Ah yes...Did I ever tell you about the time Steve Newmark (the owner of Lone Star Classics) offered to feed me to his rottweilers? Seems he wasn't too fond of the stance that I took in relation to the old ads Lone Star used to run (I label those days the "Lone Star/FFR Wars").The LSSV, as I understand it, utilized the old Lone Star GT40 chassis (the GT40 replica offered by LS was VW-based, but now may offer new engine choices - I don't know; I can't find any customers that have one), so you could get quite a chassis with the car. However, you really need to check out the car a bit closer before you buy; it's by no means an 'exact' replica. It's more of an artisic interpretation of the original car.
Here's another thing about Lone Star. For the longest time it appeared that the only people who actually had completed Cobra replicas from the company were within driving distance of the company facilities - and it seemed as if every one of the cars had 'hands on' help from Lone Star tech support. Not bad...if you live within driving distance of the factory.
There was a gentleman who did have a Cobra up in Oregon. His a-arms bent, there were other issues, and Lone Star chose to attack him on-line - rather than help him out. Eventually, his problems were solved, but not before the company attacked him.
The company has attacked FFR, they've attacked customers. Now, I'm not saying that they have a bad kit - I've seen a number of their completed cars, and they're fine - but they may need to check out Ms. Manners books about etiquette; the customers aren't there for them, it's the other way around.
They are by no means Shelby when it comes to attacking people, but...
Would I buy a product from them?
Maybe. But I'd better get a hell of a price on the kit, and it had damned well better go together without a hitch.
As far as the LSSV or the LS40...I'd be a little more hesitant; let someone else be the guinea pig. I have not seen a single customer, or heard from anyone who has either of these cars. As you know, I spend an unusual amount of time researching and trolling the various websites, so I should have heard about/from an LSSV or LS40 by now.
Further, I don't particularly care for the Lone Star website, either (www.LoneStarClassics.com). Flash has it's place. No website should be completely flash, or take as much time to load as the LS site does. I really, really, REALLY wish they'd change it.
If you're thinking about getting the Cobra from LS, that's fine. If you're looking at one of their other kits...I'd say "wait and see."
Your pal,
Meat.
Lone Star Classics
Posted - July 02 2003 : 12:13:51 PM
