[speedraser]

bvega,

I hope you love CSX 4751. I have little doubt that it will be a beautiful car.

However, I have to disagree with some of your statements, two of them in particular.

1) You said,

"steel tube frames are always stronger than square tube."

I assume you mean that ROUND tube frames are always stronger than square section frames. This is a major oversimplification. There are a large number of variables that determine the strength of a frame, and the round vs. square issue is just one of them. There is no doubt that some square tube frames are stronger than some round tube frames, and vice-versa.

2) You said,

"the truth everyone knows is that if all of you replica guys had the extra $25-30k to spend you would have chosen CSX. Now that they are close in price, there is know question."

Not everyone, and there is a question. If I want the "original" experience without buying an original '60s Cobra, IMO the only way to have that is to buy a Kirkham or an aluminum Shelby(which, of course, starts life as a Kirkham). These are the only choices that truly replicate the original in all respects, albeit with improved materials and some subtle "upgrades." IMO, once you have a 'glass body, you've strayed considerably from the original -- if you can change the skin, then you can change what's under the skin. So, for me, other top-level 'glass replicas (specifically, ERA and SPF) remain very much in the running with the CAV Shelby cars. The CSX # on a 'glass replica doesn't do much for me. I'll look at the entire package offered by Shelby, ERA and SPF and buy the car I think is the best car. If all else is equal, the CSX # would break a tie, but all else is not likely to be equal. I will say that Shelby's price reduction brings the CAV Shelby into the running -- previously, I would not have considered paying a premium for a 'glass Shelby. If I spend the extra $$$, it will be for an aluminum car.

I do find it rather disingenuous of Shelby to sue some replica manufacturers (SPF and FFR) while actively doing business with another (Kirkham). Now, with CAV, he is doing business with yet another replica manufacturer.