Glad it's working out for you, Chris...and that you now know what the "door panels" look like.
While someone may get lucky...folks who know what they are spending their money on, sit in the car, etc. are going to be less likely to have problems down the road. This is based on my experience of watching folks end up b!tching after delivery and blaiming the mfg because they flat didn't know what they were doing. Happened not too long ago with this mfg, and it has happened with others. Their mistake ends up being a bore for others.
As to building to spec...that's another reason why I suggest folks go there. I know of more than a few folks who chose NOT to get certain options once they went there, or decided to get the body finish done in Provo once they saw the amount opf work that goes into it, or decide to get the interior put in there because it can be a PITA for folks who "think" they can do it and then end up complaining later...or others who find out they CAN do some of the work and save money.
Several hundred bucks spent at the beginning for a plane ticket versus ten of thousands in money and/or months of aggrevation for not knowing about things ahead of time...easy calculation to make. I owned a Cobra before my current Kirkham, and visited there several times during the build during 2002 with my contract written on the fender with a Sharpie. [I'm not sure going there several times is necessary...but my size was a factor...certain concepts were being developed by the Boys to insure real men could fit.]
In any event...not one problem with what I got in the five years I've had it. I knew exactly what I was getting, and I chose some alternatives that saved me some money. A few of us early owners can be thanked for having a part in coming up with the ideas of getting the unpainted finishes, the aluminum hood scoops, etc. because we went there and saw what could be done.
But I'm sure your own experience of having ordered the car without sitting in a Cobra (your words) and thinking there are interior door panels on these things while still awaiting delivery is certainly far more credible...so you must be right and well placed to offer advice.
Am I being harsh? Hmmmm...maybe, but you commented on my advice and I've responded. Oh well...if it prevents problems down the road for others (and for me having to monitor threads 24/7 because someone b!tches when they only have themselves to blame), I'll take the hit every time.
