427 Cobra from a Frua coupe

[French Frie]

A french car, from a french ACOC member (see pics), based on a Frua coupe (CF052) butchered to make a rather lovely Cobra :
   
   http://www.petrolicious.com/vicious-ac-cobra-427-repeatedly-wins-best-of-show-awards-in-paris
   
   
   
   it is on sale in a dealer's showroom, near from my home, at an outrageous price [}:)] ...

[rstainer]

Regardless of the merits of this car, it's not a Thames Ditton Cobra. The ACOC classes it as a modified Frua; as such is in the AC 428 Frua Register.
   
   (The TD Cobra coil spring replicas appendix has it as the 52nd entry, in company with four other shortened Fruas.)

[French Frie]

... And that's fair, but I didn't succeed in choosing the right section ( Frua or Cobra) to post  []

[shep]

Oh the benefit of hindsight! As a Frua in excellent condition it would be worth £140k, but as a replica Cobra, who knows, £60k on a good day?

[hawk289]

Buy it, get panels, put back to Frua and enjoy a unique car. I really do not understand why people would bother taking a lovely car and no restoring it. I know people say to me cheaper to build, etc. But when there is less than 50 cars how special. I've seen to many Ac Aceca's that are now ace's. Why? Why? Anyway, looks nice just a real shame.

[French Frie]

Edited :twice the same answer ...

[French Frie]

I agree... That's why I said "butchered" ! To respond to Shep : take a breath... I know it is insane, but.... It is asked k€750 for this bitza !!!

[aaron]

I am with you guys on this, I would imagine the chassis has also been shortened slightly to make this "Cobra" 60 grand ? It is worth what someone would be willing to pay for a butchered car.
   
   John, I would imagine it was cheaper to butcher than restore, plus the butcher got a "Cobra" out of the deal ! [][][]

[hawk289]

Aaron, you are correct. But, But I would have contacted the club and seen what was possible. Body parts would / could have been sourced. Just a shame, but the car now has some interesting history.

[shep]

Mmmmm 750k Euros? I wonder who would advise such a price? An original 427 S/C certainly, but a replica, no way! If I had found an unknown Leonardo da Vinci painting 15 years ago, replaced the original canvas, and commissioned an "artist" to copy the Mona Lisa onto the new canvas. What would the new artwork be worth? It may retain the original stretcher and frame, but all the value would have been destroyed and I would feel pretty sick. Caveat Emptor.

[hawk289]

Andy, I still remember the 37th or something Ruddspeed which was new. It went for less than a Kirkham. Just keep it the same as it was, or by a great kit car and enjoy. I have built many Hawk cars and they are excellent. If I wanted a cobra and could not afford would go this route.