Scrivy,
Great advice above ... some more thoughts:
I am in a similar situation ... after 40 years of thinking of Cobras, I too am close to taking the plunge for a replica. I have been researching this very question in earnest for the past year or so and have some suggestions.
1. You are already here at Club Cobra, which has an incredible wealth on information for all things Cobra.
2. Go to some of your local CC events. You don't necessarily need a Cobra and you will meet some great folks that will be glad to talk with you about their cars and Cobras in general. I have met some great guys and they have really helped me figure things out.
3. Go to the "Cobra Country" Website and look at cars there that are for sale, may give you some ideas. Also, click on the 'Cobra's Buyer's Guide' tab and it will take you to a page featuring the soft bound 'Cobra Buyers Guide', which for me was a great place to start.
http://www.cobracountry.com/home2.html
Do a little homework and it will pay off in the end. One last piece of advice that has been given to me over and over by the CC bunch, when it come down to the final decision, of what to build or what to buy, get the car YOU want, and not someone else's idea of what a Cobra should be.
Regards,
- Tim