I also think that the number of unfinished CRs due to the start/ stop of their mfg, many unfinished kits have been passed on at very reasonable prices for some new Cobra enthusiasts.
I myself was ready to purchase a FFR kit until I stumbled onto a stalled (for the 2nd time) kit. My final deciding factors was, a. half the cost of the FFR kit, b. the expanded cockpit for my 6'2" 200+lb frame
But these kits do have a few stumbling blocks since many were shipped incomplete with little or no source for the factory specific parts.
And they were, in many ways, more rudimentary in their engineering. They were truly "off the shelf" engineering. They did not copy the chassis of the original AC frames with their square tube perimeter frames using Mustang II front suspension and Fox body Mustang rear suspension.
The fiberglass bodies were heavier than many of the current bodies due to the heritage of the molds. The first were built by a company in the fiberglass boat business (upside of which is a much straighter & stronger body).
Any number of power trains were inserted to the cars. We have seen any thing from SBF, BBF, SBC, BBC to Grand National turbo V6 motors to the ultimate power of a Viper motor (the wild imagination of Double Venom). The engine compartment is longer than many of the kits, but a lower hood does create some obstacles.
Add to that the lack of a good assembly manual and the "new owners" turn to info sites like ours for assistance! I can personally say it has been invaluable for me as I go forward with my project.
These cars were never IMHO, designed to be fast race/ comp cars, but they are certainly fun cars. And that is what this hobby is all about.
And a hearty "THANK YOU" to all that have answered our questions related to these cars!
Thom