ERA or SPF

[SPF604]

In my quest to find the ultimate AC Replica about 6 years ago, I visited the best manufacturers I could find in both the US and the UK. At first, I didn't even consider an SPF since I had built two mid-year Corvettes from the frame up. I wanted the experience of building my car. The car that I had dreamed of since youth. I was about to write my check for a $10k deposit to my first choice kit company, then at that moment, just before getting out my checkbook, the owner of company remarked that he was suprised that I had not even considered an SPF or had never seen one. Well, I had to be in Asheville, NC the following Monday. So, I hesitated and did not write that check. I found the same family atmosphere at the Olthoff's in NC that I had enjoyed up to this point at the kit company of choice. I found a very knowledgable group of people with a passion for these cars, especially if you would consider a Windsor engine. And, I had already made the decision to use a Windsor anyway. I felt that for the money spent, it would be difficult to create the same quality in fit and finish that I could get from SPF. Perhaps, that was due to my own personal mechanical abilities, but to me it was a prime consideration. I did not buy a car on the first visit. I went back at least two mores before making my down payment. And, luckily, I had a car in about a month. At times, I regret not having the experience of building my own car. However, I have modified my car to improve the braking and handling extensively. Thus, I have received a tremendous amount of satisfaction from doing this work myself. Overall, I am very pleased with my SPF, I am really satisfied with my the dealer, Olthoff Racing, Inc., and third, Superformance as a company has been first rate and backed the cars to the nth degree.

Buying a rolling chassis is not for everyone. If you want the experience of building the car yourself, then go for the ERA. It is a very fine replica produced by great people. But, if you want to enjoy the experience and want a very exacting replica, then go to Superformance. Neither one is a bad choice. I don't think you can categorize buyers of either car into sterotypes. We "all" fit that sterotype. I know Superformance owners that are from all walks of life, had all kinds of cars, and all, repeat all, wanted that experience of driving a ledgend. Nothing compares.