Wisconsin Newbie

[tgandy]

Hi everyone. I've posted on here a few times, so thought maybe it's time to introduce myself. I'm currently living in SE Wisconsin, but we're building a house in the Springfield, MO area for when we retire in a couple years.

I grew up in an aviation family, but was the weird one that liked cars - especially really fast cars. I remember watching the Trans Am and Can Am races on tv and being mesmerized. I had neighbors with very cool cars they bought new - a 1962 Impala Convertible, a 1969 Mach 1 (a police officer owned that!), an Oldsmobile 442, and a Dodge Swinger. One neighbor was a Fiat mechanic, so he always had some cool cars. Unfortunately, I didn't have anyone to show me the ropes.

I started looking at Factory Five Racing Roadsters and was impressed by the kit and especially their Builder Forum community. As I looked at their 289 FIA/USRRC, I started researching the original cars and began thinking, "Wouldn't it be cool to have a fiberglass footbox like the originals? That's ok, I can powder coat the metal white. Wouldn't it be cool to have the pedals under the driver's floor? Nah, too difficult for me to do. Oh, how about a Salisbury rear end. I've gotta have that! Forget it, not possible. Etc, etc."

Then, I decided it would be smart to not go with the first kit I landed on, so I decided to check out some others, one of which was the ERA. Sold! I think ERA is the closest I can come to an accurate reproduction of a 1964 Shelby American Cobra FIA (for the cost). I still think the FFR Builder community is fantastic. The best? I couldn't say, but it is fantastic.

What's Next?
My wife and I have a hotel reservation to attend the 2019 London Cobra Show after which we hope to drive to New Britain and visit the ERA shop and plunk down a deposit on a 289FIA/USRRC. It's too early for a Build List, but I intend on a 289/302 (300HP +/- range) with engine, drive train, and cockpit appearing as original as is practical considering cost and safety (which is I believe is the ERA design philosophy). I REALLY like Ken Miles' CSX 2431 https://shelbyamericancollection.org...dster-csx2431/), but I just can't go with the USRRC competition windshield.

I guess that's it for now. Chime in, if you have thoughts, and thanks ahead of time for answering my future ignorant questions.

Terry