[Trevor Legate]

I think this thread is being stretched so far, it'll go twang and disappear up its own exhaust pipe.

Just a suggestion, WhataCobra, you could give us all a quick lecture on the "best" of the breed, in your learned opinion - whether you own one or not is hardly really relevant. I always lusted after an AC289 Sports of 1967 vintage. Had the great luck to have a photo session with COB6109, owned by Alastair Walker from new. Totally original and unmolested. Fab. (while I was snapping away at this Oxfordshire farm, a Spitfire flew along the valley at circa 100 feet. It was his brother-in-law commuting to Biggin Hill. Some days its worth falling out of bed).
If I cannot have that, then an AC Cobra Lightweight (yeah, that one) will keep me happy. All the grunt of a 427 with handling added. Given a twisty country road, no 427 will see which way it went.
However, I had a quick blat in a Kirkham FIA and that would keep me equally happy! That had handling and ride comfort that amazed me. Fabulous motor!!!!!!!!
Having said all that, I do have a Caterham 7 and as a cross-country car, at speeds of up to 110mph, none of the above would cause me much grief, and all with just 1600cc and a four-pot lump. Its all about arriving with a silly grin....in my opinion.