[Tony Ripepi]

Hello All,

Interesting question and not an easy answer.....

I have been building, buying, selling and driving Cobras since 1989. I have had four roadsters, One Daytona and a GT40. I built the first two from scratch and hired out the things that were needed from craftsmen that had the skills i.e. painting, machine/engine work and some specialized metal work. Bought two turn key an SPF, a Shelby and recently started on a new project.

I helped to start the BACC ten years ago and have seen group grow from 8 guys to over two hundred + today.

When you start the build it is a journey and I have seen other peoples journey last from 6 months to over twenty years. The process gets complicated by life, wives, children, shifting goals and manufacturers coming up with new products.

When I started my first car the concept of a "Roller" either unpainted or complete roller (Plumbed, Wired,Painted, upholstered, Soft top, heater etc. etc.) did not exist and when it was available you as a home builder could almost not do better on the fit/finish than what was available on the complete roller. Additionally an Aluminum car similar to what the Kirkhams offer was not anywhere on the Radar screens.

As time has moved on there are some of the builds sitting in peoples garages that have been passed by either from the industry, over estimating skills, cost, life changes etc. etc. you can fill in the blanks.

The key ingredient is that things change...........

Tony R.