[Brian F.]

A top can be added, especially a soft top. By not limiting yourself to cars for sale with tops will open up your options. A 351W is a great engine as it doesn't need add-ons (turbo, stroked, etc) to produce good horsepower and they are easy to work on.

Professionaly built versus garage/home built. If garage/home built, be sure there is good documentation of the build to help verify the quality.

If possible, get to know someone locally who has built their cobra and have them look at potential buys with you as they will know things to look at.

If car has a 351w, be sure it doesn't have a T5, I would recommend a TKO or a tranny capable of handling more HP.

When looking at a car, make notes of the things you may want to change down the road, then be sure they aren't too expensive or can't be changed without significant work. Try to get it right by buying the right car for you.