David,
I think offering your Cobra in a "Phased Kit" would be the best. In other words, a customer buys each phase as they're completing the car. For example:
Phase 1, Body mounted on frame, electircal and hydraulic lines
Phase 2, Front suspension
Phase 3, Rear suspension
Phase 4, Guages and Interior, tire and wheels
Phase 5, Details under the hood
Buy as you go. You want your own guages, skip phase 4, et cetera. The guy that wants to get "in" and start sanding can go for it, while the guy that wants a "complete kit" buys all five phases at one time.
Other than that, I'd go option 1, buy what I needed from Kirkham, then buy whatever else I needed from local sources.
So, option 1 has my vote, as long as the 289FIA is in the crowd
.
Yes, I would find myself in the class of Cobra enthusiasts that would find himself in divorce court (my wife's father is an attorney) should I purchase a rolling chassis. I'd like to ease my way in, but I don't want to settle for a "lesser Cobra" by going to the "budget" Cobra manufacturers for their kit (how could I live with myself if I did?)
I'm holding out for the good stuff.
Dangerous Doug