RBW,
Number one, the badging on the car. Myself I always have the badge show the engine size that is in the car. It isn't an original anyway and I am not trying to make mine look like one. Many people have stroker motors stroked out to 427 so they can sort of pass as accurate. But many people just put the 427 badges on regardless of what engine they have, so either way, to me it is a matter of your personal preference.
Number two, you are going to get all kinds of answers to that question. To me, look for a car that suits what you want and like and then if you can take it for a drive and see how it feels. Go to some Cobra meets or shows and talk to the people there about their different brands and makes of Cobras and find out their likes and dislikes.
And third, these are normally high maintenance cars, but if you are just going to drive it easy and not not be getting on it, you should be able to get by without a lot of working on the car. Just check the bolts after you drive it a few times and make sure that everything is tight. Watch for any
oil or water leaks and general stuff like that.
I am sure that others will have a lot of things that I forgot, but I check mine over after every drive as I drive it hard even though I no longer race.
Ron