Import from UK - or Not ?

Euro-427 · #1 (**permalink**) 03-28-2008, 09:42 PM

Hi Guys (& Gals)
I'm moving to Houston in May from UK.

I currently have a Cobra Replica (by Fiero Factory) first registered in Jan 2000.
Current engine is a Ford 2 litre Twin-cam, with 5 speed box.

(Does have LSD though!!)
Top speed around 120 mph - averages about 30 mpg on long runs..

I was wondering which way to jump....
Do I bring it with me, and jump through the import hoops (under 25 years old)
and then eventually strip & rebuild with an engine more in keeping...
OR - do I sell (value in UK around $14,000/£7,000) - and then buy another once I've settled in???

any useful advice will be welcomed.
(especially some sort of list of manufacturers & costs...)

ps - no problem bringing my wife's MG's though - they're both over 25...!!

Graham H.

Goober · #2 (**permalink**) 03-29-2008, 07:26 AM

I had the same problem about 10 years ago. Lived in Scotland and has a Ram Cobra. I was going to convert it to LHD and bring it back for around $1300.00 (Port of Houston)
Glad now I didn't. With the pound so strong against the $ ( 2 for 1), I would advise selling it and finding something over here. Lots to choose from. Even the 5Litre 302's can return excellent gas mileage. Remember, our petrol is a lot cheaper than you are use to buying.

Just my 2 cents (or pence)

Mark

GlynMeek · #3 (**permalink**) 03-29-2008, 07:19 PM

These things are tough enough to drive as is, and you want to bring one over with the steering wheel on the wrong side?...lol.

Sell it in the UK and buy one over here...

Glyn

PS welcome to Texas...I moved here 28 years ago from London...you HAVE to join the Texas Cobra Club and relieve me of my 'token Brit' status!!!!

tomh440 · #4 (**permalink**) 03-29-2008, 08:52 PM

Lots of cars here, plenty to choose from. Heck, you can help Glyn fix his.

Euro-427 · #5 (**permalink**) 03-29-2008, 11:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GlynMeek

These things are tough enough to drive as is, and you want to bring one over with the steering wheel on the wrong side?...lol.

Sell it in the UK and buy one over here...

Glyn

PS welcome to Texas...I moved here 28 years ago from London...you HAVE to join the Texas Cobra Club and relieve me of my 'token Brit' status!!!!

That IS the ultimate plan - complete with SWMBO's approval!!
She's not overly happy about parting with it - but the idea of building something better gets full support !!

Euro-427 · #6 (**permalink**) 03-30-2008, 12:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tomh440

Lots of cars here, plenty to choose from. Heck, you can help Glyn fix his.

I see that Factory 5 has a strong following - The idea of a Kirkham appeals, but I feel that I couldn't get approval for the extra expense!!
I've already got a friend in Houston who wants me to build a "Cal Ace" for her, when I have the time... (sorry Love - need to build my own car first !!)

Anyone got suggestions of 'reasonable' kits & prices ??

Graham..

I'm disposing of 6 cars.....
1 x Cobra Replica (Euro 427) (2000)

1 x Rover 216 Cabriolet (2000)
1 x JC Midge (1976)
2 x Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire 346 (1954)

1 x Falcon Caribbean (1963)

Bringing 2 (I hope..)

1 x MGB LE (W/W) 1980
1 x MGB GT 1974 (rebuild completed Aug 2006)

kountzecobra · #7 (**permalink**) 03-30-2008, 06:43 AM

Graham, there is one Cobra kit manufacturer in Houston, Everett Morrison, and a few dealers in Houston too: Backdraft, Unique, and Superformance.
Welcome to Houston. We have a VERY active, family-friendly, Cobra Club that meets at least once a month.

tomh440 · #8 (**permalink**) 03-30-2008, 09:39 AM

There many FFR's here. Also there is a Superformance dealer that just moved to central texas. Lone Star has a good size following. Unique........

Too many choices....

Might depend on what your budget is. What features you want........

tom

Euro-427 · #9 (**permalink**) 03-31-2008, 01:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tomh440

There many FFR's here. Also there is a Superformance dealer that just moved to central texas. Lone Star has a good size following. Unique........

Too many choices....

Might depend on what your budget is. What features you want........

tom

A good basic kit, which doesn't cost the earth.
My Euro 427 has a brushed aluminum dash which looks 'just right' - so not looking for 'luxury' - just the right 'look'....

Euro-427 · #10 (**permalink**) 03-31-2008, 01:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kountzecobra

Graham, there is one Cobra kit manufacturer in Houston, Everett Morrison, and a few dealers in Houston too: Backdraft, Unique, and Superformance.
Welcome to Houston. We have a VERY active, family-friendly, Cobra Club that meets at least once a month.

With EM actually being in Houston, they may win the day...

Not in a rush to get started, as I haven't even moved yet...
Got to concentrate on disposing of my cars in UK first !!

Tks
Graham

Flying Scotsman · #11 (**permalink**) 03-31-2008, 11:00 AM

Graham,
I moved from Scotland 10 years ago, living just North of Houston in a sub division called The Woodlands.

I'm driving a Lone Star Classics LS427 and it's a blast. The weather is good and the petrol is cheap so get yourself out there.

I'd highly recommend dumping what you have in the UK over there and change your pounds to dollars, you can get way more car for your money over here than you could ever dream of in the UK.

Glyn,
This year I plan on becoming more active with my Cobra, get out and meet a few more people, hopefully this will help solve your "sole Brit" status with the club.

See y'all out there.

Tom.

Euro-427 · #12 (**permalink**) 04-01-2008, 01:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flying Scotsman

Graham,
I moved from Scotland 10 years ago, living just North of Houston in a sub division called The Woodlands.

I'm driving a Lone Star Classics LS427 and it's a blast. The weather is good and the petrol is cheap so get yourself out there.

I'd highly recommend dumping what you have in the UK over there and change your pounds to dollars, you can get way more car for your money over here than you could ever dream of in the UK.

Tom.

Thanks for that Tom - I'll have to study the LS427 more closely..
Tried contacting Unique for some info - but their e-mail address doesn't work...

I was initially considering 'renting' in "Woodlands", but as work ("Fugro", at 59 & Hillcroft) will be nearer to Sugarland / Fort Bend - I'm concerned about the time & distance...

Hope to meet up with everyone soon(ish) - just heard that the company want me in position by the end of May. (I'm at sea until 16th of April - surveying off Malta)

Keep the suggestions coming guys..

Madmiles442 · #13 (**permalink**) 04-01-2008, 08:31 PM

Fugro's a great company. I've worked with them many times for geotech investigations on construction projects.
Sell what ya got and get something over here.
You are coming into a Cobra hotbed in Houston. One of the strongest and most supportive markets in the country. You'll have plenty of opportunities to purchase exactly what you want at a reasonable price.

thomi_snake · #14 (**permalink**) 04-02-2008, 03:37 PM

Hi Graham,
I moved from Germany to Texas 7 years ago and brought along my DAX. Mine was already converted to LHD and registered as a '65, so there was no problem at all with import.
I agree with all the others: there are so many choices available here and if you have a chance to sell yours in the UK, don't hesitate to do so.

The Texas Cobra Club made me feel at home from the first minute on, so you'll meet a bunch of great gals and guys!

Thomas

jdean · #15 (**permalink**) 04-02-2008, 06:46 PM

Graham, the only car I would consider bringing over would be a Caterham or Lotus 7....they are one of the few that are the same on either side of the pond (except for where the steering wheel is). Sell it and start fresh with a big American V8.

Welcome to Texas where the dollar is weak but the people are strong!!

tomh440 · #16 (**permalink**) 04-13-2008, 07:02 PM

Hi Graham,

I had a chance to see Fugro at work this weekend. They were a sponsor for the BPMS150 bike ride from Houston to Austin that supports research for MS.

They had great support, really seemed like a top notch group. You should be proud and happy to work for such a company!

If you like to ride bikes you may want to ride next year! Or a Cobra might be easier on your bum!

Tom