Agreed re the 'replica' conundrum. I've been pondering the problem myself and its not easy coming up with a 'recreation of a 1950's sports car' 'look' that's different enough for people not to immediately think Ferrari/Jag/Aston etc wannabe.
(Maybe I should paint it white with a rising sun logo and call it the 'Wanabe Special', then go an invade 'Cobra' breakfast meetings)
Look forward to reading about your beast on the 'other' site thread!