What Kit and why

[Dangerous Doug]

I chose ERA. I wanted a 289 FIA, so that narrowed it down to Shelby, Kirkham, ERA, Unique. I liiked the ERA body better than the Kirkham (though nice in aluminum, would look outstanding polished). Shelby was too expensive for my blood. I liked the ERA body better than Unique, plus a number of other construction and detail factors I won't include here. Also, ERA has a good resale value (should I choose to get interested in another car) and commands a great deal of respect---accurate, yet a little expensive. FFR just came out with a 289 FIA that promises to be less expensive to build, plus their 427 body looks to be modeled after #198 so the body will be "on". Because FFR's have such a low barrier to entry (their basic kit is $13k) their "percieved" value tends to be less than others (they are still as expensive to build as most other kits).
I went with the body shape and chassis technology that I liked, followed by the manufacturer's reputation for accuracy and quality. I haven't been disappointed in ERA.
Their is a kind of "hierarchy" among Cobra owners. The first five or so are easy, but then it gets more difficult.
In order of descending "wow" factor: Original 1960's Shelby, New Shelby, Kirkham, ERA, Superformance, FFR, then mixed bag of Backdraft, Unique, Hurricane et cetera.

Personnally, I think FFR is moving up the food chain, but this may not help resale values. Supply and demand. The more that are out their, the more that are available and higher the price pressure on sellers.

Big block FEs command more "wow" than small blocks or 460's. People seem to honor accuracy of build over impressive mod's (like a blower...tilt front end, et cetera...).

Now that I've pissed everyone off...

Fire away!
DD