E.R.A. 289FIA
ERA#2076, Brilliant Blue/PPG Silver stripes
—SOLD!—

Photo above is hotlinked (same view, much larger size).

E.R.A./Era Replica Automobiles 289FIA—superb replica of 1965 289FIA Shelby Cobra. Built in 2001; ERA serial #2076. Base color PPG (PCH) Brilliant Blue (1997 Dodge), silver racing stripe [PPG code BC36963], painted by Connecticut Custom Car. Powder-coated custom ERA frame.

In surveying the Cobra replica market in 2000, I came to discover that there was an alternative to the typical 427 Cobra. At the time I was aware of only two companies replicating the original flare-fendered small-block Cobra, the fabulous track star, the 289FIA. From a styling perspective, I think the smaller and more shapely opening in the front, the integral hood scoop, the sidepipes tucked beneath the rocker panel and the overall 'leaner' persona are more attractive than the similar coachwork cues on any 427-style Cobra. I selected ERA as my manufacturer after reviewing the extensive design information included on the company's website, visiting their production facilities in Connecticut, and after concluding that E.R.A. represents the very best of the best, both in rugged engineering and in unrivaled fit & finish.

powerplant photo is hotlinked (same view, MUCH larger size).

The following is copied directly from an Engine Factory ad (2001) for "Ford Cobra Special" crate motor:

• precision-machined 351W engine block
• precision-ground/micro-polished crankshaft
• shot-peened/stress-relieved connecting rods with 190,000 psi ARP bolts
• Badger heavy-duty pistons 9.5:1 compression
• Speed Pro piston rings
• 3-piece steel roller style timing chain
• H.O. camshaft delivers mid-range horsepower and excellent low-end torque
• high-volume Melling oil pump and screen
• Edelbrock aluminum heads 60cc combustion chamber
• 2.02" stainless steel swirl-polished intake valves
• 1.60" stainless steel swirl-polished exhaust valves
• hardened valve seats for unleaded or regular fuel
• heavy-duty 1.45"-diameter valve springs, 7° locks
• new heavy-duty chromoly pushrods
• new chromed front sump 5-qt. oil pan (I changed this to Canton low-profile 8 qt. oil pan)
• timing chain cover with scale
• Ford Racing polished aluminum valve covers
• new Edelbrock Performer dual-plane intake manifold
• new 4-barrel 750 cfm Edelbrock carburetor with electric choke
• high-voltage electronic distributor and coil (I changed this to an MSD 6AL electronic ignition)
• new thermostat and chromed housing
• new fuel and water pumps
• chromed diptube and dipstick
  
  And in addition, these items:
• heavy duty radiator
• electric (puller) cooling fan
• MSD 6AL ignition
• ceramic-coated primary pipes
• stainless steel sidepipes

Lakewood bellhousing, Centerforce 'Dual Friction' clutch with McLeod hydraulic release bearing, Tremec TKO 5-speed gearbox, 3.54:1 rear with posi, Jag IRS with inboard brakes. Adjustable coil-over shocks, two in front and four on the rear (Eibach springs/Spax shocks). Swaybars front & rear.

above cockpit shot is hotlinked (same view, MUCH larger size).

Odometer stopped working at 1,900 miles. Best estimate is close to 7,500 miles. Street interior with vinyl seats, Stewart-Warner gauges, 4-point harnesses, but only lap belts are installed. 15" Moto-Lita steering wheel, wind wings, shaded visors, and racing mirror.

  above: original-correct FIA gauge layout, Lucas toggle switches, Moto-Lita wheel

Wilwood brakes in front with 12" rotors. Halibrand-style pin-drive wheels. Dunlop tires: front: P235/60Rx15; rear: P295/50Rx15.

This frontal view is hotlinked [alternate view (3/4-rear shot), much larger size].

This 3/4-frontal shot is hotlinked [same view, much larger size].

above: E.R.A. custom soft top and side curtains, and tonneau cover (not shown)

Note how my flash really illuminated those bright aluminum inner fenders.
This broadside shot is hotlinked (alternate broadside view, much larger size).

This Cobra has accumulated less than 10,000 miles.

I logged almost all of this serpent's estimated 7,500 miles (12,000 km) in my early years of ownership. It's a beauty, but not a trailer queen. I drove it to all the car events I attended, (rain or shine), my favorite being the annual Cruisin' Ocean City event in late May (4-day event, Ocean City, Maryland). Even though I still believe the Cobra (especially the 289FIA) to be the best-looking driving machine of all time, I have not been driving it much of late. Chauffeuring kids to sporting events and concern about leaving it unattended has limited its 'fun factor' for me for a few years, and thus over the past 4 years it has seen relatively little action. So I'm ready for some lucky new owner to take possession and get the bugs-in-your-teeth sheer enjoyment and driving thrills that it is all set to deliver.

:Contact:
Minor Appleman

Located near Annapolis, Maryland, U.S.A.

10 September 2012: You can mark my Brilliant Blue E.R.A. 289FIA SOLD! It is now on its way to a new home in the Pacific Northwest! My thanks to Curt for so much for his help in composing the car's profile. And his Cobra Photogaphy Tips were instrumental in persuading a Cobra enthusiast in Portland, Oregon to buy my Cobra... he bought my car without ever coming to see it in person. Minor Appleman

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