Agreed..... I started with a $75k budget and am over $100k at this point.
Doug states that his budget is $50k or less, if that's the case for sure then his only real option is probably a pre-owned Cobra replica or a Porsche.
I agree, Tony! The only 40's I've seen go for less than $50K were incomplete ones, admittedly some very nice and very close ones a couple of years ago, but not drivers yet. I don't keep track of the market like Ron does, the only ones I am familiar with are the ones that I see on this forum
If his budget really is $50K, I say he has only one option--I don't think the Cobra is a daily driver--not weather-tight enough. This gentleman owns 6 jewelry stores, I'd suspect he drives around in a suit most of the time, one good rainstorm will spoil his desire to drive around in a Cobra!
Go for the Porsche. If you still need a roadster, save up about $20K after you get your 911 and look for a good 550 replica--it won't be blindingly fast, but it will get attention!
Just curious--I've been a member at ClubCobra for years, have only gone there a few times--does anyone know how much used Daytona's are selling for? The Cobra replicas I've noticed for sale, even very nice ones, seem to have been losing value lately, perhaps a used Daytona would be within his $50K budget????
Oh, yeah, Raphael, I'd give some serious consideration to rethinking the Lone Star idea. I went to Ft. Worth a few years ago to talk to them about a kit, walked into the hanger (it's based on an old airport site), walked around for 45 minutes without anyone even approaching me to ask if they could help me. I finally asked some people just sitting around chatting if there was anyone I could speak with from LS and they sorta acted like my experience was pretty normal. I did finally get to talk to a representative, but I wasn't interested in a Cobra and they had quit making their 40 replica at the time (not the current LS40, but an actual SBF V-8 powered model they use to make). I've heard from a friend who bought an incomplete kit that they didn't know answers to fairly simple questions (such as which diameter wheels would fit their cars, what backspacing, etc.) when he called them. He was sort of on his own, I guess.
His Cobra did turn out very nice, so their products can be built to a good state of finish (check out the member 427HISS, I think he has a photo gallery).
If you MUST stick to the $50K limit, I agree with the developing majority regarding the Porsche, but you might get lucky and find a used Daytona for that price--that would, IMHO, be incredibly good luck. Lots of Porsches out there, but how many Daytonas do you see on the streets on a daily basis, even in SD?
Doug