Cobra Owner Wannabe

[twobjshelbys]

Originally Posted by patrickt

An absolutely complete 100% turnkey from one of the major names will have less issues than a car assembled by anyone else, generally speaking. A roller from one of those companies, with the drive train dropped in by one of the well-known assemblers, will have less issues as well. A turnkey, or a well-assembled roller, owned by a Cobra fanatic, with about 5000 miles or so on it, and who must now let her go because of financial or health reasons, will have the fewest issues of all. That said, if you're going to drop 50, 75, or a hundred grand on one of these toys, you should pay to have the car professionally checked out. There are crooks in this hobby, and if you get duped in to buying a flood car, or one with a "beautiful" FE that needs a rebuild, you're going to be angry. It won't be the end of the world, but it will put a pall on your purchase.

What he says.

Buying a roller will give you huge piece of mind. Many self-built cars are wonderful cars, but finding one and verifying that it is soundly built and won't cost you an arm and leg to make it work make a roller with a professionally installed drivetrain worth alot.

The same applies to buying a new roller and getting the power train installed. I've never met a Cobra owner that didn't have some "sorting out" time, and if you're not patient and close to your builder/installer or a tinkerer yourself it can be a trying experience. 5K miles might be on the high side from an experienced installer, but there will be some downtime. That's why a used already done car with a good pre-purchase inspection is worth it.

[Dominik]

I would buy one from a dealer you can trust (...) or a workshop that you know.

For specifications (In the last 30 years I drove about 50 Cobra Replicas, one original, and owned a dozen): A mild cam, big cube motor (as mentioned before) with rear exhaust is what I consider next. And moving to the mountains outside La Canada to have fun with it.

A 680 hp, lumpy idle 496 cui was nice, but I found myself more often driving my lady's 911 automatic convertible than the Cobra.

Plan to work a bit on it yourself. You don't want downtime just because a water hose popped.
Or the headers came loose.

[Pelledan]

Once again I appreciate everyone's input. This forum is amazing in many respects. The thought of buying new gives me the best warm and fuzzy feelings but in reality I'd rather buy used as that would best fit my finances. However as pointed out, used poses concerns. How was it driven? How was it maintained? Who did the repairs? Does the current owner have all documentation for repairs and maintenance since new? Some people are fastidious about maintaining this level of documentation while others are not. It would be the latter I would worry about since that would lead me to believe that something is intentionally being obscured rather then just a case of sloppy records keeping. You bring up good points about being within hailing distance of the dealer and power train installer. I live 35 miles S/W of Chicago and the Superformance dealer I am closest too is in Ohio about 300 miles from me. Whether I buy new (fairly unlikely) or used, any repairs beyond my abilities would require a field trip to their location unless I find a reputable establishment nearer to me. As far as engines go, I'd be happy with a mild cam 402 (Roush). A monster cam in a monster displacement engine is not appealing as I really wouldn't enjoy being stopped in traffic idling in a car that feels like it's still moving along a washboard road.
One more question to those in the know. I see many used Superformance Cobras that are titled as 1965's but their advertisements give no indication of their actual build year. Is there any way that the build year can be gleaned from their serial number?
Thanks again,
Dan

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by Pelledan

I live 35 miles S/W of Chicago

...

Is there any way that the build year can be gleaned from their serial number?

Spring is just around the corner. Go out and meet some of the folks in the WCCC Windy City Cobra Club - Club Cobra There might be a nice Cobra available in your area that you don't know about. And, don't be afraid to post a WTB and specify that you only want cars that meet a certain criteria and that have documented care. Just don't buy a car sight-unseen, or without having driven it (I'm pretty sure you wouldn't). If it's an out-of-state car, there's usually somebody on this board that can recommend a mechanic in that area that knows how to look over one of these cars. BUT, you've still got to put your ass on a plane and fly out there and sit in it, drive it, smell it, and taste it. There's just no substitute for that. And, yes, I'm sure if you just post the serial number of an SPF around here people can tell you more about it, even without ever seeing it, than you might think. ERA and KMS cars are easy, you just write Bob P. or Tom K. and ask them about that particular car.

[Cobalt289]

Originally Posted by Pelledan

How was it driven? How was it maintained? Who did the repairs? Does the current owner have all documentation for repairs and maintenance since new? Some people are fastidious about maintaining this level of documentation while others are not.

Pelledan - you answered your own question. Just find one that was driven nicely, and maintained well, by a meticulous, fastidious owner who has kept all documentation for repairs and maintenance.