An Odd Kirkham on eBay

RodKnock · #1 (**permalink**) 04-07-2009, 01:55 PM

Not mine nor am I affiliated with the seller.

Maybe it's just me, but does this Kirkham seem a little different than most? The dash layout seems unusual to me, but I'm no expert. How did they get 514ci out of a 427. I've heard of 511 or 527 from a CS aluminum block, but not from a "production" block. The serial number has no sequence number.

Of course, besides the REAL 17" Halibrands made by Trigo. I can't remember any Kirkham using 17" wheels.

Also, I'm also glad they didn't use any Mustang II suspension parts.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1966-...1%7C240%3A1318

Maricopa · #2 (**permalink**) 04-07-2009, 02:51 PM

Should be on the cover of the book:
"How to make your Kirkham look like a Factory Five"

patrickt · #3 (**permalink**) 04-07-2009, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maricopa

Should be on the cover of the book:
"How to make your Kirkham look like a Factory Five"

Now that was pretty rough.

And people think I'm insensitive.

RodKnock · #4 (**permalink**) 04-07-2009, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patrickt

Now that was pretty rough.

And people think I'm insensitive.

You're just jealous because he beat you to the comment.

I suppose the dash looks like mine, maybe the padding and the black rubber wheel threw me off a bit. The shifter is in the newer "standard" Kirkham position with the 289 shifter.

patrickt · #5 (**permalink**) 04-07-2009, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RodKnock

You're just jealous because he beat you to the comment.

Yes, that's true!

RedBarchetta · #6 (**permalink**) 04-07-2009, 02:54 PM

A nice car but definitely not the right shade of "silver" if you're trying to replicate an all aluminum look. And either that paint is fresh or this car is rarely driven...front lower cowl (oil cooler area) is chipless. Interesting combination overall (playing nice

).

-Dean

xlr8or · #7 (**permalink**) 04-07-2009, 02:56 PM

The dash layout is the same standard layout mine had minus the padding.

The wheels look to be from Vintage Wheels. Too nice a finish to be Trigo.
It will be interesting to see what it goes for. Not a fan of the interior color but they did a real nice job on it and the trunk.

Maricopa · #8 (**permalink**) 04-07-2009, 03:35 PM

Hey I have an FFR. It's like being black and getting to use the 'N' word.

Got the Bug · #9 (**permalink**) 04-07-2009, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RodKnock

Not mine nor am I affiliated with the seller.

Maybe it's just me, but does this Kirkham seem a little different than most? The dash layout seems unusual to me, but I'm no expert. How did they get 514ci out of a 427. I've heard of 511 or 527 from a CS aluminum block, but not from a "production" block. The serial number has no sequence number.

Of course, besides the REAL 17" Halibrands made by Trigo. I can't remember any Kirkham using 17" wheels.

Also, I'm also glad they didn't use any Mustang II suspension parts.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1966-...1%7C240%3A1318

Based on the HP, it looks like the car has a KC 514 crate motor. Not sure why he calls it a 427...subliminal marketing technique I guess.

I guess you don't need to safety wire those wheels either.

RodKnock · #10 (**permalink**) 04-07-2009, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Got the Bug

Based on the HP, it looks like the car has a KC 514 crate motor. Not sure why he calls it a 427...subliminal marketing technique I guess.

I guess you don't need to safety wire those wheels either.

The manifold has "Victor 427" on it, but it looks like a 385-series engine to me too, but again, I'm not an expert.

Although I have 15" Trigos, I don't have safety wires either. There's a "button" (pin) instead.

1985 CCX · #11 (**permalink**) 04-07-2009, 04:17 PM

My guess is that the owner has an upholstery shop. I think it is a great car as I prefer paint, a little vinyl/leather removal and all is fixed. Of course that is the purest in me, the rodder side of me thinks it is well done custom work.

patrickt · #12 (**permalink**) 04-07-2009, 04:28 PM

Another example of a bad build -- what could have been an absolute God-send of a car for sale after only 789 miles. Yes, you can fix the stupid cosmetic gaffs, and the engine is probably a real b**** for street driving (that, too, can be fixed), but it's just another example of a bad build which turned out to be a heartache for the owner. We've seen it before... and we'll see it again.

Maricopa · #13 (**permalink**) 04-07-2009, 04:40 PM

it looks like a 385-series engine to me too

No, it's an FE motor.

acindrich · #14 (**permalink**) 04-07-2009, 04:58 PM

I guess this is what would happen if a La-z-boy recliner had sex with a cobra. I've always wondered why if you have an aluminum everything Kirkham, would you cover any of it up? Nonetheless, to each his own. I'd still take it over my 98 Civic...

elmariachi · #15 (**permalink**) 04-08-2009, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1985 CCX

My guess is that the owner has an upholstery shop.

Either that, or in typical South Florida fashion, everything needs to have a "boating" patina.

ROUSHAC · #16 (**permalink**) 04-08-2009, 10:53 AM

I wonder what the reserve is set at.

Any guesses?

RodKnock · #17 (**permalink**) 04-08-2009, 12:33 PM

This is one very unique Kirkham and it will require one (or more) very unique buyers. it may be an over-generalization, but I think most Kirkham buyers want a Cobra that's near original spec than the opposite. This particular Kirkham will require some changes for those individuals that want a Kirkham and want it close to original spec.

Kirkham rollers are $57,000 and a very nice Kirkham sold on eBay recently for around $90,000. How about somewhere in between?

Got the Bug · #18 (**permalink**) 04-07-2009, 04:17 PM

Rodney,

I love the comment about the "black rubber wheel."

Probably leather, but still rubs the "originalistas" the wrong way.

Didn't know that about the button pin on the knock-offs. That's cool.

RodKnock · #19 (**permalink**) 04-07-2009, 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Got the Bug

Rodney,

I love the comment about the "black rubber wheel."

Probably leather, but still rubs the "originalistas" the wrong way.

Didn't know that about the button pin on the knock-offs. That's cool.

That was said tongue-in-cheek of course.

The serial number would put in the #378 to #386 neighborhood, but for some reason there's no Kirkham sequence number shown. #384 went to West Palm Beach, FL, so maybe that's it.

No one mentioned the seller's comment that "the original cost of the car was well over $200,000."

patrickt · #20 (**permalink**) 04-08-2009, 04:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RodKnock

No one mentioned the seller's comment that "the original cost of the car was well over $200,000."

That's the heartache, you spend six figures (maybe not $200k) on your dream car, drive if for a few hundred miles, and then sell if for $50k because it ain't what you dreamed it would be. Hopes dashed, dreams shattered, tears on your pillow... yep, we've seen it all before.