David,
Interested in taking a FFR in on trade? Seriously, this is a GREAT idea and if you can deliver on it I think you'll have tons of repeat Cobra builders/owners lining up at your door for an aluminum bodied Cobra.
Now, on the options:
#1: This idea is probably only good for guys who want to go vintage racing (does a Kirkham qualify for HSVRA?). If these body/chassis combos fall into the hands of garage builders, they will likely never get completed into an operable car. If they do make it into an operable car, there will be many that were built with inferior parts and you run the serious risk of tarnishing the Kirkham image (all you have to do is look at the poor quality FFRs for evidence). Personally, I'd only sell your body/chassis to original CSX owners (crash repair) or Kirham owners needing repair.
#2: A good idea, but it should be a HUGE difference in price from option #3. Price difference should be in mid to upper 4 figures or even 5 figures cheaper. This is where I spent a TON of time and money on my FFR tracking down proper bolts, fasteners, and fabricating things I didn't like the way that FFR took shortcuts (not that FFRs solution was bad...it just looked cheap). The parts prices combined with time to have them located/sent, price of phone calls, price of postage, etc. makes this a time consuming and ultimately more expensive option.
#3: This is the ticket for many of us. Sell us everything we need and don't send us all over to try and find it or figure out what we need or want on our own. Package everything by the sub-group and /or task and include a name and label on every package. Provide decently detailed instructions and take detailed pictures (you already do from what I've seen on your website) that can be hosted on your website (a build library of sorts). Have most of the major or important holes / attachment points on the chassis predrilled...smaller holes (i.e. riveting panels together, etc.) can be handled by the builder. Only include wheels as an option on this kit (the Cobra will be on jack stands for much of the build, so the customer can delay this purchase until towards the end). Use a high quality
zinc primer and automotive chassis paint on the frame (don't powder coat the chassis...it's not original and can't be touched up easily). Do not include sidepipes...customer can purchase later when these parts are needed. Similar to Unique Motorcars, offer custom headers for the different FORD V-8 PUSHROD powerplants that could be used.
#4: You already have this option and know the success you've had with it. Keep it as another option for your customers who do not want or cannot build a Cobra for themselves.
Also, perhaps consider an option that is in-between #3 and #4 where Kirkham installs the suspension and body and hangs the doors, hood and trunk lid. Similar to ERA in that the whole car is not done, but can be rolled around and has a build time of 90 - 120 days for the guy who maybe only has 20 hours or less of spare time per week to build.
Thanks for considering a "build-it-yourself" option. Feel free to email me directly (drewporta@lycos.com) for clarification or to act as a sounding board for ideas...I'm your target market afterall.
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