I had been following the Cobra replica manufacturers since the early 80's, and the only three that I seriously considered were ERA, KMS, and Shelby. The pedigree from Shelby really didn't matter to me, nor did an aluminum body (because I new how I wanted it painted). I was not really watching the costs too hard either, although obviously a penny saved is a penny earned. I'm sure all three could have been fitted to me. What closed the deal was the ridiculously detailed manual, supplements, and supporting literature on the build and mechanics of the ERA car -- it's almost on a par with the shop manuals from major auto manufacturers. Admittedly, it sounds stupid, but I spend an inordinate amount of time taking my toys apart and then putting them back together again and, have, since I was a little boy. So, that's what really closed the sale for me. Shelby had no manual (and still doesn't), and KMS began writing one a few years ago and then dropped it (still not complete, but better than nothing). The lack of a shop manual means nothing to a lot of the guys on here, so take it for what it's worth.
