Pro vs Con Re: CSX and Superformance/ERA

[Tutosnake]

Whether you build it yourself, or buy a roller and have it finished by a third party, the vast availability of parts and resources make these cars everything, but exotic. You cannot say the same of a '62 GTO... not in a million years! The few serious replicas of a GTO or a 500TR are still around a cool $1M. And these use an ORIGINAL Ferrari drivetrain from a donor such as a 250 GTE or a 330. So $35M, although still stupid money, even for billionaires, makes a hell of a lot more sense in that market than $750K to 1.5M for a car that has been replicated over and over, and that sometimes may be indistinguishable from those $50K replicas. What is so exotic about an original Cobra (unless it is one of the 6 coupes or FIA roadsters)? It is not in its parts and labor, that is for sure. It is the Mystique, the Shelby mystique. And the fact that 900 were built. to some that rarity in numbers is enough to pay a cool Mil. It's their money, but it doesn't mean it makes sense. I am not going to get into the collectibility of a Ferrari vs. a Cobra. I did not write the rules of that game.

Which leads me to remind ourselves: what you paid for your replica is not necessarily what it is worth. I too paid a large amount of dough to get my NOS '68 427 FE Side oiler iron block engine. However, if I had the knowledge and skills, I know I could have built it for half the money. Likewise, if I had been a metallurgist with awesome bending skills, and a perfect welding ability, I could have finished an aluminum body for much less that $50K. But guess what I am neither, and so it goes that I overpaid for the car. Third parties (dealers, builders, suppliers) are here to help us achieve our goals and they are trying to make a living, which is absolutely fine! That is why I overpay for an otherwise cheap/easy/uncomplicated car to build.

And the Mystique comment? Well another subjective matter. That comment was simply my opinion, and it is not to be considered by anyone a cannon of Shelby matters. I leave that to the Gurus here. Certainly not made to hurt anybody's feelings. And why would it insult or hurt anyone? It is personal, and varies from person to person (and from car to car). I only stated what made me go for "overpaying" for a glass CSX car. I stand by my comment. You guys have said it: all these cars can look the same!! Therefore, If it is not even vaguely and loosely associated with Shelby, it does not carry the mystique. In my case, the CSX number stamped on the chassis, and that questionable MSO make the car closer to a Shelby of the past than any other build, unless someday another party can stamp the number and carry the MSO. UNTIL then, my car is a SHELBY and the others are not. Very simple, really, and it should not "insult" anyone.

In summary, life is short, and don't just assume that the forum here is to insult or ridicule, or offend anyone. What would be the fruits of that? If an opinion bothers you, read a second time, and perhaps you will find another meaning that was not there in the first place. If it still bothers you, and it means so much to you, then discuss it. But don't label the source as insulting, or offending, or whatever. I personally do not gain or lose anything with my comments expressed here. This taught me it is probable best to shut up,and keep it to myself.

BTW was drive today was awesome: absolutely clear skies, with a huge, bright sun and 68 degrees... drove around town forever. The reason I overpaid for that CSX...
Hector

[fordracing65]

Why is a Kirkham even brought up in the thread, He wanted to know between, ERA, Superformance or CSX, LOL.. Ok, I got more BEER and POPCORN, Continue with the thread...

[Tutosnake]

Because Kirkhams are awesome (painted)

Cheers!

Hector

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by Tutosnake

Because Kirkhams are awesome (painted)

Cheers!

Hector

Hopefully, you're aware that most Kirkham's are delivered polished or brush finish. But we're "tough sons of guns." We're not insulted. We prefer to show off the contours of the aluminum body and not hide them with paint.

[Tutosnake]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

Hopefully, you're aware that most Kirkham's are delivered polished or brush finish. But we're "tough sons of guns." We're not insulted. We prefer to show off the contours of the aluminum body and not hide them with paint.

Oy vey, Mr. RodKnock! Now you sound hostile and just resolute on arguing on and on. Chill.
Your hopes have been met! I AM aware of the Kirkham product. Who isn't? They do a wonderful job. Have you seen their latest wonder, the 289 Coupe? Absolutely gorgeous, and ALMOST perfect: it is not blue with white stripes

I was merely giving my opinion that a painted aluminum body is more attractive to me. The airplane look does not do it for me...as apparently did not do it for the Cobra racing community as I don't recall that many CSX cars that were not painted... But a Kirkham is not a Shelby Cobra, and I understand the need to find an identity in this vast world of replicas...

You seem to be a well respected member of this Kirk, uhumm! Cobra Club forum. I am a newbie. I became a contributor to this forum. I really do not appreciate your condescending manners. If your Kirkham car is so wonderful, why don't you dedicate your efforts at exalting its attributes, rather than attempting to diminish the CXS's?

Maybe part of your angst is based on regret. You should sell your silver bullet and get a CSX. I would go for an original 2000 or 3000 series, for you will be obviusly disappointed with a 4000/6000 car

With this comment, I have made this thread more of a distraction and an exchange between you and me. That is not what I want. Therefore, PM with any other complaints, but let's let the OP enjoy and collect more valuable information than our back and forth words.

Cheers!
Hector

[1ntCobra]

Originally Posted by fordracing65

Why is a Kirkham even brought up in the thread, He wanted to know between, ERA, Superformance or CSX, LOL.. Ok, I got more BEER and POPCORN, Continue with the thread...

Well, when discussing CSX cars, some people only care about the Shelby brand name and serial number, however other people are very much concerned about what exact variation of CSX it is.

In terms of fiberglass CSX cars, some owners prefer the earlier cars built in Vegas, while others have opinions on the cars sourced from Mexico or Africa.

When it comes to aluminum CSX cars, some owners are concerned about whether the body and frame were sourced from Kimmons, Kirkham or from England. After all, Shelby charges a hefty premium for the CSX1000 series over the CSX4000 aluminum cars. And when it comes to the cars sourced from England, some might prefer one of the earlier cars sourced from "AC" supposedly built on "original" tooling from the 60s (but the tooling was apparently sent to the junk yard in the 70s). On the other hand the newer CSX1000 cars might be better in some way than the earlier "AC" versions.

Further, it seems that the Kirkham sourced CSX cars usually go from the shop in Poland to Utah and then to Vegas, but the 50th Anniversary aluminum cars apparently go from Poland to Africa to Vegas.

To reiterate, some people can be very concerned about the variation of their CSX, while others are not concerned about that at all, but for those who care about the details, supplier names like Kirkham, HST, etc. are going to be part of the opinions you might hear when discussing the pros and cons of a CSX.