Manual vs Auto - the choice is not an easy one.

[eschaider]

While these cars are not investments they have none the less seen prices for quality finished vehicles rise over the last decade or so. That still does not mean they are 'good investments'. That said, they can be bad purchases.

If you build a replica that is not (for the most part) visually similar to the originals, buyers are not as likely to want to purchase your car when you go to sell it (which could be sooner than you thought) and will likely assign a measurably lower value to the finished replica.

With respect to things like heavy clutches and properly designed actuating mechanisms, deliberately selected clutch assemblies can easily overcome these issues. Even if you choose to design your actuating linkages incorrectly, the use of something like the currently available dual disc clutches offered by firms like McLeod can significantly improve the driving experience. These types of clutches can handle 1000 HP power levels (some higher) with a pedal effort that is less than an OEM grocery getter.

Be deliberate and careful about how you configure and build your replica if things like driving comfort, resale value and personal safety are important to you. These replicas are not like the cars that Detroit builds for sale to the public.

As many have already said (or implied) these are hand made race car replicas replicating a pure race car from over a half century ago. They do not have teams of engineers driving them thousands of miles doing QA testing and vehicle refinements before you get yours, as Hal Copple so eloquently observed. All of that falls on your shoulders. Be careful what you ask for and then build. It might be antithetical to what you expected not to mention quite difficult to sell.

Closing comment / observation; Unlike back in the day, horsepower is easily created today. Do not overreach! These cars were World Champions and raced essentially undefeated with less than 400HP! A gazillion HP is not only not fun to drive, it is outright dangerous for you and those around you. The cars can swap ends on you as quickly as you blink your eyes. Big horsepower does not enhance the driving experience and puts you and others at risk.

Did I mention they can kill you? ...