Looking for experienced opinions on a used ERA
 

Long time lurker, first time poster. Been looking to dip my toe into the Cobra replica hobby for a while and am now getting close. Looked at most of the major players and have pretty much settled on ERA or SPF. Being a first timer, not prepared to spend the kind of money to go new, so I'm prepared for the inevitable tradeoffs that come with buying someone else's dream.

Anyway, I've decided I want a 289 FIA. Won't get into all the reasons, but that limits my opportunities. That said, I've found an ERA 289 FIA for sale and was hoping I could get an assessment from you fine gentlemen as to if it's a good deal or not. At this time I don't know the build number, but the most relevant specs are below:

Built in 2006
silver paint, no stripes or meatballs
289 FIA kit
302 engine
Tremec TKO 600
jag rear
anti sway bars
FIA style pin drive wheels
bonded body
undercar exhaust (would switch this to traditional setup)
luca tripode headlights
heater and defroster
chrome roll bar
powder coated chassis
427 street dash with glovebox
street interior with leather
soft top and side curtains
tonneau cover
ERA reproduction steering column
15" reproduction steering wheel
SW gauges
custom stereo in trunk
NO hood scoop (would want to switch this as well)
quickjacks
USRRC trunk

The rest of the specs are pretty standard stuff. Car has 16,000 miles and seller wants $44k. Hasn't been raced and garage kept. Appears to be clean with no discernible damage. A number of things I'd want to change, but mostly cosmetic. What say you, good deal for a newbie getting his feet wet?

Any opinions are greatly appreciated.

Greg

I think it's a great buy at that price, where is it located, any pictures? What is the ERA chassis number?



Bill S.

I suspect that it's 2026. (I can see it from my desk.) We've serviced that car since new. The owner just doesn't drive it much anymore (old-timer's disease) and wanted to move on.

You can't build or have one built like that for anywhere near that price. If good cosmetics and ERA has been servicing it all along, hard to go wrong.

Price seems fair, especially with the ongoing link to the factory.
You don't mention if the motor is a mild and cheap crate engine or a quad weber, fire breathing monster, so this could be a consideration for you.

Will webers fit under flat hood? I think it would be a close fit.

The shorter 302 block makes Webers an easy fit. The cam is pretty mild, but we'd have to find out whether it plays with Webers well.

Grego, You can never go wrong with an ERA. It sounds like this car has been well maintained and decent shape. I'd jump on it. When you get the build number, contact Peter, he's very helpful with build information. Great group of guys at ERA.............

Sorry I went dark, business meeting for two days since I posted. Thanks for the replies. Seems to confirm what I was thinking. Never hurts to get second opinions from experts. Will let you know what happens. Cheers!

Go for it. Good price. I think that it is better to buy a car with some mles on it, than one with very few miles that has not been broken in yet. You have a better idea of what you will have down the road.

News Flash!... I didn't get a name, but the car is now sold.

Looks like I got beat to the punch by someone else. Bad timing I guess. On to the next one.

Unfortunately, when a "killer deal" presents itself, you have to move on it almost same-day.:cool:

Bill???

Did you finally move on a new car?

Uhhh, I think Bill is on a temporary forced vacation after those aluminum car threads.;) But he posts on my local club board and there is no mention of it, so I'm going to guess "not."

http://www.clubcobra.com/photopost/d.../mrmustang.jpg

As the old saying goes, everything happens for a reason. In a span of 24 hours I went from missing out on a silver 289 at the ERA shop to making a deal on a black one (much preferred color) built the same year with only 3000 gentle miles on it. Not to mention already has the comp exhaust and hood scoop. Now I just have to get 'er to the east coast from Hawaii. I've already submitted for a transport quote from Intercity Lines, the company ERA uses, but if anyone has another recommendation I'm all ears. Can't wait for spring!!!

Great result, that's fantastic! Some people just talk about buying one and others get in there and get it done!

Congratulations! Sounds like you've found what you were looking for.

Enjoy!

Congrats M8! We will be looking for some pictures when she shows up from the island! :cool:

Hope the seller includes some sand in the floor mats, and some sunshine in the engine. Enjoy. I sure like my #2119.