First build FFR 33 or Cobra?

[Kjoyce178]

So I am looking to do my first build, I really like the Cobra but my instinct is that the 33 maybe a easier build for my first time. I have have some experience working on cars before but I am sure these builds will require work I am not familiar with. Certain items like the motor, paint/body I will have to farm out but I am hoping to do the majority of the build myself over the span of a year. I would love to get some feedback from builders about there thoughts about which car to build first and overall experience their first time building an FFR Kit car. Thanks.

[wallace18]

The Roadster is much easier IMO. I am pretty sure others will back me up on this. Though IMO the 33 is more practical if you do the hardtop with P/W, A/C and P/S. JMO.

[68GT500MAN]

Having built (an re-built) most of the vehicles in FFR's stable over the years I find the 33 and roadster almost a tie. There are parts of each build that may be more time consuming than the other but it equals out in the end IMO. If you want a crowd pleaser no matter where you go build the roadster. If you want a blank canvas to "hot rod" the way you want and need a top with windows, build the 33. You will not go wrong with either choice and you will be surprised to learn that you CAN build a car!
Doug

[skullandbones]

Hi Kjoyce178,
.
I've seen the hot rod up close and visited a builder in progress. Personally, I would say from my build perspective, the hot rod would be a little easier to build. There are some body clearance issues with the roadster that are more potentially problematic for instance. The only weird thing I can say might complicate things on the hot rod are the front dressings on the engine people have addressed. I've also seen some interesting issues with the hot rod in the trunk area with fitment of certain components like fuel tank and batteries. It looks pretty tight for space.

If you chose the roadster there is an element that is unpredictable though. It's the attention it will get in almost any form. I don't understand it but I know from experiencing it, there is nothing else like it. I don't think the hot rod (although just as beautiful in it's own way) will ever get the same attention from perfect strangers who may or may not be car buffs. Maybe it's the fact that many hot rod looking cars are seen more at car shows and out on the road. It's just indescribable how the roadster draws people.

Either way you go, you should be OK with the level of building expertise needed. If you can do one, you should be able to transfer to the other build without any trouble.

Good luck,

WEK.

[Kjoyce178]

Thanks all for the advice, I am pretty set on going with the roadster, I think i will take the 3 day build class first though. I have loved the look of the roadster since i was a kid so i completely get the attention it gets. Part of why I want to make sure i do it right.

[edwardb]

I spent the day yesterday at a really nice car show with 300+ cars. Even with some absolutely amazing older cars, street rods, customs, etc. I'm still amazed how people walk right by those cars and are drawn to the Roadster. They certainly draw a crowd everywhere. So I concur with your choice, it that's what you like. Personally I think that's also reflected somewhat in the resale value, but I'm sure that's not something you're thinking about right now. Just be ready for the zillion "Is it real?" questions. Seemed to be more of that than usual yesterday, and some that even acted a little disappointed when they saw "replica" on my car sign. I wanted to mention the $1.45 million sell price of the original restored 427 street at Barrett-Jackson earlier this year (among others), and the extreme unlikelihood that something like that would be in a local car and craft show. But I resisted...