With the windows OFF I don't think cockpit heat would be 'that bad'. I used to run my soft top a LOT here in Hawaii just for protection from the sun and to keep COOLER. Heck I even RACED with the soft top on (there is NO shade at the race track, period)!
I'd run it, I'd just remove the side windows. How do hard\soft tops look? It depends on the car and the top. I always thought my Excalibur looked pretty good with the soft top up. Not sure that would hold true for the ERA. I think THIS hard top would look good on most any replica (or even a continuation Shelby).
