The Eagle is half a million dollars. You can pick up a nice Cobra replica for under $30K... Currently I'm trying to build a poor man's Eagle. 1970 XKE fully updated with a 327 it should cost me about $130K when done. Don't tell my wife...

 

I won't tell your wife, but when she see's it she'll love you for it. The eagle looks raw and like so much fun... It doesn't need to be super fast and handle like it is on rails. Is long is it is reasonably quick and handles like a sports car the looks and sound will be epic. I wish Jaguar would build such a car to commemorate it's heritage. Good luck with your build. I would go for an eagle if it was around $130,000, but $500,000 is a lot. I think they are around $1,000,000 now, yikes.

 

You might be able to find a Cobra replica for under $30k but I can gaurantee you, it would not be a well-put-together kit. Legit pre-owned (i.e.: CSX, Superformance, Kirkham, Backdraft, and a few others) will bring around $60k to $150k easily. Heck....the rolling chassis alone are over $40k.
Just one example;
https://www.cobracountry.com/cars-fo...27sc-atherton/

 

 

You are likely right that under $30K there might be a lot of issues however this Factory 5 on E-Bay is just a tad over that: https://www.ebay.com/itm/1965-Shelby...2:pf:0&vxp=mtr

Here is a Backdraft not yet at reserve at $15K (hard to believe, given the bidding, that it will go over $35K but we'll see: https://www.ebay.com/itm/1965-Shelby...3:pf:0&vxp=mtr

Here is another Factory 5 with a buy it now price of around $37K currently bidding under $12K: https://www.ebay.com/itm/1965-Shelby...6:pf:0&vxp=mtr

Here is a "Black Edition" (no clue what that is) with a buy it now at $36K: https://www.ebay.com/itm/1965-Shelby...1:pf:0&vxp=mtr

Of course I shouldn't have done this because I ran into this Daytona and I'm now really tempted (I'll lie down and get over it because I sure as hell don't need another car: https://www.ebay.com/itm/1965-Shelby...2:pf:0&vxp=mtr

I thought it would be fun to own a Cobra until I borrowed the club car. I just didn't fit in it well, even the Lotus was more comfortable (and it was like riding on a concreate brick) though given I'm kind of truning my E-Type into a Cobra I'm wondering if I shouldn't have just started with a Cobra... Be interested to know what you thought of the cars on E-Bay, since I've never owned one I'm not clear on what to look for.

 

 

Out of the options you've mentioned, I believe the AMG GT to be the best built car. As much as I like the F-Type platform, there are certain things that do need to be addressed in terms of quality, fit, and finish. These such problems do not exist on AMG's.

 

All I'll say is, do more research and homework, dig a little deeper. Each kit manufacturer are not equal. "Look under the hood" so to speak. Selling the most kits doesn't necessary equal the best built.
As for that Backdraft you listed, it doesn't even have the build #...regardless, it was totaled and salvaged. Research, research, research....

https://www.autobidmaster.com/en/car...PALM_BEACH_FL/