I am looking into building a 427 Cobra replica.  Through a little research, I have been able to assemble this list of ten of the top manufacturers of these kits:  

Factory Five Racing
Back Draft Racing
Kirkham Motorsports
B&B Manufacturing
Classic Roadster
Pacific Roadster
Superformance
Shell Valley
Hurricane Motorsports
Unique Motorcars

Unfortunately, I can only assess these companies via the internet, as I do not have the means to travel to each company and check out their product.  Basically, each company claims to make the highest quality, most complete kit.  But they can't all be #1.  Can anyone narrow down the list for me?

Thank you.  

Sorry, another good one is Lone Star Classics.

Thanks.  

Factory Five Racing is probably the biggest company and I believe they put out a pretty good product  

I guess the first thing I would have to ask is what price range were you looking for FFR isnt the most Kirkam ,Superperformance would fall into the high end catagory.From ther the lines blur a little depending on the options with your kit, FFR is a proven leader thats going to be around for a long time  I couldnt aford to have someone do a roller for me Like SP but Backdraft comes very close they would  be my second choice then Hurricane,buy the way they are only doing rollers now I understand they dont do kits anymore.Happy hunting WB3  

Classic Roadsters is apparently in some type of bankrupt or repo action, was for sale on EBay, did not sell.  Getting anything from the company right now is impossible, better steer clear of them for a while.  

It's going to be hard to find someone with experience with more then one or two of the companies on the list, all are pretty good quality.  

jamespharmd:
I am looking into building a 427 Cobra replica.  Through a little research, I have been able to assemble this list of ten of the top manufacturers of these kits:  

Factory Five Racing
Back Draft Racing
Kirkham Motorsports
B&B Manufacturing
Classic Roadster
Pacific Roadster
Superformance
Shell Valley
Hurricane Motorsports
Unique Motorcars

Unfortunately, I can only assess these companies via the internet, as I do not have the means to travel to each company and check out their product.  Basically, each company claims to make the highest quality, most complete kit.  But they can't all be #1.  Can anyone narrow down the list for me?

Thank you.

Hi,

All of the companies you've listed manufacture magnificent Cobra kits. Have you checked out the 2008 KIT CAR Buyer's Guide, which is accesible from this very website? Also, you could research the various companies both on their websites, as well as two active Cobra forums: clubcobra.com and ffcobra.com. Based upon  a number of factors that are important to you, you'll have to narrow down the list yourself. Questions like what your budget is, whether you want an original wheelbase Cobra or a stretched wheelbase Cobra, how much of the work you want to do yourself, etc., will all have to be answered by you. The two web forums can be very helpful, in terms of doing the investigating.

We hope your research goes well!

Best,

Brian  

As AutoSmith was saying, you can find the Buyer's guide right here on the site link provided below

Kit Car Buyer's Guide  

did you find what you were looking for yet?  

Hi,

I am new to the Forum, but have some Cobra kit-car experience, and have a t least examined a few "brands." I will only comment about brands I have actually examined inside and out.

It kind of depends upon how much work you want to do yourself.

Kirkham. Nice, but too rich for my blood I am afraid. Unlimited funds?...Aluminum is NICE.

Hurricane makes a good product, but if you buy basic packages, expect to do a lot of fiberglass bodywork, such as trimming, then filling through painting. With the price of paint materials, this can be expensive. The suspension components a year or so ago had some weak spots, but I understand that they remedied that. Hurricane seems responsive to customer service and updates their product on an ongoing basis, which is good.

Backdraft. A very good and old friend is a dealer for this brand (after trying Hurricanes for a while). Based on my product examination, this is a great product, though if you are into maximum authenticity, you may be disappointed because they make extensive use of BMW 3-Series suspension and running gear components. For me, this is NOT a bad thing, since it means you are getting proven components that are easy to replace should it ever be necessary. Also, the work "kit" is almost a misnomer since you are buying a finished "turn-key" car. Expect 3-7 month wait while your car is constructed in their South African state-of-the-art plant.

Superformance. What can I say...If I had wanted to spend 10 Grand more than Backdraft I'd have bought a Superformance. Hands down!

If it matters, I just made my personal decision, and have a brand new Backdraft sitting in my garage awaiting its engine and 6-Speed Trimec transmission.

Bob  

Hi i'm new and would to know if anyone heard of a company call " superreplica.net" ?