[Grego119]

Long time lurker, first time poster. Been looking to dip my toe into the Cobra replica hobby for a while and am now getting close. Looked at most of the major players and have pretty much settled on ERA or SPF. Being a first timer, not prepared to spend the kind of money to go new, so I'm prepared for the inevitable tradeoffs that come with buying someone else's dream.

Anyway, I've decided I want a 289 FIA. Won't get into all the reasons, but that limits my opportunities. That said, I've found an ERA 289 FIA for sale and was hoping I could get an assessment from you fine gentlemen as to if it's a good deal or not. At this time I don't know the build number, but the most relevant specs are below:

Built in 2006
silver paint, no stripes or meatballs
289 FIA kit
302 engine
Tremec TKO 600
jag rear
anti sway bars
FIA style pin drive wheels
bonded body
undercar exhaust (would switch this to traditional setup)
luca tripode headlights
heater and defroster
chrome roll bar
powder coated chassis
427 street dash with glovebox
street interior with leather
soft top and side curtains
tonneau cover
ERA reproduction steering column
15" reproduction steering wheel
SW gauges
custom stereo in trunk
NO hood scoop (would want to switch this as well)
quickjacks
USRRC trunk

The rest of the specs are pretty standard stuff. Car has 16,000 miles and seller wants $44k. Hasn't been raced and garage kept. Appears to be clean with no discernible damage. A number of things I'd want to change, but mostly cosmetic. What say you, good deal for a newbie getting his feet wet?

Any opinions are greatly appreciated.

Greg