Hello from new member and seeking help
 

Hello everyone. New to this forum but I’ve been lurking for years….. and been saving for years. To me the Cobra is one of the most iconic cars ever built. I’ve recently retired after 50 years or at least trying to. Mechanical contractor and for the last 30-35 years a solo act. From the first time I saw a Cobra I felt I would love to own one and enjoy the ride. Test drove a Superformance about 25 years ago. (Superformance is a little out of reach for me now). That was it! I’ve always been an FE guy too. My plan had always been to build one but the realization of limited space set in. Decided that going with second hand finished car was a good option. I’ve been looking at that option for years too. Well I found one that is very close to what I would’ve ended up with had I decided to go with the build option. Well I have found one but with a big caveat, I’m in SE PA. and the car is in California. I’ve traveled the east coast in the past looking at cars for possible purchase. I need to scrutinize myself before purchase. Can someone guide me in where to post and request some help from someone in the CA. Bay Area to put a set of eyes on a car I’m interested in. I would certainly make it worth someone’s time. I’m aware of services that provide inspections but they look at everything. Finding someone here who has much more knowledge of a very specific vehicle would be a much better option IMHO. So in closing, thanks for allowing me to join and any help would be appreciated.

There is a big Bay Area Cobra Club and they may be able to help you. I live in Northern California at Shasta Lake so it is a bit far for me to drive as my back and knee prevent me from doing much except move slow and easy. But I know several members of that club as they used to come up here every year for our Cobra get together. Also on our Cobra site which I administer we have several members from California and some of them would be happy to help you any way they can.

Ron

Where in SE PA are you? I'm in West Chester. There's a beautiful ERA for sale in the Marshalton area (45 minutes west of Philly). Not sure what your budget is but you mentioned Superformance is out of reach, so probably not a good candidate. Also, there is a mechanic in the area who has owned a Cobra replica for over 20 years and has built/rebuilt several others. Once you get to the point where you need an inspection or other assistance in SE PA, he'd be a good resource for you.

Kevin

@Fishcakes428, I'm sure some NorCal. members can help you, we have a great many members from that area, I have a couple contacts that we could reach out to, if needed.
I've done a few PPI's up in the Pacific Northwest for potential Cobra owners, and the AZ. boys have looked at some cars I was interested in.
If need be, you can PM me, and we can go from there, Cheers Tom.

I looked at a few cars for folks when I lived in Colorado. I personally will do no more of an inspection to verify that the car is in some form of operable condition and has no visible damage. That is, it reasonable resembles the claims in whatever ad got you interested. Anything else and if you buy the car and I miss something then you'll think of suing me. So... If you get a volunteer that is a pre-pre-purchase-inspection. Use that as a gauge whether to get a real paid expert PPI from someone that does them. Pay Alfa02 :) Or use it as a gauge to whether it's worth for you to make a personal trip and make your own evaluation. Airline tickets are cheap.

Would that be a Burgundy car, if so, yes, it is beautiful, and well priced.




Bill S.

Yes, Bill, it is. With tan interior.

Delayed reply......and maybe doulble reply?
 

First my apologies for my delayed response. I am having trouble with this site. "invalid argument" warning. Whatever that means. "server not responding". Timing out. Click post reply and something quickly states something about post will be visible after moderator approves. Flashes up quickly and disappears. Circle back to view my post and not there. Don't know if it's me or the site. As I mentioned I'm supposed to be retired and a I'm a solo act. Well I'm still working. Loading up some more funds into the coffers before "I'm out the door". I can only respond at night..12-13 hr. work days. This will be my last year of work but a biggie still sits in the waiting that'll keep me busy for about a year total. I work looong days. Of coarse I'm aware of taking all other's opinions of this car with a grain of salt. Thank you for all the responses and willingness to help. I DO have some particular wants when I find a car of interest. As I mentioned, my intent was to build and had requirements of what the finished product would be. Engine, color, and some other items. May sound small but even defrosters and wipers required here in PA. from my understanding.

Thanks Ron61. I will likely take you up on that. Would like to speak with you. I could pm you with my contact number.

I'm familiar with West Chester. I'm wrapping up a job out there that I've been working on on for the past two months. My nephew also lives out there. If this particular car doesn't work out, I'll be in touch. And if it does, I'd still get in touch. Would like to hang with people that share the same interest.

Thank you Tom. Again, as I mentioned to Ron61, I can PM you my contact number.

Sound advise twobjshelbys. I came here first for advise and help for two simple facts. One the distance and secondly you guys have spent more time around these cars. The members here have an intimate knowledge of these vehicles and I respect that. I would be slightly ahead in pursuing this car and take any and all opinions of the car with a grain of salt.

As an ex PA resident, with more than my fair share of Cobra replicas, both titled and untitled under my belt, your concerns, while valid, can be a hurdle in the state, they are not a deal breaker. Your key will be how the car is titled in the other state, California, if the car was titled under SB100, may not have a year listed on the title, again, not a deal breaker in PA, but can be a headache when it comes to getting it titled and registered in the state. Mostly getting paperwork from California explaining why there is no year on the title, or worst case scenario (only once in over a dozen), having to send the title back to the seller and having him go to the MVS and get the title issued with a year on it...That in itself sometimes throws a wrench it the works, as California will then require more paperwork from the seller, and potentially another inspection from their state police dept. Or, a PA state police inspection. Now, with that said, if the car has a vintage title, or has already been titled in PA, then things run as they would with any other private party sale. Walk in to the notary with the title, fill out some paperwork, walk out with plates and registration and a title will arrive in the mail in 2-7 weeks.


Wish you the best with your search, sometimes the hunt is half the fun.


Bill S.

Thanks for the heads up Bill. Good question for me to ask the seller. Thanks…He’s away. I’ll ask when he returns.

There seems to be some changes in pink slips for SB-100 registered cars here. Mine for the Coupe has the year that I bought it on it but I think that changes if you sell the car to the year the new owner buys it.

Ron

Ron,


The issue is not a sale date, which does change on the California paperwork, but the lack of a year being listed on the physical title in the space allotted for it.




Bill S.

Bill,

You are correct as usual. I just misread what he was asking about. California is so screwed up[ there is no telling what he would have to do.

Ron

Strange question, what is your body build? Just make sure you can physically fit and operate the controls.

Hi there! I'm new to the forum too, so welcome! Your Cobra story is inspiring, and it’s clear you’ve put a lot of thought and effort into this dream. It sounds like you’re at an exciting stage in the process. Are you leaning toward a specific type of FE engine, or are you open to other configurations in the car you're considering?