To build or buy used......?

[azfordman]

After several years of waiting I am finally ready to take the plunge. I would appreciate advise on which direction to go with a cobra.

The following is what I have decided would be my "dream" car:

289 FIA Cobra, 351 motor, manual transmission preferably a 5 speed, true knock off wheels, body, engine bay and interior (specifically dash layout) that have a original/authentic look.

The following is what I have to work with:

$45,000 (currently burning a hole in my pocket!) and I am vertically challenged, cobra-wise at 6' 5" mostly in my legs with a size 16 shoe. I have no problem fitting into smaller cars, the issue I usually have is the geometry of my foot to knee and the steering wheel/door and shifter. I am confident with some minor modifications I can fit in a cobra if the seat is dropped down to the floor and pushed back as far as it can go.

I am not wanting a show car, instead I want a dependable weekend hot rod that I can drive the crap out of! I am more concerned about dependability and performance than looks. I would quite frankly be happy if the car were painted flat primer black as long as I could get it out and put miles on it. I am also not looking for a 20 grand tricked out motor. I am sure a solid stock 351 should be more than enough power for this car.

I don't want to be "cheap", but if I could spend around 35K and keep 10 in the bank it would be great. There are a couple of used cars I am currently looking at, but they seem a bit too "nice" for what I want, if that makes sense. I am looking at ERA and Unique for a roller and am patiently waiting for pricing on the Riverside Racers. It seems like the pricing is around 28-29K for a roller.

Any advise from those out there who have built a roller would be helpful. What I want to know is realistically what will I be looking at for a complete budget minded roller (aside from bonding the body I could assemble it) without paint and all I have to do is find a motor and tranny, modify the drivers seat and put it all together. Did you find there was anything you came across needing or wanting that didn't come with your car you had to add on? Thanks!