[DanEC]

Most Cobra replicas, even the better ones, are still hand built cars and require a certain level of tinkering, maintenance, (ie - some mechanical skills). And it's not like you can drop down to your local Ford dealer and drop it off for a little work - they won't know what to do with it or have anyone there who knows how to work on it.

I think the Superformance and Backdraft models (a well sorted used one) would be your best bet. There are dealers scattered around who cater to them and they are factory assembled (except motor/transmission) and sorted out so with a little luck you might have one not too far from you. A used replica is typically low miles and well maintained so it's not like you're buying a 4 year old, 50,000 mile battered commuter car. A nice used one should fall in your price range and there are a number of them around.