[DougD]

Just a comment on the Shelby fiberglass cars (CSX4000). The prices you posted are for a painted roller or dealer-built car. They also sell an unassembled car for much less. They start at around $32,000 and go up, based on options. The Shelby cars come pretty much complete, only needing engine/tranny and batteries to complete. I haven't seen a good comparison between the components included in various repliCobra kits, but I do know that there is a wide variation in just what is needed to complete each brand. Don't underestimate all the little details ($$$$) that will crop up during your build. I would guess, based on the info posted in this and other forums, that a typical repliCobra owner/builder has between $30,000 - $60,000 in their car, regardless of configuration or brand. I'm sure someone will chime in that they built theirs for less, but I would guess the car is not very original-appearing, or they were able to save by doing all the mechanical and paint/body work themselves. The closer you try to make the car to an original, the more $ you will have in one. I have much less $ in mine than you would expect based on the disinformation this forum spews on the Shelby cars. I will have mid-50's in mine when completed, with a 427 and 4-speed. The only variable for me is paint, as I haven't selected a shop yet. Shelby has a number of dealers. Do your homework by contacting each of them, and get a price quote for an unassembled car. It may surprise you.

If you value originality (as suggested by your comments above), the fiberglass CSX4000 is as close to a '60's original as you can get in fiberglass. The 'glass Shelbys are built by Shelby's crew in Vegas, not by Kirkham as others mistakenly post. Much of the cost of one of the new Shelbys is in the individual components. They share 98% of their parts with the originals. If you have ever priced genuine Cobra parts vs generic parts store replacements for Mustangs, Vettes, etc., you will see much of the difference.

I, for one, don't "look down on anything non-original". I enjoy the Cobra and all its clones. To each his (or her!) own. This forum would have you believe all CSX owners are stuck up. Not so.

As far as future value, no one really knows if the Shelby cars will appreciate. I'll be happy if mine just holds steady and doesn't depreciate. But if you look at which replicas command the highest resale prices, the more original-appearing the car, the more it usually brings in resale. Since they're the closest to original, it stands to reason thet they will hold more of their value.

By the way, ERA cars are known far and wide as being a quality car. I'm hoping someday to buy one of their GT40s. And Mr Putnam's reputation is as good as gold. You must weigh all the variables, as each person has a different set of needs and desires.