[RedBarchetta]

Have recently seen a few early-numbered (pre 300) SPFs go for around $40K. Also recently saw one in OH being advertised for around that...apparently more of a Winter time fire sale than anything else. There are always exceptions, but you can find well-taken-care-of SPFs in the mid $40's...you just have to look real hard, be PATIENT, and ready to pounce when one comes available. Don't forget that buying an SB100 compliant car in CAL is also worth some additional premium (arguably $2-4K more) over a car that is not....BE CAREFUL! Also, very early SPFs did not have dropped footwells, chrome/stainless rollbar, Wilwood brakes, etc. Do your homework.

If you want BDR or a FFC, $40K should be a slam dunk. Just make sure that the build quality on a FFC is up to your standards...it can vary from builder to builder (i.e. individual). BDR's are nice alternatives to the SPF, but there are definitely differences in what is standard issue vs. upgrades.

You have set a realistic budget and should get a decent car in that range. But the difference between a $40K Cobra and a $50K cobra would probably surprise many people (in the level of details, powerplant, etc).

Good luck!

-Dean #747