[DougD]

Rick,
If SAI doesn't sell an owner-assembled kit, then what's spread all over my garage? Do you mean it was supposed to come assembled?
Seriously, Rick, one of the many misconceptions about Shelby's new Cobras is that you have to pay big bucks for an assembled car. WRONG. While not cheap at around $40K, you can buy a "component Cobra" and have the fun and cost savings of putting it together yourself. Add an engine, tranny, paint, and battery, stir well, and you're off! The Shelby cars come COMPLETE, with every last nut, bolt, rivet, etc. NO PARTS HUNTING, except for the above-mentioned drivetrain/battery/paint.
I'd like to see a factual cost comparison, brand by brand, on just exactly what is needed and the costs involved to put all the major makers' cars together to the same options level. To do it "right" (my term), my research indicates that any of the better kits, built to replicate an original, all cost way more than the numbers you see on these web sites. For those about to flame me, notice I said AUTHENTIC, that is, as close as can be to a 60's Cobra. I could put a FFR together for $20k, too, but it wouldn't replicate an original very closely. Nothing at all wrong with FFR cars. Just for me, a close replica is what I wanted.(Actualy, I want an original. But my wife feels it's too much of a stretch to sell all our worldly belongings and live under a bridge so I can drive an original Cobra. Go figure.) I still feel the Shelby car, due to its completeness and authenticity, represents a good value when assembled by the owner.