Guts to buy Unseen

TBULL

TBULL

Member # 010
GCC Member
Location (City)
House Springs
First Name
Dan
Last Name
Turnbull
I've seen more Cobra replicas this year than in the 10 years before and a lot of them have been FFR's. While I may not have the exact knowledge of specifics of all the modifications possible (Who Does?), I do have a pretty good knowledge of what should be able to be done.What I'm leading up to is this. After you've seen some cars and you know you want to buy one, do you actually have to see it. What if it's on the other side of the country. Airfare is $800 and the delivery is another $1800. Since it's a good deal and what you want, do you go ahead and buy the dumb thing or spend the extra. Anything that isn't the way it should be can be fixed. I know I'm being cheap, but that's another 800 you don't have to spend and it may nullify the deal you get. Is there some type of insurance you can ask from the seller or do you just knuckle down and roll the dice? Thanks for the input. Let the discussion begin!
 
IMHO - I say, buy something local, you can always modify to what you want and you get to see, feel/touch, and inspect here. Sure would hate for you to get there and be disappointed because of one tiny thing you forgot to ask about. Dang man, just by a complete kit already! :D
 
Pictures and lots of documentation!

I don't know Tim, if the original builder was like most of us, he was probably very proud of his project, and took his time and documented the parts, photographed the build, and made modifications (of improvement) along the way. I've not seen very many FFR's that were just thrown together and would be a problem car. Maybe it's my alturistic mentality? Dan went up to Fast Lane last Friday and did not see anything local that was what he wanted and was put togther well for the price range he wants to pay.

I do agree about building it yourself....but didn't you as well struggle with this as well Tim and in the end get a finished cobra?

Darn devils advocate!!!!

Dan,
Has the seller sent you a lot of photos? Videos of the car starting and driving?
Here is a great idea. Put out a request for someone in the area of this car on the ffcobra.com forum to do you a favor and drive over and look the car over for you. If the seller is serious about selling, I'm sure he will alow this to be done short of you spending the money to go out and look it over yourself. Post the thread under the regional area the car is from in that sub-forum. 10 to 1 someone else knows this car and peeson and will either sing praises or you may get a PM saying stay clear.

My $1.02 worth (adjusted for inflation).

Scott
 
Talk with Dave at Fast Lane. I believe Carpe Kid asked him to find a car in his price range and he made it happen (correct me if I'm wrong here, Carpe). If you work together, maybe he can bring the car here and if it doesn't work out, sell it on his floor to another buyer..... Just an idea.

He also buys ALOT of cobras and cars from nationwide channels, so sitting down for 30 minutes with him you can sponge up a ton of knowledge as to what to look for, watch outs, etc.
 
Here's another perspective.

I was looking at a car in Scottsdale (not a cobra) via the internet. The dealer had a good rep, the pictures were good, and even a video of it starting and running. I had several telephone conversations with the man, put down a $500 deposit to hold the car, and booked a flight to Arizona. I brought with me a cashiers check, an insurance binder, and had a transport company on stand-by.

When I got there, the reputable guy I was dealing with was screaming drunk by noon, and the car was junk from top to bottom. I could go on and on about the horrible day - but what started out as a really exciting adventure turned out to be a complete scam. That plane trip saved me $1000s.

So, I would say the plane ticket is cheap peace of mind. While you're there, take the car to a shop and have someone do a diagnostic check on the motor, and take the car on a lengthy test drive.

The owner shouldn't mind. If he does mind - RUN AWAY. BTW - we are lucky living in the middle of the country - a transport company will charge between 1200 and 2500 from just about anywhere. But, if you are really want - drive it home!

That my .02 - from the SHOW-ME state.

Mark
 
Scott, struggle is an awful strong word for what I did. I had thought about building a kit for a while, done SOME research, and went to FastLane because he had a B&B and a FFR. I wanted to just look at them. Well, the rest as they say is history. My "struggle" lasted as long as he didn't start the car :D When he did, I was sold regardless of how it was equipped, I knew I could make it what I wanted for much less than a full kit (or so I thought). By the time I get done making modifications I may have spent, well I wont' say here for I know Paris is lurking about -
kissass-1.png
 
Dave really wanted me to buy an Excalibur Cobra like he has. I thought the price was high, especially with the shape it was in and the soft market now. I guess I could ask him to buy the car, but that seems wrong for some reason. I don't have anything against Dave, I just didn't want the car.

I can fly out and if I like it, drive it home. Pro - saving the 1600 transport fee. Con - Driving 1400 miles in a car I just bought. A scary thought but one that I might just try. Would definitely depend on the drive of the car.

To Scott's plan, Collin from Stewart Transport, is an FFR guy and about 30 minutes from the car. He could meet the owner and give me an idea of the mechanical and visual shape of the car. Pro - Save the 800 round trip fare and just ship it home. Con - I haven't sat in the car. My butt has final approval. You know what I mean. the smaile factor. :D

Third Plan is to round trip it for 800. If I like it pay for the transport and spend the 2400.

Last plan that I can think of, pass the car up and start looking again. Not what I had in mind.
 
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My Experience

Long story short. I bought mine sight unseen from a guy in Paris, Ky. Drove to Paris 6hrs on Nov. 17, 2007 to get the car. Drove it home in 30-40 degree w/x with long underwear on, two hooded sweatshirt jackets on, both hoods up, & leather coat over them. Absolutely love the car. Let me know if U want to hear the long version some time. :eek::D:eek::D
 
link to the one you like?

Hey Dan,

Why don't you show everyone the one you really like....There are enough guys on here to give you feedback.
Tim - maybe sturggle was the wrong word...but you understood what I meant, and what he is going through.

Mark makes a good point. My buddy in Colorado was going to buy a finished Mk. I back in 99 from a guy in Texas. He flew down there ready to drive it home...and after seeing it up close, decided WTF? for this price he decided to buy the kit and build the car he really wanted, he walked, and ordered his kit the next week when he got home.

So Dan, here is my final word of advice. Do you think this car is a better deal when it is all said and done and you have made your mods than if you started with a kit and built it yourself? I know how much I will have in mine...and it's less than the top end number you are trying to stay under...

I'm back in town tomorrow if you want to get together to discuss your garage by the way.
 
Blue & White Superformance with 392 and available hardtop for sale at Fast Lane.
Looks very solid - only 1600 miles!
 
Ok. Here comes comments from the peanut gallery. Yes, I had told Dave what I was looking for and it took about 6 months for it to show up in his showroom. Did he get it in for me?? Unlikely, but it worked. Did I REALLY intend on buying it when I saw it? Who knows. I am sure if I show my wife this thread she would just laugh. You want the car, you have gotten the ok, just buy already. I would take ANY of the cars the guys in this group have, as I am sure most others would too after driving one.
 
The owner Chris has been great. We've worked at this for a while. I'll know by the end of the day one way or another. I can say thanks to the group for all the support. Since these cars are such a personal extension of the person that build them, it's hard for me at least to find one that has all the things I wanted. I couldn't do it, which is why I was going to build my car. I like the FFR both for the community and the versatility shown in the cars. Here's the car I'm looking at. It won't be for everyone and that's OK.

http://www.ffcobra.com/forums/showthread.php?t=190913

I'm an engineer and s software developer, so the mix of old and new appealed to me. There are electronics that you won't find in many cars and I think it would be a kick in the pant to drive it daily. As a friend of mine calls it "A mini vacation twice a day". I'll keep the group posted. One thing this crucible has done was to make me re-evauate and sharply define my choices in both engine, drive train and color. They aren't what they were two weeks ago I can tell you. If this doesn't work, I'm building and I be starting as soon. Thanks guys. See you at the meeting next week.

Tim, I've had more posts in the last week than I've had all year. It can become addicting. :D
 
Killer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

DO IT BULL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! U won't be dissapointed! Love the engine! KILLER! Da Bull ROCKS! Yeah postn's fun ain't it? Wait till ya go roller coaster ridn w/us. :D
 
If it were me.............................

I wouldn't drive it all the way from AZ. Man that's along haul. I'd pay to have it trailered. The guy's been great. Sounds trustworthy & so forth. But if ya need the peace of mind than do ur thing.
 
Run to the bank !!!!

TBULL,

Now that I am back home, and can view this on something bigger than a postage stamp sized screen, I LIKE IT!!!

I've been following the electronics aftermarket for these projects, and I would feel comfortable with I Squared's car.

Great looking car all around (from the photos). Have Collin Stewart give her a once over and see if it pans out in person. The detail looks great and you will have a hoot!

When it gets here, you owe me a ride...I'll take that over a milk shake any day!
 
I'll do both. I'm trying not to get my hopes up though, but man I want that car. FYI it comes with two spare computers, so if the deal pans out I'll have some hardware too for you guys. Some of the things that weren't in the original description that I found out. Built in heater, A form of fresh air flow through the vents, full car cover, 2 spare computers, various electronics and what's left of the left of the leather used for the car. I Squared engineering is starting a new high end carbon fiber exotic car for their new test project, which is why they are getting rid of the car.
 
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