[A Snake]

Also keep in mind, when you buy, resale value is a key element in the purchase. A poorly done car from any manufacturer is still junk, because it costs a young fortune to try fixing the mistakes.....which you may not discover until after you've bought it.

Others have said here, and I agree, find someone who is knowledgeable to give it a thorough going over. I've even seen Contemporarys like mine that were really hashed up by the builder.

I had a Contemporary and liked it a lot. It is not impossible in this slow market that you might find one near your price range. If not, I agree that Midstates makes a darn good piece. They're pretty heavy as Cobra kits go but that's because their bodies are thicker.

Last note.....and this is really important.... If you buy a car that DOES NOT have independent rear suspension, don't get the idea that it will handle like a Cobra and start pushing it. That will get you killed. In point of fact, many kits can be made to handle relatively well, but very few actually drive like a real Cobra. For that, you must have chassis AND suspension like an original. The less expensive kits do not typically have this. Frankly, the engine you choose is a lot less important than the car's ability to handle......and stop when you want it to.

My advice mirrors others here. Take your time finding a car and remember, they all resemble a Cobra from 50 feet away. Shiny paint doesn't make the car.

Al