Newbie Questions on Buying a LoneStar Classic

[Scott Mc.]

Have been "lurking" on the boards for a while and actually picked up a few info items from the "tessa posts". I have wanted a Cobra for about 20 years (first car was '66 Mustang) and frankly never thought the "right" opportunity would come along.

Well it seems that one might have happened! Close friend has a Lone Star Classic built Cobra with a 428 engine, 9" Tre-Mac 3.73 rear end, etc. He might be one of the most meticulous owners/mechanics I know and has made some real key ($$) improvements for the 1 year he owned it (like putting a 170deg t-stat on for South TX driving, more authentic looking valve covers, rubber bushings on the brackets that attach the lake pipes, etc.).

In any case, he wants to sell and frankly I want to buy. Car has 7000 miles and is exactly what I want EXCEPT it is Silver w/Charcoal stripes and my heart has always been set on Blue/white combo. He is asking $35k and I think I can get him to $30k. The silver/grey has grown on me over the year and I now like it, plus I figure I at some point re-painting could be an option. Frankly, I am much more comfortable with the owner I am buying it from and doubt I could ever get this far along with someone else as buying the car. Thus think this takes priority over my "second choice" for color.

I am somewhat of a "newbie" but my passion is high for the car. Any thoughts or advice you can offer me?

Thanks for your time.