I can't begin to thank you all for the suggestions you have made. I will make every effort to be at the June 7th event in New Hope, although my office and family life (3 young kids) usually ruins any plans for attendance at car events.
From what I have seen and looked into thus far, a real Cobra (ie. Shelby) and the Kirkham products are out of my price range. They look to be $90K+...
It would appear to me that the ERA and Superformance products are around the same price (mid $50-60's) and about the same quality, although I definitely get the feeling that the ERA enjoys a slightly better rep then SPF. I think Unique falls somewhere between the FFR/BackDraft level and the ERA/SPF level.
BackDraft and Factory Five seam to also be in the same category and in the same price-range ($35-50K??? I think)
How am I doing so far?
I guess my next and more specific question would then be:
If supreme accuracy to the original is not a priority, then what is the real difference between an ETA, SPF, FFR and BackDraft? Is it simply build quality or are there cosmetic differences as well?
Could a well trained eye tell the difference between an ETA and an FFR from across the street?
Finally, I have not seen "Classic Roadsters II" on the list anywhere... Are they not worth considering compared to the ones listed above?
I'm in no rush for acquisition as I will be placing an order for a Lotus Elise SC in the coming months. I then need to decide if I want the Caterham or the Cobra next (I am sure you would all suggest the Cobra).
Slowly working on a killer collection, but it will take time. Purchasing all and plan on selling none.Desperately hoping my wife doesn't divorce me along the way!!!
Keep the suggestions coming! This has been awesome for me, and I am sure many others are benefiting from it as well!!!
-Matt
PS. CobraCountry seams to be THE place to find a pre-owned Cobra. Are they any others to consider?
PPS. - Do they make replica 1956-1961 Corvette C-1's? I can't find ANYTHING, which totally shock's me...