quote:
Originally posted by shep
The point I was trying to make about values, was that the AC Factory was building 2 cars, a stock Mk IV and a "Continuation 427 S/C", next to each other in the same workshop, with the same craftsmen (Peter?). using basically the same materials for chassis suspension and bodywork. Yes I agree there would be a premium for the 427 motor, but I struggle to understand why the latter is now treated as some sort of Super Classic, which deserves a price comparable to a Thames Ditton Cobra. Where there is a market, the value of everything is what the market is prepared to pay, so let's see what happens. Aston Martin did a similar exercise with "Continuation" DB4 Zagatos about 15 years ago, which sold for hundreds of thousands to speculators. I can't remember any coming up for sale recently, but would be interested whether they proved to be a good investment.
Recent original Shelby Cobra 427 auction sales (at current exchange rates): CSX 3127 £700,600, CSX 3228 £560,500 CSX 3249 (a low) £380,200; the latter was sold in Europe and had its original 427 replaced by a 289 in the '70s. The car now has a (non-original) 427 unit.
CSX1001 a continuation 427 Cobra built by AC for Shelby American in 2005, fetched £213,694 at auction. However it's worth pointing out that this car was Carroll Shelby's personal car, so that may have inflated the price.
Rod Leach's COB 5002 427 continuation built in 1998 has been on the market for some time - no price given but a recent 'Octane' article suggests a price for these cars from £250,000 - £300,000. COX 5012 which has a AC built body and chassis (in 2002) and was completed elsewhere is also still on the market. The dealer 'Private Collections' wants £225,000 for this car.
The 'buzz' words for all these cars in adverts are 'FIA' 'Historic' '1960s parts' 'AC Cars Certification' 'investment' 'good value for money compared to an original'
However COX 3361, another 427 'continuation'completed after AC closed its UK operations, only received a bid of £100,000 at auction last year, less than half its reserve price.