Cobra Owner Wannabe

[Pelledan]

Once again I appreciate everyone's input. This forum is amazing in many respects. The thought of buying new gives me the best warm and fuzzy feelings but in reality I'd rather buy used as that would best fit my finances. However as pointed out, used poses concerns. How was it driven? How was it maintained? Who did the repairs? Does the current owner have all documentation for repairs and maintenance since new? Some people are fastidious about maintaining this level of documentation while others are not. It would be the latter I would worry about since that would lead me to believe that something is intentionally being obscured rather then just a case of sloppy records keeping. You bring up good points about being within hailing distance of the dealer and power train installer. I live 35 miles S/W of Chicago and the Superformance dealer I am closest too is in Ohio about 300 miles from me. Whether I buy new (fairly unlikely) or used, any repairs beyond my abilities would require a field trip to their location unless I find a reputable establishment nearer to me. As far as engines go, I'd be happy with a mild cam 402 (Roush). A monster cam in a monster displacement engine is not appealing as I really wouldn't enjoy being stopped in traffic idling in a car that feels like it's still moving along a washboard road.
One more question to those in the know. I see many used Superformance Cobras that are titled as 1965's but their advertisements give no indication of their actual build year. Is there any way that the build year can be gleaned from their serial number?
Thanks again,
Dan