[REAL 1]

Edley: Of course you can refer to any Shelby you buy any way your wish. Of course most guys who want the Shelby as opposed to the others are buying it because they want a car that is factually and legally considered a REAL Cobra. Not original but of the second generation.

While I agree with you that many people are referring to the original series when they ask "is it real" I would like to point out this is undoubtedly because many people outside the Cobra community and hobby are not familar with the second generation or that SAI is even back in business. So, in fairness I answer the question "yes it is a REAL Cobra. Its a new Continuation series Cobra from SAI." In nearly every case people become fascinated and once people learn what it is i.e., a brand new Shelby Cobra made by Shelby to his exact '65 specs and considered by SAAC as a genuine Cobra they are amazed and impressed with the car. There reactions and words leave not doubt they consider it a REAL Cobra also.

I'm just pointing out what my experience has been with my car for over 2 1/2 years now. You can give it any weight you wish but I would suggest to you that I have been the one standing next to the car listening to what people say and seeing their reactions not you. You can take it for what is worth.

When we, familar with the Cobra and the hobby refer to REAL Cobras there is no doubt that we in most cases are referring to the original series as a way of distinguishing in a short hand manner what we are talking about.

Technically and more properly it would be more accurate to refer to the original Cobras as "originals" and the new series as "continuation series Cobras". But many who refuse to acknowledge the Continuation series as a REAL Cobra too would feel that would this would give away too much to the owners of the Continuation series and Shelby. Heaven forbid they would want to acknowledge in any way that the Continuation Series is a REAL Cobra in any way. It makes them feel better perhaps because they have some emotional feeling despite the facts that only "the ones made in the 60's are REAL" or perhaps it makes them feel better about what they own to refer to the originals as REAL and the Continuation series as "replicas". I'm sure there are also some that take this position because they feel better knocking what someone else has because they don't have it. This is quite apparent in some (not all).

Most owners of Continuation Series Cobra will probably tell you their Cobra is a replica of the original series. It is. But most will also tell you they consider their Cobra a REAL Cobra but not original.

Hal: If you notice most of the extra expense noted applied to the ERA's. I honestly didn't realize the SPF came with true pin drives. Cool. The aluminum panels for the CSX is not merely the firewall. Its the panels for the entire engine bay and trunk as I understand. You also reminded me that the headers and side pipes are also extra I believe for the ERA.

Point is the SA CSX come very nicely equipped. Its a great price for a Shelby Cobra.