[lutman]

Quote:
South Africa has a strong market too, with CAV now producing Shelby’s cars and in Port Elizabeth a company called Hitech Automotive run by Jimmie Price who makes the Superformance replica and sends 35 cars per month to the USA where the car is sold less engine and gearbox and sells for the equivalent of £20,000. Price is a key figure on the world Cobra and general automotive scene now and half owns AC Cars and also manufactures the Noble M12 among other products. Another of his companies Glassport Motors is currently developing GT40 and GSM Delta replicas. Other significant South African players are Shamrock, Hayden Automotive and Performance Cars. Curiously nearly all the products end up being exported with the domestic market virtually non-existent.
End quote:

Robert,
generally a good article but some minor items requiring clarification - I spent two years in South Africa (J'burg) and got involved in the Cobra Club whilst there.
It is true that the majority of cars get exported - because the build quality is good and more interesting 'cheap' - but I would not say virtually non existant.
Were you aware that the "Backdraft" advertised cars in USA are primarily built in South Africa ? It was a backdraft car that won the run and gun competition in 2004 driven by Tony Martin (who is a partner in Backdraft) Tony is another old name from Le-Mans racing days who a bit like our old Stirling Moss can still dices with the best of them.
Most SA cars used to be produced around a Jag donor but since these were limited in numbers the prime donor is now an E36 or E46 BMW series car. As such its possible to get a BMW M3 donored car - handling of which makes the jag versions look pedestrian.
The domestic market in SA is minimal but there are over 300 hundred active members of the Cobra club ZA ( Google search - CobraClub ZA) who regularily host "breakfast runs" and compete in drags and track days. The joys of a guaranteed sunny day - unlimited track access with open pits - around tracks such as Phakeesa (where the Moto Gp is held) and Swartkops all for around 30.00 pounds - yes THIRTY POUNDS - I departed before I was able to lap Kylami F1 track in anger - but I did get to 'parade' around a little faster than the stewards were happy about - all for free !!
Currently having a BADaytona replica kit built in SA - but developed around an E46 M3 donor steering/brakes/suspension with Ford V8 stroker - expected later this year.

All the best
Chris