For people who don't do a lot of wrench swinging then the Superformance is the best option out there. As for me the build process was something that I didn't want to miss. That's why I went with Factory Five Racing. Be Safe & Happy Motoring!
@@cfmistry I know! Sorry. It has been a challenging summer for work and family but all is well. Every video I have shot driving the car has had terrible audio so need to get my equipment sorted. As for the car, just crossed 500 miles and it is running like a scalded cat!
9:40 To me, that doesn't look like a drip of oil - it looks like residual (drying up) fuel. I get the same-colored drip around my carb sometimes. If it's oil, where could it be leaking from?
A wonderful and well-told story! I bought a Shelby 350GT and waited about six months for that to be built and delivered, so I know the moments of excitement and disappointment. Every day has an upper and a downer. I had no idea that buying a Superformance car from the factory could be so difficult. If I was going to get one now, I would be looking for something already built and, hopefully, licensed here in California. A lot of Cobras come up on the Bring-a-Trailer website and I follow those. Based on prices, Superformance seems to have the most desirable build (short of the aluminum-bodied Kirkhams). Thanks for sharing!!! It sounds like you will really appreciate your car!
@@whynot8082 with new I have control of maintenance from new with few surprises, got to pick exactly what I wanted there are few to none out there with the 7.3
Sure! It’s a Superformance MKIII 427 SC replica but instead of a 427 it has a 7.3L Godzilla mated to a Tremec 5 speed. The engine has a Willis Performance cam, EFI, custom intakes and headers. 600HP. Wilwood discs and 18 inch American Racing hallibrand style knock offs.
@CobraEuphoria Thank you so much. I have enjoyed your videos and enjoy the car this summer. What is the name of the paint color of the car and stripes. Much appreciated.
I just went through this, in the North Hills of Pittsburgh. Bought a built but never titled Factory Five Roadster from a seller in Virginia. The PA Enhanced inspection required a lot of items, including completely wrapping any exposed exhaust. I did a lot of research ahead of time and was prepared for it all, and found a great enhanced inspection station who has done many FFR and other kits cars previously. Then off to a tag and title store to fill out more paperwork and pay the taxes and fees. The long and unknown part was waiting after the tag and title place sent in the paperwork (must be hand delivered to Harrisburg, can't do a specialty constructed vehicle online) you don't know if the state will accept everything or come back with more questions. Luckily after 5 weeks I have a title in hand, and a car listed as a 1965 year!
Hey congratulations! That’s awesome. I hope to see you at an event. I plan to be at the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix event at Southside Works July 31. pvgp.org/events/tune-up-party-the-southside-works/ I also go to Pittsburgh Cars N’At events at Southpointe here and there
I recently... on Bring a Trailer, bid up to $91K on a Superformance... and that was my stopping point that day. It only had about 700 miles on it and now I am kicking myself for not bidding a bit more. Anyway, now I am maybe thinking... well what does it cost to go all the way and order a new one.... (?) Guess I will have to inquire.
I have read elsewhere about SPF fuel pump issues… will be sure to consider them if mine has any problems running! Car should be arriving here (from SA) in a few weeks, but still no idea about that Roush 427IR!
They do slide back and forth a bit and the new Superformance Cobras have a slightly lowered floor to provide a little more room. Not much mind you but enough.
Maybe keeping the car at back of the trailer would be much easier to get it out of the trailer. Nobody wants to be THAT GUY that ruins the wheels backing out these cars.
I was in a used high end car dealer a few months ago in Ontario Canada and the first car I see in the back is a Superfomance Cobra 427 in medium grey metallic with silver stripes. Used of course. Had arrived 2 days before and sold in 4 hours , $125,000 cdn so about $90,000 us. I might have talked myself into buying it. Saved by the bell. lol.
Thanks for taking the time to explain your journey so far. I myself will be looking to purchase a Superformance later in the year. It’s hard to find any information out there on buying experience so thank you. Will be looking forward to your future posts.
I am about to embark on this process.. I have SO MANY questions for you! Any way to contact you outside of RU-vid? Well I'll go ahead and get started... Where are those wheels from? The heat shields? How loud is it (do you worry about bothering your neighbors)? Any word on if the Roush motors area attainable again? Did you get power steering? Any options you wish you'd got? By the way, your spec is absolutely beautiful.
Thank you and congratulations!, are you ordering a Superformance? The wheels are Halibrand and they are part of what you select when filling out the order sheet with Superformance. You can get them in either 18” or a more traditional 15”. You can also do what I did and get a sort of black chrome look. The heat shields were also part of the build supplied by Jo’s Garage. Whether or not your state requires them I recommend them unless you are going for a 100% period correct build. As for loud? Yeah it’s really loud regardless of having a Godzilla or a 427 but that’s part of the fun. I’m sure the neighbors don’t love it all the time but it’s not a daily and it’s not driven super early or late so I consider it balancing out their gas powered leaf blowers they always fire up when I am on conference calls. I did not get power steering. It’s fine but parking is a workout. It feels great when under way. Keep in mind this is as analog as you can get so you feel every vibration. Takes a minute to get used to. I haven’t heard anything on Roush. I was most disappointed in their complete lack of communication with Jo’s despite their efforts to get updates. I was one of 8 cars in their queue getting engines from them and they could not get any information. That’s why I switched. The only option I did not get but can install after the fact are shoulder harnesses. I don’t intend to track the car but they would offer a smidge more safety. They are an easy add on after the fact, the car is pre drilled for installation. Make sure to order floor mats. I didn’t and my carpet started to show a bit of wear, ordered them last week from Hillbank. One more thing. You can literally get any color you want so if you love the color of a Bugatti, get the details on the color and have at it. I found it helps to just stare at a ton of cobra pics for colors. That’s how I found mine which turns out to be a Ferrari color. Keep us posted! Take your patience pills, it’s a long ride but worth it.
@@CobraEuphoria Yes, a new Superformance MKIII. I live in a tight neighborhood, and I'm worried that if its too loud I won't want it out for early morning ro late evening runs, which is really the time I can enjoy it (having 2 small kids at home). I'm debating PS for the reason you noted - parking, but I don't want to lose any of the analog feel at speed. That is my apprehension. Thank for the info. I had a 1:18 scale Cobra model on my desk as kid, so I want something pretty close to it. Happened to be Indigo Blue!
I am glad that I found your video (fellow bald guy here) this morning. I am contemplating getting a "replica" Cobra in the next two years or so after my wife retires for the second time. I began perusing the Factory Five Internet forum, but think that "building" a kit car is beyond my skill or patience level. One of the members recommended Superformance. I sent them an email and somebody from one of their affiliated dealers called me last night. I think that buying a "pre-built" complete car is probably the better way to go for me - only having to select engine & transmission choices. The Superformance cars seem to be on the pricier side, but I like the idea of not having to worry about mismatched parts or finding a used 'donor car' where you beat it to fit and paint it to match. It is amazing how quickly adding things can ramp up the price, isn't it? You seem as if you were very patient through the entire process - but that is a necessity. ( I can relate to the snow. I lived in Pennsylvania for eight years back in the 1980s. ) P.S. I am torn between the MKIII and the MKIII Roadster. I am not a fan of side pipes or the roll bart, but I do like the functional hood scoop.
@@CobraEuphoria -- From what I gathered, the "427" is small-block 351W V8 that is bored/stroked. I am guessing 500-ish for the horsepower and maybe 550 lbs/ft of torque. Hooked to a Tremec 5spd manual, that'd be a great runner. In a car that weighs about 2,500 pounds............wow!
So I am someone looking to buy a new build also- im curious, why did you opt for the Super over a Backdraft? was it just for the license, or were there other factors that led to the decision?
Hey Ted, it was the licensing, the reputation for build quality (not saying backdraft isn’t good) and the dedicated engineered chassis and suspension set up.
This thing is wicked! So was this the official inaugural drive in the Cobra? I bet that baby commanded the attention on the road! Thanks for allowing us to live vicariously thru your videos! 😍
Thanks for doing the video. Definitely some great pointers for someone looking to get a Cobra. The financing, insurance and registration are points that many often overlook and are big hurdles, as well as having to change your mind on parts due to delays. I experienced many of the same issues you did even though I built mine. I'm only about 45 min. west of Pittsburgh, maybe we can get together at a show sometime.
As a younger 28 year old car enthusiast myself I can’t help but question - what do you do for a living? I’ve been turning wrenches as a mechanic for the last 10 years, and I made less than $75k last year which seems to be an average.. I’m beginning to neglect my own personal toys because I don’t wanna do it anymore. It’s wearing me out and I am starting to hate my passion.. thinking about going into the welding field get certified and combining the two but I don’t really know. Anyways man, extremely beautiful car and I appreciate you sharing your buying experience with us!!
Never ever give up the passion. I could not afford this at 28 for sure. It has taken many years to get into a position to do this. While I do not want to share too much personal info I will say this, I took some risks in my career and on balance they worked out. So don’t be afraid to think bigger or do something that makes you nervous or uncomfortable, that’s where the progress comes from. Good luck man, you work hard, that’s more than half the battle…you’ll do great!
Be patient and determined. I first lusted after a Cobra in 1962 when I read about the first road test in Britain of a 289. I was a kid at the time but I knew I had to have one. Years went by, prices went up and up, out of reach! Eventually I moved to South Africa and there in the early 1980s, read in a magazine about a California guy who was offering an early self-build kit. Still impossible...until a kit builder in S.Africa opened his doors. Long story short, I bought the basic chassis, and an old worn out but complete Fairlane with a rebuildable 302 motor and later a Jag XJ6 (for the suspension) totally done for, but also complete and both real cheap! 4 years later I had a Cobra, done bit by bit as funds allowed! Drove that 10 years 1992 - 2002 and finally sold it to spend time and money building an airplane! I always keep this quote in mind when considering such projects - and have found it to be true: "Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation) there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would not otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favour all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man would have dreamed would come his way. Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it! Boldness has genius, magic, and power in it." - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Thanks for all the info on your ordering process and the time frame in which it took you get actually get your Cobra in hand! I agree with you as far as using Superformance as the builder of your Cobra, I would do the same. Enjoy your car!
Thanks for sharing! It is gorgeous and I'm at the beginning of my journey. Trying to decide to get something in inventory, used or build. This was a helpful video. I'm sure you will enjoy it when it warms up!
Me too. I am about two years out from when I'd really be able to take possession of one. Waiting until after my wife retires for the second time and to get a few more ducks in a row.
Very cool video, I bought my Superformance used this April as I didn’t have the patience to wait. It’s been an incredible summer of car shows. People love to talk to you about your Cobra. Mines also in storage until spring.
Thanks for sharing your Cobra buying experience. Mine was very similar, and the process is not for the faint of heart. I ordered my Superformance Mark 3R in November of 2021, and took delivery of the final build in April of 2023. I waited for the Roush 427SR engine, although I contemplated going a different route also but hung in there. I’m in NY, so it’s tucked away until Spring like you. Happy to try and find a way to connect 1:1 if you’d like to share new owner experiences. I have a few now, having put about 900 miles on mine since April. Congrats!
Not that I’ll ever be able to afford to do this, it was a great video on explanation of the process and you could see the excitement on your face walking us through the ordeal. Like you said, in the end, you got a Cobra! Congrats to you and enjoy!
No wonder it took so long to get it off the trailer… a woman was driving!🙄 Not sure that fat guy will get in those seats tho either!!🤔 Nice looking car tho👌
Thanks for sharing! I have a Cobra coming in about 10-12 months and was wondering if you considered any sort of PPF? Did Blackout Tinting not recommend any sort of protection package or are you just not a fan of the film? Thanks again!
First of all, CONGRATULATIONS on the Cobra! I did consider PPF but decided on an 8 year rated ceramic due to the fact that the car will be purely fair weather driven and relatively low miles. I also was wary of PPF possibly altering the appearance of the paint a bit. I am going to post a video soon about all of the twists and turns with ordering a Cobra right up to my current wrestling with silly state registration rules.