[ZOERA-SC7XX]

I just read through this thread and I'll add my three cents. You're not gonna be happy buying sombody else's car if you need special stuff. If you're dead set on a FIA Cobra, then you should at least talk to Peter at ERA (visit if you can). I know building a car is somewhat more expensive then buying one, but you must have the car fit to you, or you'll be miserable in it and won't drive it. ERA will custom fit the car to you. You don't have to spend a fortune (maybe spend a small fortune) to build a ERA FIA Cobra. If you can assemble it and you don't need a FE engine or toploader, you save big time. A stock 351 crate motor won't cost much. Also stock brakes and five pin adapters save another bundle of cash, and if you can paint it yourself (or have a buddy do it) another five grand is saved. The plus part is 'the car is built the way you want it'. Another thought if you want to go with a small dia steering wheel, consider power steering. A power rack and pump will go a lot easier if you don't have to change over from an existing setup.
I built my own ERA and although it wasn't cheap, I saved quite a bit of cash by doing it myself, and the car looks and drives awesome. Not everyone needs a 25 g motor. Good luck on whatever you decide. Life is short.