Great video. My only challenge would be the negative against the FFR. Make no mistake, I consider Backdraft the best, then FFR. FFR got the true body lines and stance closer than anyone in my opinion. And you get out what you put in, the sky is the limit. Anyone building one to match spec is wasting their time. You will not find a W or R coded FE, so why go any further. The best combo is hands down the Coyote, T5, and Brembos with either a Jag rear or Aftermarket quick-change. Build it to drive, not sit on your garage and brag about.

I would like to add some clarity regarding Factor Five Racing's body style. While it is true that the Mk1 through Mk3 cars had what many people referred to as a "perky butt," that changed with the introduction of the Mk4. Its body replicates the shape of CSX3035 which was Dick Smith's race car. The body was scanned in order to create a template that was used for creating new body molds. In addition, because of the design and mold tolerance improvements plus the new gel-coat finish, the Mk4 body requires 50% less bodywork prior to paint than the Mk3.

Factory Five racing has the best suspension of any replica manufacture. I have built 3 of them. The latest one has 800 HP. Solid as a rock and rides like it is on rails. Biggest bang of the buck. Their service is the best.

THANK YOU for the insight because looking into a Cobra toy! Currently have a '01 Pontiac Firehawk F1 toy. Great resource and you're a very knowledgeable man!!!

Excellent video and thank you for the kind words on ERA! I'm the proud owner of ERA 761 which is an absolute dialed in replica that is very authentic to the original CSX cars from the 60's. I purchased my car used so it was already completed by the previous owner/ builder and I only wanted a 428FE with a 4 speed Top Loader and fortunately that's what I found. The biggest issue on ERA is the wait time to receive either a kit or factory completed car. The wait times right now are somewhere in the 2 to 3 year time frame. Whatever brand you choose...hang on and enjoy the ride!

EXCELLENT OVERVIEW OF SHELBY COBRA OPTIONS ! GREAT JOB VERY INFORMATIVE !

Compare the frame that FFR provides with their Cobra's versus others like say the Backdraft. There really is no comparison to FFR's 4" tubes. The 'perky butt' of the FFR MKIII was addressed in the MKIV some years ago. If you are attempting to guide someone's purchase, you should really provide more details of specific likes and dislikes.

Great post straight to the point very helpful to.all considering taking the plunge thankyou ☮️

Great video, thank you!

Another option is a Factory Five assembled by a *professional builder.* There are several of them that have built easily over 100 each. The build quality will meet - or even exceed Backdraft or Superfomance, and it can be made to your exact specs. But of course, even though these guys have legitimate businesses, it can still be seen as “built by some guy in a garage” and some people would feel more comfortable buying a complete car from dealership.

great video man, i titally agree that the continuation is the best way, but mega interested to hear about all the kits available

Well spoken,useful information...

Thanks! This is a very informative video.

So informative - thank you

man what a great video; this guy is good.

Love my contemporary cobra

Excellent video!

Cobras in all their different iterations are magnificent . Whether it's a 427 BB with an IRS, or like mine, a 351 W/ 9 inch, they're all a lot of fun. For those who've never owned or driven one, the best way I can describe them to you is that they "Want to kill you" every moment you're driving it. Whenever you have a ridiculously short wheelbase car, with a lot of power, and typically nowhere near enough brakes, it's a thrill show.

I own a Factory Five, like most have sad, it's what you put into it. ERA , excellent. Superformance too. Backdraft, is a nice car but, the sloping nose is not even close to original. 427, not the best to drive but, if you want bragging rights then go for it. Bottom line, it's whatever YOU like and that is ALL that matters. Nice video.

Great video! Subscribed!

The most informative cobra video out there

Great Video Awesome info 🤙

Thank you!

Fellow Vegas resident! I prefer the Daytona. Planning on getting the complete FFR kit soon w/ a 427 and Polished Borla EFI Stack. Superformance and Backdraft are way out of my budget. I'm seeing 50% increase in value for a completed Daytona on a few classic car sites if done right. After the blood sweat and tears of putting one together, I probably wouldn't sell my car though.

great stuff right here

I have a B&B cobra, I am 6' 4" but it was dropped floor pan and I felt fine in it.

I own an ERA 427 cobra. It has a 428 FE engine and top loader trans with the upgraded jag rear end. At car shows I receive the best compliments because I am always asked if it is a real cobra. For me; it is the best, most accurate replica for your money.

If I were to build one, I would take the modern path, make a nice cruiser.

Weird about the talk on Factory Five bodies when the Backdraft's are the most ridiculous of the bodies (they're way too... bodacious) and often come with LED headlights and odd modern wheels. Should've probably mentioned how FFR is also one of the only companies to not use a ladder chassis. They're certainly a budget car, but you seem to focus too much on how they're able to be the cheapest while forgetting you can build them properly too. Biggest takeaway should be that you can build one cheaply and it will show, or put a decent amount into one (50k should be a good starting spot) and it will make a big difference, no matter the make.

I believe he was refering to the older factory five kits that combined a mustang and a cobra kit. The kits they sell now are different.

Basic 427 and trans is 21g currently

Really nice objective review of kits! I like how you give the range of the looks/quality. I do agree about FFR. I’ve been a long time fan of theirs and their body always looks “off” and has that “high butt” look. Dave Smith (President of FFR) actually said something about that during a live stream and said something about there was a mold issue or something, I forget exactly. But a budget Cobra its great. I think some of the body issues have been fixed with their Mk 4 kit but you can still tell it’s an FFR. The body looks too small for the chassis to a small degree. But I do like their kits as they are more in my budget. One thing about recommending Daytona kits is a potential buyer of a Daytona has to see if they can easily get in and out of one. I tried getting in and out of a FFR Daytona and it was not that easy especially if you are on the huskier side. Again, thanks for the nice review! PS- I like your ‘72 Challenger Rallye. I have one to. Google “Super Blue 72” and you’ll see my car.

I really enjoyed your great overview. One great car if you can find one is the Contemporary. The car was an exact copy of the original right down to the round tube chassis. Another great car is the Unique built in Alabama and they are still in business. You mentioned at the end a more modern independent rear suspension. The original cars had independent jag rears with coil springs and spax shocks and most had inboard disc brakes.

Yes I want one

Thank you more than you can imagine. I nearly spent $71,500 on a factory five kit. The car has a 427 Rousch and is in amazing condition. But I will buy a Superformance instead.

Thank you

beautiful challenger

I had been looking at Cobras for the last 2-3 years pretty heavily. Came down to Superformance and a Backdraft for the final two that I was going to choose from. My budget was around 50-65k so I was looking for the best bang for my buck essentially. I've ridden in Backdrafts, Superformance, FFR's and Shell Valley's ranging from 289's to supercharged LS3's. London, OH has one of the largest Cobra meets in the world so you get to critique multiple Cobra builds all at one time. You see some that are clearly "home-builds" and others that are professionally done. Unfortunately this year with the Rona that show got cancelled. At the end of the day I went with a Backdraft RT3 with a Roush 427R in it. The build quality is phenomenal IMO. The Backdrafts are ~4" wider and 2" longer than the originals but me being 6' tall I fit in it perfectly fine. The newer RT4's have even more room and a dropped footbox for even taller drivers. To me they are a modern take on the Cobra heritage. Some people may not like that for whatever reason but what it ends up being is what you like that matters. Cobras of all types come from the same blood-line. Shelby would get in all different types of builds and still sign his name on the dash no matter what because ultimately they're all his babies. Lots of people need to be reminded of that.

Great advice, and informative. I only wish you had some input on the BRM Boss Cobra. The body and overall quality seems very good, and a built 302 is my choice over the heavier and somewhat “cramped” 427. Thanks for posting.

Thanks for the Plug!

Which kit has the best driving dynamics. I drove a factory five and the handling sucked compared to my miata

I would 100% get a kit to build for the experience and I could truly say its mine.

Like your commentary, but understand that there are those of us who might want the Cobra "experience " but don't have 80, 90, 100K plus to shell out for the continuation or "exact" replicas. Other than dropping an LS into it, (sacrilege) I'm good with an "almost ", the more of us getting into the hobby, the better!

Excellent video, being 6' 5" tall definitely would have to look for that 1 company he spoke about that stretched them out for taller people.

I’m definitely interested in a used Superformance kit 🤘🏻 I’m on their email list & have researched a lot of companies . i like that Superformance the best because they were actually authorized by Shelby and seem to be accepted by the community . I have a lot of toys already but it’s definitely on my bucket list.

If you are thinking about trying to pass off a kit car as an original, you're pretty well screwed up in the head in the first place, but If you want to build a kit car that you can be proud of, then do it. spending more money just to have an "authentic" car, well, it's your money, do what ever you want with it.

Curious what you think of the Hurricane Cobras. I plan on building one soon and was probably going to go with FFR but then heard of Hurricane and they carry the CSXxxxx numbering scheme. Supposed to be closer to the original Cobra.

Veteran...all I have is a dream...small block Ford , auto 3 speed Cobra. Thanx ,keep up the good vidios, I'll keep up my dreams. RAIRNT AIR FORCE AREO REPAIR, ENGLAND GERMANY KOREA PHILOPINES

Only few lucky people own 96" wheelbase ,it's one of the most comfortable cobra to seats in

I think this is a fair evaluation of what is available out there. However, knowing that the financial aspect typically plays a huge part in the decision for the vast majority of potential buyers, I think it's also fair to say that the price options across the landscape is not linear... once you get out of the "Factory Five" world, the cost curve rapidly goes up.... way up. Speaking from experience, if you're in the $25K-$50K price club, which is essentially the vast majority of wanna-be-a-Cobra-owner crowd, then you'll be a Factory Five customer... generally speaking.

I love them all, and maybe authentic is your goal, but place a Factory Five frame next to a real cobra or any replica and it’s by far the best performance wise. I’m building their Daytona Coupe replica right now and the modern space frame is like a damn NASCAR. Also love the 2015 Mustang IRS option.

The current Factory Five body was molded off of Dick Smiths #189 and one other original cobra. How much more authentic do you want? Your comments are off a bit.

Great video. Do you mind if I share this on our new channel which is for fans of the Shelby Cobra? I will credit you in the description and you can ask for the video to be removed at any time.

I wouldn't drive it like a maniac. A Super-performance for me.

CSX would be a great place to park some cash. They'll always be worth what you pay --if not more. Scrounge around BaT. A lot go up on there and never really get the bids they deserve. May catch a seller with a lower reserve if you persistent/lucky. But also, my god, the slab-side ERAs are gushingly beautiful. Oof. Mmmm

Clear this up for me, @12:10 What original AC Shelby Cobra had a LIVE axle in the rear? Then go ahead & admit it. You really want one of those budget Factory Five/Donor Mustang cars.

ERA is the best for builders. Most accurate, and they offer a slab side. Downside: last I checked the wait list os over two years. The #1 reason I won't pull the trigger on a Factory Five is there is no knock-off wheel option for their IRS. I cannot visually get past the nut covers for bolt-on wheels. You can get a solid axle shortened for knock-offs, but a Cobra should have IRS IMO. I know opinions and tastes vary, but there are some weird Franken-Cobras out there that make me shake my head. Mostly FFR's.

Check out Absoulte Pace made in Queensland Australia aluminium chassis inboard fulcrum suspension optional aluminium body

I want a backdraft cobra

Awesome video! I believe the backdraft cars have a wheelbase that's 2" longer that the standard cobra. Wonder if there were a video with the big 3 (FFR, Backdraft, and SF) side by side so we can get a glimpse as to the different profiles and lines each one has

well u should at least test and drive the 3 big names Backdraft Factory 5 Superperformance ... for me this is the best one just it feels most round as a package but therefore also a bit expensive

I always thought that I would make the car look like a very bad ass 427 Cobra on the outside, but run the drivetrain of the ZL-1 Camaro with the 10 speed auto and an IRS rear. This way I would have a car that is very drivable day to day but could lay down the law if needed, scary fast and livable. Plus I would have the advantage of an all aluminum motor, 650 HP and I would run a rear gear ratio of around 3:06 just like the Camaro. I understand that it's not all ford, but they will ever know because I will never show it to them, they will only see it drive past.

Do you think Kirkham, Superformance, and Factory Five would lend you one to put next to each other? ;-)

Have you heard of Jack Kube of North American Fiberglass? He was the head of that company that mfg replica cobras back in the 80s. Anyways I seen one of his cars listed for sale at a decent price. Im not sure of the build quality though?

It is my dream car❤

Hi I live across the pond in Ireland,The best maker on this side i guess is a DAX, I bought PILGRIM SUMO COBRA REPLICA which is second to the dax in 2007,for about $10k or £8k.It was road legal and drove well but i have done a lot of work since.We are inclined to use what we call a doner car.mine is based on a Ford Granada mk2 1979.with range rover V8 and 5 speed rover trans,You need to tell the supplier what your doner car is so they can build the chassie to match the doner car parts. some are V6,s and even a 2.0 straight four eeewh,poor choice .you can,t beat a V8 side pipe sound track,my wish would be an ls1 or 2 motor.any idea on cost of crate motor? great vid by the way.

Wich one is the best...FFR or Superformance?

😍

Great video but I have a Factory5 65 SC 427 replica and the body looks spot on to the original so it's a great choice in my opinion !

👍

CCX-2-2500 Contemporary is my new car.

Can I fit a s500 merc drive train in a cobra

Where can i just buy the car instead of building it???, help anyone???

I guess, just for me, if I were looking for a high performance car I would get a 'vette or mustang. If I were to go for a replica I would want to do as much of it for myself as I could, so the Factory Five sounds like the best option for me.

I never sat in a Cobra. I have a Sunbeam and fit fine in it. I'm 6'3

Recently purchased a 1967 Cobra kit car and am looking for someone who can finish putting it together. I’m located in Gig Harbor, WA. The car is about 75% finished.

What'S your take on a Unique MFG. cobras ?

The FFR Mk4 for the past 4ish years does not have the "high butt" so i'm not sure how up to date Life at Speed is on FFR...their molds are VERY nice and the quality is such that you could drive it around in the the red gel coat fiberglass. The new mold is casted from an original cobra that a close friend of Dave Smith (FFR owner) owned and raced....not sure how much more exact you can get than that! Life at speed obviously hasn't seen their "new" Mk4 (its been out for some time)...I would suggest FFR over ERA any day...especially just looking at the frame, FFR is leaps ahead. Even Superformance has IMO a "inferior" frame compared to FFR, unless you upgrade to the "original style" Lastly, the FFR family and the support is second to none and they have been making Cobra kits longer than most. Just look at the difference with their websites & sponsors lol....FFR = 21st century....ERA....1990

With the value of Fox going thru the roof, I would think twice about cannibalizing one to build a kit Cobra.

Why is the Backdraft so expensive ? It doesn't even have the true 90" wheelbase .

Oddly enough, I notice that you have the car most likely to leak oil parked directly above your most expensive car....and once I noticed that it was all I could think about lol. Good info though!

what engine is that at 2:40

I have a moral dilemma when it comes to kit car Cobras. It has always been a dream to own a Cobra but I feel like kit cars take away the specialty/uniqueness/ rarity of if. It’s like a nice Rolex in a sense. Fake and replica Rolex’s take away from the original. I will never be able to own a original cobra so a kit is the only viable option but I just have a hard time mentally being ok with it. Maybe getting a license plate that says “kitcar” would easy my mind a bit.

Any non-licensed replica has to have different body panels to avoid litigation.

Both Superformance and Backdraft are eye-candy rollers from South Africa with alarmingly frail frames. The Backdraft wheelbase is lengthened 2". The ERA is an old-school Cobra from the 80s. The frame, made of rectangular section, is extremely beefy and it utilizes an entire Jaguar rearend. It is the heaviest of all Cobras. Kirkham is by far the best Cobra made, even better than Shelby Continuation. Both are 6 figures cars. An authentic cobra has a ladder frame made of two 4" diameter round tubing set ~24" apart (double check 24") and a 90" wheelbase. Any other configuration, you are driving some other car with a Cobra body. Which brings us to Factory Five, it has a proper round section ladder frame and an authentic body. The affordable American made FFR Mk4 kit is an excellent choice. If you have the money, get a Kirkham or Shelby Continuation, otherwise build a non-donor Factory Five MK4 with IRS. Choice of engine and transmission is up to you.

The first 15 sec or so is a Cobra blowing tires off. What do you know about that car?

You sound like you’ve done your homework and know your way around a car. So according to you, how difficult do you think it’d be for a laymen with no experience building cars to build a budget cobra? I hear wildly different ends of the spectrum...some saying that practically anyone can do it all the way to only guys with extensive experience working on cars should attempt it. I have basic tools...but nothing specialty in regards to automotive and only the most basic of experience with vehicles (changing oil, replacing plugs, brakes...just your typical maintenance).

@2:50 Wacha mean by more reliable? Less maintainance? More primitive engines are no detriment to reliability - meantime before failure, quite the opposite, AFAIK. @4:47 You have to factor in time and opportunity costs, so it is really not just 25 grand. @6:08 That is not really cheap either, unless you compare it to the original "deathtrap" of the 60ies. :)

While building a Cobra replica sounds exciting, it is nearly impossible to register it in most states due to environmental laws. Thus, it can only be used on a track but not on public roads.

I am buying a used for 40K and call it a day.

Nice review of options but... some day I'm gonna build... Some day I'm gonna build a Super 7, some day I'm gonna build a XYZ kit Cobra, some day I'm win Power Ball and buy originals, too. Easy to say when there's no skin in the game.

I would not take one of those junks if it was going to be GIVEN to me!

When a bloke puts a Chevy engine in a kit and tries to sell it... 🤡🔫

So basically you want folks to spend stupid money on a kit car 🤣

*I don't go for the old fashioned designs, BUT THIS ONE IS ONE I DO LIKE, the curvy slinky design is just really nice, just look finished with a stainless steel mesh radiator grill in front snout and it's perfect, metalic black would be awesome, 500HP*

Great video!