Roadster vs. Coupe

Scott S · #1 (**permalink**) 06-06-2006, 05:58 PM

I seem to find myself wondering why the Coupes just don't seem to be as popular here on the forum.

As a replica builder I have built 2 roadsters and while I loved them both I am finding that building the coupe has been really easy and I am looking forward to getting it finished. Yes it is more expensive to build the coupe but I think the opportunity to drive it in the more adverse weather here in the wet west will more than make up for that.

Is it just the oo-la-la factor of the roadster which for me after several years here on the forum is wearing a bit thin, or the style of the coupe is just not that appealling to most?

Scott S

newBDR · #2 (**permalink**) 06-06-2006, 06:35 PM

I started out wanting a coupe, but quickly found out that there aren't many completed ones for sale (dont have the $ to buy a new Superformance) and I'm not the type that can build one myself. So I bought a BDR from a local dealer (TriState) and while I love it, the lack of a SCCA approved roll bar and the whole weather thing have me thinking of a coupe again.

Brent Mills · #3 (**permalink**) 06-06-2006, 07:12 PM

The Coupes are picking up steam in my estimation. I'm with you on the crappy NW weather, and I do have an itch for a project. Now if I can figure out how to convince my wife and save the beans to do it.

JBCOBRA · #4 (**permalink**) 06-06-2006, 07:23 PM

BDR You live right near me and my buddy. We both have cars......... Open cars. The best for cruising the roads around us (at least when it is nice out)
When it is raining out, cars with big power are useless on our roads. Drive an Audi or whatever in bad weather. Then, when the rain stops.........Hit it in a Cobra!
JB

chipperb · #5 (**permalink**) 06-06-2006, 07:43 PM

I LOVE my coupe! cb

Brent Mills · #6 (**permalink**) 06-06-2006, 07:57 PM

By the way, Scott, don't you need to show us some more pics of your build?

snake oil · #7 (**permalink**) 06-06-2006, 08:08 PM

IMHO, I have noticed that it seemed to me a good percentage of owners that build, or had a coupe built for them sold it soon after.
Don't get me wrong, i'm not against them , as a matter of fact,
I wish I had one. I love the look of the car.
But the fact remains that it is a totally different feeling
riding in one, vs the other.
I have a 69 mach one fastback mustang great car,
great condition gets gobs of attention and thumbs up, and I love it!
BUT, it no way it even comes close to giving you the same feeling
as driving an open roadster.
I would suspect it sort of the same feeling (an enclosed car)
if you have ever sat in one of the coupes,
(I sat in a superformance) it is a much more confined feeling.
The side windows slope in and are very close proximity to your shoulders.
I'm kind of a big guy, maybe for road racing, or an occasional cruise
here and there, but overall NOT the same at all.
Kinda like apples and oranges, both are good... just different.
Hey, pass the fruit bowl please...........

chipperb · #8 (**permalink**) 06-06-2006, 08:53 PM

You need one of each: Coupe for rain/cold days, roadster (roaster!) for Sunny days! cb

*13* · #9 (**permalink**) 06-06-2006, 09:13 PM

Love the coupes & the GT40's. My feeling is that the cobra is a street roadster that was modified to race yet still retained it's street appeal. The Coupes & the 40's were racecars that have been streeted but don't hold the wow factor on the street as does a cobra. Most people would pass the coupes as a kit car, even if it were real for the fact that they have no idea what it is. As a driver & enthusiast I would be happy to have one of each mostly because I "do" know what they are & how they fit into history.

Tony Ripepi · #10 (**permalink**) 06-07-2006, 10:49 AM

Hi Guys,

Shelby CXS4264 and FFRCoupe #69.....I have an SPF GT40 on order.

Got Both......Love the feeling of the Roadster and the Coupe they have the Same WOW

factor, I think the issue around the coupe is that the general public does not recognize it for what it is. I get thumbs up on the road with both of them every time I drive them.

Pics in my Gallery along with some of the SPF GT......the GT 40 I am building will replicate the Gulf oil car #6 winner of Lemans, Mark I, weber carbs etc. etc.

Tony R.

wtm442 · #11 (**permalink**) 06-07-2006, 10:52 AM

One word that everyone recognizes .....

CONVERTIBLE

Slojo · #12 (**permalink**) 06-07-2006, 11:05 AM

I would love a Coupe over my Roadster, but it comes down to MONEY for me. If a used one came up for sale and it was a SPF, and the price was comparable (dreaming, I know), then I would go with the Coupe. The attention with the Roadster does get annoying for me and the Mrs. Just my humble opinion.

DanElam · #13 (**permalink**) 06-07-2006, 07:44 PM

Different cars. I probably have more fun driving my roadster, but the Coupe is faster and gets a different kind of attention. The roadster sometimes gets disdain for not being 'real' or indicative of a mid-life crisis, but the Coupe *always* gets love.

Of course the coupe is hot, much harder to get in and out of, doesn't sound as good and has visibility issues with the mirrors.

Viva la differences!

chipperb · #14 (**permalink**) 06-07-2006, 08:08 PM

We have a relatively large number of roadsters in the Atlanta area, and only 3 running coupes that I know of. Two are Superformance coupes from the local dealer, and mine.

The coupe stands out in a group of Cobras: a stand out among stand-outs. Many people know what it is, and many do not, but all flock to it with questions. Mine is as Dan Elam describes: hot, noisy, tight getting in and very basic: just like the originals (I was fortunate enough to see one live at Amelia Island Concours a few years ago, later driven to the judges stand by Dan Gurney and Pete Brock-have the autographs on the official programs to prove it!)

I do have a roadster as well (Unique FE) and love driving it on nice days. But I tend to go to the coupe, even on hot days. Just calls to me!

decooney · #15 (**permalink**) 06-07-2006, 10:06 PM

There were three times the number of coupes at our little gathering this year as compared to last year. I am definitely seeing more of them now. I believe its partly due to the fact they really have only been out for a while as compared to roadsters, so you might want to check again in a few years.

427 S/O · #16 (**permalink**) 06-08-2006, 04:33 AM

Snake oil is correct..........the coupe is more refined....even though I'm considering one....

Scott S · #17 (**permalink**) 06-10-2006, 07:45 PM

I just wish I was as refined as the coupe.

Scott S

Daytona Lee · #18 (**permalink**) 08-20-2006, 09:36 AM

A Coupe is a car that most people have never seen before. Most think that it's some kind of Ferrari. Whenever I park mine, when I come back, there's alway a crowd and people taking pictures. It draws attention like s... draws flies!

chipperb · #19 (**permalink**) 08-20-2006, 03:51 PM

That is why I have put subtle Ford stickers on it. cb

Lew Ledyard · #20 (**permalink**) 08-20-2006, 04:32 PM

Other than the McCluskey coupes, are there any coupe replicas available in aluminum? Are any of the coupe replicas that are available approach the level of quality and accuracy of an ERA, Kirkham and Shelby roadster?