[fastd]

For me, I chose ERA (289 FIA) for a couple of reasons:
1. It was cheaper
2. At first, I thought that I "needed" aluminum. However, I read somewhere that Shelby originally wanted fiberglass but then stumbled onto AC - I am sure the historians on this website will help me straighten my facts. That allowed me to feel better about fiberglass.
3. To me, the Kirkham is a museum quality, near perfect (better than the original) reproduction; I wanted to "drive" mine hard if I wanted to without worry - it seemed like the ERA would allow me to do that. I also got a little intimidated by aluminum in terms of durability and repair.
4. The ERA look I think is perfect and I think it is engineered in way that is so much better than the original, but with the proper amount of respect for the original shape and design.
5. Resale value: I think that they are both pretty close.
6. I live on the East Coast and the guys at ERA are great; the shop is worth the trip. I betcha if I lived on the West Coast, I probably would have bought a Kirkham.

Good luck.