[twobjshelbys]

Why can't it be driven on the street: The act of building the vehicle and installing a power train makes one a manufacturer (and to add complexity, Shelby is a manufacturer already). A newly "manufactured" vehicle has to meet the year of MANUFACTURE safety standards - so think air bags, bumpers, stability control electronics, EPA mileage, and all the rest (think Series 1). The way Cobra replicas exist in the wild is building a replica (cake mix) and adding the power train (egg) yourself. Mostly due to CA regs, even Shelby American DEALERS cannot install the power train, and the old way of having a separate entity but owned by the same people (e.g., holding company owning both sales dealership and speed shop to do engine install, even if they aren't fully dedicated to Cobras) are not allowed. CA checks now... Additionally, most owners (and dealers) would not want to make a car that couldn't be sold in CA since it reduces your TAM alot.

This is it in a nutshell, but David can probably make additions.