Ford's rare Cobras are hot
Collectable: Jodi Levy of Smithfield, Cairns with her rare 2007 model Ford Cobra V8 sedan, build number 261, which is one of only 400 built.
THE Far North has become a haven for a modern-day collectable Ford.
Ford Performance Vehicles' V8 Cobras have turned into an instant classic, commanding prices for used versions almost double the new price last year.
Owner and All Ford Club FNQ member Jodi Levy believed there were a disproportionate number of the sedans and utes in the region.
"For such a small town we seem to have a lot," she said.
"There's a couple on the Tableland and three or four in Cairns."
Holden collector Chooka even has a Cobra sedan and a ute with just delivery kilometres on the odometer of the vehicle, which is undercover in a warehouse, as well as an original XC coupe.
Only 400 sedans and 100 utes were built. Mrs Levy's is build number 261.
"We hadn't planned to buy one, it just happened," she said.
Buyers are paying $45,000 above the recommended retail price for used Cobra sedans, which had a recommended retail price of $65,110 for the GT sedan and $61,200 for the ute when they were released in October last year.
One website has two Cobra sedans for sale, one with 90km on the clock listed for $98,000. Others with about 1000km are listed at $110,000 and another is $75,000.
It is the same story with the Cobra Pursuit utes, with prices varying from $74,000 to $87,000.
FPV general manager Rod Barrett said he could have built more Cobras if Ford had let him.
"We were restricted,'' he said.
"I would have liked to have built more. In 40 years, though, those 500 cars will still be classics.''
All 500 cars were snapped up by dealers but a handful remain with FPV dealers who are holding stock.
Cashed-up buyers would spend whatever it took to secure a piece of Ford history, Mr Barrett said.
He said FPV had to field some negativity for recreating a commemorative Cobra from the 1970s.
"We copped a bit of criticism for recreating the Cobra, but it's an icon worth remembering."
* The Cobra will be one of the stars of the All Ford Day at Munro Martin Park on July 26 from 10am to 4pm. Guests include Ross Stone from Stone Brothers Racing and V8 Supercar driver Shane VanGisbergan. Admission is free. For information, phone 0437043 189 or 0417773628.
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