Comparison info helps, but take care!

[Shelby American Inc]

One of the beauties of the ClubCobra forum is it usefulness as an information tool to individual builders and buyers. An example is the “Narrowed down to two - ERA or FFR” thread. Although the thread went a little far afield at times, it did proffer ideas that will help Keith reach a decision. On the other hand, one of the difficulties is the misinformation that also flows. I recommend that anyone using the forum for guidance read, use and evaluate the opinions submitted but also follow up with direct contact to the manufactures to assure the information is correct.

Although well intended I am sure, Jim Weatherford led Keith far afield as to the CSX4000 because he was not aware of our current offerings and prices. (Our fault, not his). We can come close to halving the price he suggests. Part of the problem is that SAI has not done a good job of defining the product into a standard configuration. Jim is quite correct in stating that many of the CSX4000's have born price tags in the $120,000 (or even higher) range, but one must consider what those customers are getting at those prices. Many customers of the independent dealers insist on show quality museum pieces from fiberglass cars made to appear in detail like aluminum. Most are optioned to the hilt. Many have $12,000 to $18,000 paint jobs. Some have added triangulation to the frames. Some have $25,000 Shelby Aluminum 427's installed. Some have NASCAR engines. Some have opted to change out the fiberglass body, after production, for aluminum. This results in a very high priced car, and given what they are, they are worth every penny. However, we have always maintained that an individual can be in a wonderful car for tens of thousands less. Some individual buyers have proved this. Until now there has not been much pressure to provide such a car from the current Shelby buyer who is focused on show car museum quality (although many a ClubCobrafile has been shouting “do it for $25,000" from the sidelines for years). While we will likely never be able make the $25,000 price point suggestion, our vehicles can be purchased at prices that are competitive with similarly equipped high end replicas.

We now offer factory completed rollers in standard configuration (fiberglass or aluminum, with or without paint) but without some of the glamour and refinement added by the dealers. Complete pricing, with equipment listing, will be available at our Manufacturer’s Forum location before the Monterey Historics take place. (Brent Mills has asked that overt promotion be carried out on that forum - not in this general forum). You will find our completed CSX4000 Shelby 427 S/C aluminum roller with tires, wheels, knock-offs, batteries, etc. (in other words complete except engine and transmission) priced less than $5,000 more than Kirkham quotes in their manufacturers forum. We believe the fiberglass offering will be equally as competitive with high end fiberglass replicas. We believe there is a bargain to be found here considering the rollers have complete Shelby suspension and are included in the SAAC registry. Painted rollers will also be listed on the manufacturers forum.

I hope this clarification is helpful. We find a great deal of confusion out there as to what it really takes to own a CSX4000. That said, we hope Keith will be happy with his final selection. It’s great to have alternatives and to have input from Jim and the other ClubCobra members who responded with their help.