[A Snake]

Another very viable option is to get a used one. Very often you can get a lot more for your money. As an example, I took a $30K hit when I sold mine. The guy who bought it knew it too!

Pick a budget number and start looking. I think you'll be surprised at what you find.

Other names to consider....especially in the used market:

High end:

Kirkham
Contemporary
ERA
Image Autoworks (built like Contemporary)

Mid range:

Mid States
Unique

Low end:

Don't know never looked at them

Every one has bought or built a car that suits their particular desires and budget. On this forum you will read heated debates on the relative merits of even the most minor details of each car and engine combination.

You need to ask yourself some penetrating questions before beginning to shop.

1. Are you trying to get close to the look and feel of an original or is it ok to just look like a Cobra from 50 feet away or is it somewhere in between?

2. Can you handle a high horsepower to weight ratio car under full throttle? If not then no need for big engines with lots of mods.

3. Where do I spend my money? Looks or power or both. Which do you want most?

4. Drivability. Think brakes, steering and suspension. Also big HP engines can be tempermental.
Jaguar independent front and rear gives the best handling in the twisties and on the road in general. Live axle rears drive just like any other car with live axle. (like 9" Ford) No better or worse.

After asking these questions and I might add, getting rides in several different configurations, you should be on your way to making a decision.

For crying outloud, don't let a flashy paint job sell you!! Beauty really is only skin deep with these cars. The mechanicals are far far more important. If you like the mechanicals and not the paint, buy it right and get it repainted in the color scheme of your choice.

Hope this helps you.

Al