IMHO, FFR kits are a bit of a mixed bag...great space frame design is light and strong, so they make great racers. The downside is that their Cobra body WAS very obviously not period correct...there were referred to as having a "perky butt". FFR is reported to have "fixed" the body issues on their newer cars, but this is not one of the newer ones.
The 429/460 CID Ford engine is a winner in my books b/c of the canted valve head design, but it is a VERY large engine and in a lightweight car can make it a problem to handle. My Cobra replica has a factory-stock 5.0 HO (302 CID) and if there is any sand on the road surface, the front end has a bit of a tendency to push in corners. The "385" series engines (Ford's designation), being heavier, would make turning even more difficult.
I am amazed at the low price that Cobras are commanding on the market now. FFR kits are very labor intensive (lots of paneling to do on the space frame and they have a reputation for the bodies to be a bit "rough", requiring a lot of body work to fit and make them look nice). There must be a lot of man-hours in that one....might be a real deal in that respect.
Depending on what you're looking for, it might be a good deal. Chances are that the average gearhead on the road won't notice the difference in body design, if you're just looking for a cool car to drive, this one ought to be a hoot on the street. If you're looking for a racer or a period correct reproduction, I'd keep looking.
Good luck!
Cheers from Dugly
