel arches; and there are other brands that only vaguely resemble a Cobra with jacked-up rear ends and tires bulging out the sides, dual roll bars, plush cushy interiors and modern-trend paint jobs.

Except for the extreme variants, most of the general public won't spot the differences, but knowledgeable car (and Cobra) enthusiasts will. Many people who choose the more "interpreted" brands - like Backdraft for example - love them for what they are and don't care as much about originality.

A great example can be seen in this thread where an owner documents his custom build of a pretty spectacular and formidable Coyote-powered Backdraft: Let me introduce BDR 1591 aka VMS Mayhem

Do a search here and read up on some of the ERA and other builds of some awesomely beautiful and impressively accurate Cobras that awe the faithful with their attention to detail and stunning finished appearance. Here is just one example: First Pics of ERA #795

There are those and just about everything in between. Get to know the current major brands like Factory Five (FFR), Hurricane, Superformance, Unique and Backdraft as well as the premium pinnacle brands like Kirkham and Shelby.

Don't rush - take your time to decide where your heart lies in the broad spectrum of Cobra enthusiasm and if you even decide you still want one, then your decision will be that much more satisfying in the end.

All the best and keep us posted.

[1SwtRide]

Originally Posted by Buzz

Except for the extreme variants, most of the general public won't spot the differences, but knowledgeable car (and Cobra) enthusiasts will. Many people who choose the more "interpreted" brands - like Backdraft for example - love them for what they are and don't care as much about originality.

A great example can be seen in this thread where an owner documents his custom build of a pretty spectacular and formidable Coyote-powered Backdraft: Let me introduce BDR 1591 aka VMS Mayhem


Don't rush - take your time to decide where your heart lies in the broad spectrum of Cobra enthusiasm and if you even decide you still want one, then your decision will be that much more satisfying in the end.

All the best and keep us posted.

Exceedingly well thought out post. I'm Mayhem's owner. While I'm somewhat mechanically inclined, I knew when starting my journey that I'd want to work with a shop that is semi-local (3 hours in my case) so I had the ability to get the car to and from the shop (Vintage Motorsports) if I needed things fixed/tweaked or wanted to have more modifications done down the road.

I have great respect for the builders/manufacturers who stay true to the original Cobra's dimensions, engines, etc. At the same time, however, I knew I wanted a build that would stretch what I think could be accomplished with the original set up. Funny thing, I didn't choose a Backdraft Racing Cobra; rather, I chose Vintage Motorsports for the types and quality of builds they do. VMS's platform of choice just happens to be BDR.

This brings me full circle - if you have a shop within a reasonable geographic distance of your home, I suggest going there to see what make of Cobra replica they use/build, and ask questions. At a minimum, you'll get information to help guide your final choice and meet other gear heads.

Feel free to PM with any questions. Best of luck on your fun adventure!

[Ron61]

I agree with Bill. Go to some local shows and Cobra clubs and talk to the people and find out what they like and dislike about their Cobras and look at the different brands. Get a ride in some if them if you can. Also what are you going to do with yours. Race it, drive it, or show it. And what engine transmission combination do you want. Their are a million things to consider. If you do decide to buy one already going, try to get someone you trust who knows what to look for to go look it over and ask questions. Best of luck and welcome to the Cobra world.

Ron