A Fake Cobra In The Barn

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When it comes to Cobra Replica kits, Superformance International builds some of the best ones out there. They aren’t cheap though, with completed examples fetching decent money. Rick recently came across an ad for a Cobra kit and it turns out, it’s a Superformance MKIII, well at least that’s what the seller claims. It isn’t complete, it’s just the body, frame, front suspension and rear end, but it’s a good start! The seller is asking $5,000 for it, which isn’t bad if the frame is in good shape and the body doesn’t have any cracks. You can check it out here on craigslist in Eugene, Oregon.

While $5k might sound like a lot for a body and a frame, but completed Superformance Cobras are spendy. Heck, the barebones kit will set you back close to $20k. This one is said to be setup to accept a big block engine, which I’m sure only increases the cost of one of these kits. Putting it together won’t be cheap, but it would be a lot cheaper than buying a used one or even a brand new kit. This could be a really awesome project, but I would want to make sure the frame isn’t rusty and that it really is a Superformance kit. If we didn’t have a garage full of cars right now, we would already be on our way to Oregon to buy it, but sadly we don’t have space for it. If one of you picks it up, please let us know! Special thanks to Rick for this tip!

Comments

  1. Rick

    Pretty good deal for those kits. Do a junkyard build with used parts, and you could have a decent ride for not much money. Lots of support on the Cobra owners forums..

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  2. Pa Tina

    Be a shame to have to toss out the guy living in it, but certain sacrifices have to be made to keep the hobby alive. Sorry, Pops- You are outta here!

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    • jcs

      Better check local eviction laws. Whoever buys it may be getting that guy along with the kit.

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  3. Landerso

    To my knowledge Superformance has never sold cars in the states in that level of disassembly. Their cars are all sold as completed rollers, and most folks have the distributor add the drivetrain. None of the more reputable manufacturers would offer a body that doesn’t even have gelcoat on it.

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  4. Elmunndo

    I agree with Landerso. I have visited two dealerships and drove a SuperPerformance Cobra. They come from South Africa as a rolling chassis and basically that is how they are sold. At that point the buyer has options of having having the dealer install a drive train, or another shop, or do it yourself.

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    • Bmac BmacMember

      And they are a little more then 20,000.00

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  5. Jim Vogel

    I agree with Landerso. Superformance are sold as complete cars minus drivetrain. No kits.

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  6. Bmac BmacMember

    Been there, done that! Starts out a good deal but gets expensive very fast. Sand,sand and sand some more, depending on the kit and how old the molds were when the glass was laid.

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    • Pa Tina

      Looks pretty nice from here. The car on the trailer is cool too.

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    • Don H

      Very cool ‘ the cars nice to

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  7. Bmac BmacMember

    The 5000.00 deal in the beginning

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    • Big Ed

      Why is this coupe on the trailer, couldn’t make up your mind whether to fly or style?! This is like having your cake and driving it too!

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      • Dickie F.

        You really had me there Big Ed – I had to turn the photo to realize …. you have a great collection. Are any of your cars registered for California walkways?

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      • Bmac BmacMember

        Big ed, I drive the crap out of them!

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  8. Art M.

    What, no door’s? Without knowing which kit it actually is, sourcing door’s may prove difficult.

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  9. michael streuly

    Lots of sanding!

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  10. Brad C

    There’s a company that builds replicas of the Jag XKSS starting at $150K. Never heard of a 250 Testa Rossa kit, though maybe they exist.

    So, it the stage this Cobra kit is in… it might be fun to explore another car this could be the springboard for altogether, if stretched and massaged enough. I’ve never been a big Cobra fan in the first place… so I’d probably have some fun with it!

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  11. Mike

    Seems like Cobra replicas are a dime a dozen. I skip looking at anything Cobra these days. But! How about this just to be different: Cherry pick the best of Ford’s 70’s malaise period and build something truly jaw dropping. Pinto 4 banger, drum brakes, Ford Fairmont interior, plastic color coordinated steering wheel, steel wheels with hubcaps and paint it beige. Guaranteed to pull crowds away from even real Shelby Cobras!

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    • grant

      I… I don’t want to like that idea. Stop it.

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  12. Van

    Even crappie running Cobras bring 30. If you have enough desire and no money, this is no question. Doesn’t a Factory 5 start at 13. Just expect problems and plan on dealing with it.

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  13. Cobra Steve

    Everett-Morrison, circa 1980’s. Back then the $5K bought you what you see sans differential, but the windscreen, seats, gauges, lights, etc, were included.

    Definitely not Superformance. This one has no gel coat and if memory serves correct, E/M called this their “lightweight” version.

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  14. Mlaw

    Does the homeless guy come with it?

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  15. Ray

    OK! I get it. This is what they call “in the weeds”!

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  16. American_Badaz

    It seems obvious to me that it needs a 4X4 chassis and 40″ tall tires!

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  17. Michael Rozmen

    OK I’ll take it does the guy come with it? I’ll need someone to keep up the weeds growing around it.

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  18. Lugga Rack

    We will never forget the day Granpa lost his legs in the Replica Cobra disaster of 2012.

    Like 0

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