Buying my first Cobra

[Three Peaks]

Nothing wrong with a FF5 car, or any other if it is put together right. I've seen $25K cars that looked great and $75K cars that looked like they were put together in a kindergarten shop class.
Best advice I can give you is find someone in your area who knows Cobras and have them walk you through what to look for. Have them go to look at a few with you until you are comfortable with what you are looking for. The obvious signs are straight body panels and matching gaps at all the body panels, wiring that looks neat and organized, clean and well thought out engine bay, and a few others that you will determine along the way. At least these items will tell you if the owner/builder cared about his work and took pride in the assembly.

The next thing to determine is what do you want to do with the car? Cruising, track days, drag racing, garage queen, etc.... Each kit will have different ways of addressing these items. For example, if you wanted to do a lot of track days in a Factory Five car I would be looking for one with IRS, a good peppy small block, T5 tranny, Koni Shocks- double adjustable if possible, the proper stance and wheels/tires, and other amenities you choose.

Is originality important to you? How about ride quality?

This will at least get you started. I wouldn't jump into owning a Cobra until you learn a bit about them.

Good luck in your search.

Bob