Frequently Asked Questions
How are the bodies made?
All bodies are hand laid up with 5 layers of fiberglass cloth and a resin blend specifically formulated for hand lay-up - this type of construction yields a strong, dense material to help resist spidering and cracking. In addition, every body is reinforced with a steel skeleton that helps support the extremities and also offers solid mounting points for hinges. These skeletons are hand fabricated in our shop on tried and proven welding jigs.
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What parts make up the chassis and running gear?
Modern donor vehicles in good condition are used as chassis and running gear for our replicas. The Big Three have spent millions of dollars developing steering and suspension geometries to make for safe vehicles, while also balancing handling and ride. Another benefit is AutoZone, NAPA, and Advance carry replacement brake shoes and pads where used, as well as many other parts. What could be easier?
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Why buy a replica?
We've heard time and time again from owners who own original cars - they really don't want to drive them with collector car values being what they are.
Most importantly, the originals are most likely beyond the reach of most people, even car people.
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Why should I buy a replica from Classic City Motors?
Exotic hardware can and should be used for race cars and specialty vehicles - when we fabricate our cars, we utilize standard, simple engines and transmissions that are easy to maintain: standard carburetors, plugs, points and condensers make it simple. Our cars are made to enjoy and drive.
However, individuals who purchase our kits and/or order our cars, can select just about any combination imaginable, but we will almost always suggest simple, so our cars can be driven and enjoyed on that nice sunny day.
Lastly, we've heard time and time again from owners who own original cars - they really don't want to drive them with collector car values being what they are.
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How do you sell your cars - what do you make?
We can make all of our cars to any completion level needed. At a minimum, a rolling chassis allows the buyer the needed flexibility to deliver the car for secondary work at other locations, or simply to move it around in his or her shop.
A turnkey vehicle is the costliest and most time consuming option, with the final price dependent upon exactly how the car is configured. We can sit down with prospective buyers and help to determine options and recommendations.
Any level between these two is also possible.
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Who is Classic City Motors?
We are a group of "car people" who have purchased the molds and tooling of Indianapolis based Elegant Motors, a company that has been successful making high quality replica cars for over 25 years. We will carry on the tradition, with their guidance, and build these vehicles in Auburn, Indiana. For the first time in over 75 years, cars will again be assembled in Auburn, including the 856 Auburn Speedster.
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How thick are the bodies?
The bodies are made up of 5 layers of glass cloth and resin, hand laid up in order to result in a dense, strong sandwich of materials. This process yields high strength with relatively less weight. Typical thickness ranges from 3/16 to 5/16 of an inch.
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Can individual body components be purchased?
Yes, as well as some of the specific components made for each one of the body styles such as locking gas caps for the Cobra replicas and "Flying Ladies" for the Auburn replicas.
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What chassis are used?
The standard and stretch version Cobra replicas, which we call the Attack 500 and the 427 Roadster, utilize 1983 and older Corvette donor chassis. We are planning a modular built up chassis utilizing newer Corvette suspensions and engine components as well.
The Auburn replica uses '70's and '80's rear wheel drive full size GM platforms, with some special modifications to suit the size and perform some strengthening.
The Cheetah replica uses either a Corvette similar to the Cobra replica, or it's own modular chassis of a proven design.
The '34 Ford uses Mustang II running gear for now, until we design a modular chassis with Corvette running gear.
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To what completion levels are the cars sold?
As mentioned previously, we can prepare anything between a simple body kit and a turnkey vehicle with a selection of components hand picked by the buyer.
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What is included in each package?
Each car has a specific set of parts for each one of the completion levels. We will sit down with serious buyers and line out what is included as standard for each level, as well as what is offered as optional equipment. Pricing will be discussed as well, as it is entirely dependent on what the customer wants.
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Are tops and heaters available?
Despite the fun and allure of the "wind in your hair", Mother Nature can surprise us at times. Softops are available for a price, as well as hardtops on some models. Heaters can be added as well.
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