[CRZN427]

Galaxie,

I am in the process of building an FFR, my second Cobra replica.

I built and drove an LAExotics, the same as the B&B now, for seven years and enjoyed every trip I took in the car whether it was to the grocery store or a vacation trip of over 1800 miles (took about ten of them).

I also entered about fifteen car shows each year, and I received over thirty trophies (best of class and best of show among them). I participated in both Kit Car Shows and Rod & Custom shows and have even parked along side original Cobras on at least three occations.

One thing I can say from all that is that it is very difficult to tell the difference between any of the cars, except the FFR (perky butt and all), including the originals if some attention to detail is paid during the assembly process.

Starting out with all new equipment is definately a plus as far as the "feel good" aspect goes but when you see so many of the Fox Mustangs running strong well after 100k miles it really is a mute point.

Nothing can cost so much to replace (except for a professionally built big block 427 S/O, or other extremely high horsepower engine) that the donor aspect is something to stay away from. Any enthusiast would only install servicable parts as they assemble the kit and new replacements are relatively inexpensive for those new donor parts that might be needed.

There are going to be trade offs in what ever you decide to do. An FFR is one choice, not that much different than any of the other offerings in the beginning, not considering initial cost of the kit. For instance, the FFR comes with all aluminum inner panels rather than fiberglass tubs for the cockpit and wheel well panels. The FFR body is unstressed, resting on a "space frame", some of the others are self supporting and are quite a bit heavier as a result and therefore subject to stress cracking.

Any of the kits can run up large sums in expenses if you choose to have all new documented pedigreed parts installed, whether you do it yourself or hire it done. The Mustang donor route leaves you some funds to get some of the other nice stuff that adds to the looks. After you get comfortable with the car there are many more choices of how to upgrade the power and handling if you choose to go for that.

Go to as many car shows as you can, there are Cobras entered in most of them by now and there are some that are exclusively for Cobras, DVSF III for one, where you can get a chance to see first hand what can be done with a kit.

Take a challange and see if you can identify the 'brand' of the kit just from observation. That dosen't include reading the display informatioin or body inentification tags, just by looking at the car. Then look at what was done to the car and the craftsmanship and originality some have displayed in their build.

Then talk to the owners. After some time you will begin to see what it is you are after, how to get it and how much you can expect to spend.

As always, one persons opinion.