[Kputz]

It's not often I agree much with Cranko, but I'll side with him on this one. When I started in this game, if you wanted one you built one, and the fraternity gathered around the build, more so than the "drive". We reveled in the fact they weren't "real" which is why that mind numbing silly debate puzzles me so. Today, I'd venture a guess that far more are bought than built, attracting an entirely different crowd. Not necessarily a bad thing, just a different thing.
Having been there when they were introduced, I've never bought into the hysteria about CS or his car, and it was never the "end all and be all" of cars for me. It was rather an extension of the old hot rod ethic, something you could build yourself.
It was always more about track performance with me, and Cranky has hit the nail on the head. Anyone that doesn't think we are living in "the good old days" of cars isn't paying attention. There are so many cars out there that will put the Cobra to shame on the street or (especially) the track that it has long ceased to be funny, and that's a good thing.
Mine has been for sale over a year and the only reason it isn't gone is because I refuse to give it away. I drove it less than 100 miles last summer and it's doubtful I'll find the time to go that far this summer.
There are far too many SCCA classes that a guy can get into anymore to waste garage space on a car like the Cobra for me. I've been bit hard by the Spec Miata bug and the class is attracting old wrench turners on a budget hand over fist. If only Crank would see the light and realize he can race for real and spend about a third what he does playing with the Cobra, he'd become a much safer if not a happier guy. A better driver too, I'd wager.
Having said all this I'll now have to admit to an outstanding order for a new GT40. When it comes I'll have another decision to make. Maybe I'll just build another garage.