I've been reviewing the FFR iteration of the Shelby Cobra. It looks like the kits have evolved considerably from the first kits. I love the style of the Cobra. But, to build one with options and features I would want, the build cost quickly doubles or triples the initial kit cost. I envision a build with a de-stroked 6.0 liter LS engine, IRS, Tremec TKX, quality seats with thigh support and premium paint. I then start evaluating how an S2000 compares. The FFR has a cramped cockpit; I am 6'2" and would probably look like I'm sitting on the car rather than in the car. Heater, defroster and possible A/C are options that may not function well. The side exhaust exits just below the ears. An under car exhaust just does not have the same panache as the side exhaust. Although the FFRs can be set up to be competitive on track vehicles, I find many comments about poor street manners and harsh ride. Without roll up windows and a folding top, the FFR becomes a fair weather car suited best to Sunday morning blasts through the back country. There are people who claim exhilaration from driving an FFR cross country. Are these the same people who claim a hard tail chopper is comfortable?
Although I would have great satisfaction in building an FFR roadster, I have reached the conclusion that I would not experience the same ownership and driving satisfaction that I enjoy with my S2000. Please counter my observations. I want to justify the cost to build an iconic, powerful roadster while acknowledging that I already own an iconic roadster that is probably a better road car.

 

I'd love to be able to build a kit car some day. I have always liked cars in general but some old episodes of Home Improvement where Tim Allen would have the build in his garage working on it made it look like a ton of fun.

I am just not a Cobra guy. I would either do a Caterham or one of these:

https://www.lbspecialistcars.com/str/

 

Oh my, that is something else! How much are they? Talk about being the coolest ride at Cars & Coffee.

 

Cars like the Cobra or a Caterham 7 are visceral rides. Lots of fun to poke about in, occasionally drive fast on a track, but otherwise, hard to do much with beyond toys.

I think you are correct in your assumption that such a car will never be as comfortable or available as an S2000, or any modern convertible with air conditioning and windows.

That said, why not go this route but on a much more affordable level?

https://www.motortrend.com/news/alfa...4-mazda-miata/



$10k plus a donor Miata, so relatively cheap!

 

Sweet kit. It looks well thought out. Maybe an MG TC/TD could be next (2 seats).

 

For Cobra replicas, the FFC is the worst, in terms of build quality - that's not to say it's a BAD kit, just not the best kit you can get for the Cobra.
Superformance is much better, but also much higher priced.
Backdrafts are pretty nice, but pricey as well.

Having lived with a Superformance S1 (Lotus 7 replica, aka Caterham) -- they are definitely a fair-weather toy. You can certainly make one do well on track or autocross, but there are easier/cheaper/safer routes.

I'd suggest skipping the Cobra and get into a Lotus 7, since it's a better driver's car -- but you being 6'2", you'd have to find a Berkin or a fancy Caterham to suit your frame.

 

I think they can build you one, but I thought a base kit was 40k and a British pound symbol. I don't know if they ship to the US, but if I was retired and bored I would probably be looking to import one and embark on what would turn out to be a disaster. But the voice in my head says I would do a great job building it. Just follow the instructions. What could go wrong?

It is expensive for a kit, but I thought that their website showed some recent sales of customer cars (they have a for sale page on their site of customer cars) and they go for much more when they are finished.

 

They can send a completed build minus powertrain and fluids according to their site. A late iteration of the Alfa Buso V6 might be hard to do. The Toyota would be great, but it's not a looker under the hood. Ferrari would be the most authentic.

 

If I was stuffing it all in and wanted no issues at all because I would have to work under that hood, it would be the Toyota. I think I watched a video of one a while back and it did not sound terrible, but the Ferrari would sound much better.

I wonder how comfortable it would be for semi-daily duties. They do offer an AC package. Probably a target for theft though if parked in an insecure place.

 

The Alfa engine would be my first pick. Everything looks pretty easy to access. The Toyota can sound marvelous if you've ever heard the Evora's engine. The Alfa is just a work of art and fits the personality of the car. I don't think it would be so high on the theft list if that was a concern, I'd put on a quick release steering wheel. I'd go for the full on rally lights and cool livery. Was checking Hemmings to see if any were for sale in the US and didn't see any :-(

Would I take this car over a Renault Clio V6? Would love to be deciding between the two for similar money.