[Donunder]

Flame suit not required Adam.

What you say is correct, and at the same time not correct.

I once spoke with a respected long-time builder of Cobra replicas and posed exactly the same questions you've raised. He told me (and this is about ten years ago) that he thought 350 hp was about the ideal useable limit for a street-driven Cobra. More could be had, obviously, but then the free-n-easy fun factor morphed into something more demanding of a higher level of skill.

On the other hand I had the opportunity occasionally to ride in what was at the time one of the most powerful Cobras in the country -- think north of 750 hp -- and I have to say the feeling was in every instance just totally electric and exhilarating -- something that I'm so glad I experienced. The car was way above my ability and I'm not sure I wouldn't have come to grief in it at some time had I owned it, but the memory of those particular rides will remain with me always.

I too drove a little clubman for a while back in the day -- a Centaur track car that I loved. I agree that it's hard to describe their abilities to someone who hasn't driven one. Great cars. The Colin Chapman/ Gordon Murray factor embodied in something that gives more bang for buck than you can imagine.

But back to the present ..... my Arntz has an old big block developing probably 350 hp or so, and to answer your main question, yes, I'd like just a little more. Today's braking and suspension components, to say nothing of the tyres available, make around 450 not unmanageable for a street car. You don't have to mash it every chance you get, and for me the torque from such a motor, not the horsepower would make my car a more enjoyable drive.