Lots of valid pros and cons above.

Does your car have a top? If not, I think this adds to the element of risk and might significantly detract from your enjoyment of the trip. A good car cover is also a necessity to cover the car at night.

If the car is coming form a builder in the US, are you ABSOLUTELY POSITIVE you'll be able to take it into Canada?

Can you drive the first 500+ miles on secondary roads at varying speeds to break it in properly, rather than holding a steady speed on the Interstate with a new motor and drivetrain?

Are you a pretty reasonable mechanic with decent diagnostic skills? Can you take a jack, stands and a reasonable assortment of tools and little stuff along when you go to pick up the car?

If you decide to do it, I'd make a list of reputable transporters whom you can call to get the car home or back to the builder in the event of a failure you can't repair on the road.

One good point made above is that if you put on the first 2,000 miles driving it home, a lot of the novelty will have worn off by the time you arrive, and it will have some dings in the paint. To balance that, however, will be the memories of your adventure. I took my car on a 3,000 mile trip after I had had it on the road for about a month. When I left, I figured by the time I got home, either I'd love it or hate it. I had a wonderful time but I drive my car 5,000+ miles a year. Some guys put their cars up for sale before they have 5,000 miles on them.

I'd say if it's the adventure that appeals to you, plan and prepare carefully and then go ahead and drive it home. If you're doing it to save the cost of transporting the car, bite the bullet and have it shipped.

Lowell

Depending on a few things we don't know from your post...

..but, based on the past history of initial shake-down problems with some WCC turnkey buyers... I would definitely trailer it home.

John,

Thanks - it was a a great experience - an adventure and great memories with my brothers & my son. Now my son wants to build a car with me...

Mike

Where in Michigan is the Cobra? And is it by private Sale or the outfit in the Detroit area that makes several kit models?

I think I may be missing something here.
I don't think I want a car that I can't trust to drive home from the dealer, whether it be a Cobra, used car or cheap Russan inport.
I would assume the dealer knows about all previous known problems from the factory and have these areas checked.
Also, even though the cars are hand built, unless the workers are unskilled and there is no Quality Contril program in place at the factory, the finished cars should be reliable.
Don't the engine manufactorers such as Roush etc test run the engines and wouldn't they retorque the head bolts?
I have never heard of the consumer having to retorque the head bolts on a car from any manufactorer.
I had a 350 Chev engine completely rebuilt in by boat and didn't have to do anything with the engine.
There was a thread some time ago from a couple in their 70's that were buying a SPF and driving it across the US and Canada. (I wonder how they are making out?)

Yes......................and would have a wonderful adventure to remember.
Mike

Hi Guy's
Thanks for all your opinions. I appreciate all advise i recieve from all the experience on this forum. I am still not sure what I am going to do. I will keep all of you posted.
Thanks
Brent
P.S Scufty, I will look you up when the day comes. Can't wait !

Hi Lowell w and Preguess
Car is actually being built in Ontario,Canada and I don't know yet if i can take it over the border into Michigan to drive it or trailer it up to Montana and then back across the border into Alberta, Canada. The only reason i would do this is your interstates are in better condition than ours and the price of fuel is better also. But, if i have any doubts at all i will stay inside Canada. If i decide to drive it i may do it in Canada as it would probably get a better break in through Ontario as i have heard speed limits are low and all over the place.

Brent

Drive it home? Not a chance if you have to go through Central Texas right now or Arizona, New Mexico or Colorado in the summertime.. The heat would eat you up. Not to mention what it does to rubber parts like fuel pump diaphragms, etc. Plan the trip for the fall or spring. Otherwise, go for it..