Congradulations, and I am green as heck with envy
My first car was a 62 MGA, and my third was a Tiger. These two reasons are why I find the 289 street car so elegant. My last car will be a 289 street car, aka slabside. When ever my new shop picks up enough to justify buying a kit I will build it.
Forget the better handling, ride of the new, and improved. Duplicating a street car with the leaf springs is a real plus. Congradulations once again, and I am looking forward to watching your car develop!!!!!!!!!!