They don't make them like they used to.

[tony soprano]

I question his approach but I think I know what he was trying to say. Folks, this is my first post. Please take it in the nature it is intended.

First, let me say I'm very seriously researching what Cobra replica I may be building in the future. I currently have a late model Mustang that has been prepared for open track events; koni DAs, k-member, coil-overs, cage, panhard bar, etc. The car is pretty darn track capable but it just lacks the soul of let's say a GT-350 or Cobra.

I have a very good friend that open tracks a GT-350 clone. Fairly recently, I attended the Nor-Cal Shelby mini-nats with him. I can't impress upon you what he's had to do to that car just to be competitive against late model Mustangs with far fewer modifications. The early model Mustang suspensions ('65 fastback) have very humble beginnings.

Please, bare with me as I'm not trying to be inflammatory. I LOVE the early Shelby Mustangs and Cobras too. I bleed Ford blue. I know some of you also attended the Nor-Cal Shelby mini-nats? Generally speaking, what I witnessed was the late model Mustangs were very, very competitive with the higher horsepower and lighter Cobras and Shelby Mustangs. Although, I believe the fastest car I witnessed was the TCP shop car. '66 fastback Please, if anyone else attended and feels my observation are inaccurate, I'd really like to hear your take on that weekend.

So, what's my point? I very much want a car with the "soul" of a Cobra, but the performance capabilities of the newer iron. That search first brought me to the JBL offering but I'm not sure what I think of it from an aesthetic standpoint. The FFR Spec racer seems track proven, but again, the aesthetics don't appeal to me. Does the short wheelbase and narrow track of most of the Cobra replicas hand it an immediate disadvantage?

I've read some of the recent threads about Cobra owners waxing Z06s at the track, which give me hope. Personally, I haven't seen it but I want to believe it. Ultimately, I believe I'll end up building a Cobra. I'd just like to think I'm not taking a step backwards with regards to track performance.

Thoughts? Flames? Suggestions? I'm open to hearing them all.