[HSSS427]

I sent a lot of time with my nose in books, on web sites, asking questions but the best thing is to try and drive or see in person as many different cars as you can. Local Cobra Clubs are great for this because when they get together you can see lots of different cars all at once, and can probably talk your way into a ride and maybe a drive. Look at all the fit and finish items, and pay particular attention to the things that are inherent to the body and not just design choices by the builder. You can swap out engines, suspension, tranny, but hard to swap out the body design. And believe me, Cobra owners seem to be a very candid bunch - ask them what they like, don't like, and what they'd do in your shoes. You'll usually get honest answers to all these questions.

Sounds like you want to do this for the fun of building as much as owning, but the market is still pretty good to pick up a used car and you might find yourself coming out better on total cost.

I have an ERA that I bought already built and still have had plenty of projects and work to do on it so it's not like once it's done you just let it sit and drive whenever. I've found that ERA's support has been very good even though I wasn't the original buyer. The comments about "how original do you want to be" are spot on. It's a philisophical debate you can, and will, have the rest of the time you own the car. So, best to get comfortable with your own philosophy now as it's more expensive to change it later.

Oh yeah one more - make sure to ask your wife what color she likes!

Good Luck!