How do you handle the questions?

[Paul F]

Sure, you can answer any way you want. Tell 'em its real. Who cares. But I'm wondering why people have such a problem with this question. Why do people bring this up? I'm not picking on the Fleiss, I'm wanting to understand in general why people feel the need to have a witty or prepared response.

Once again, your getting into your world, not the person that is asking the question. They don't know or care about Kirkham vs Superformance vs the others. All they want to know is if they are seeing a 196x Cobra. That's all. Anything else is your need to serve your needs, not answer their question. So if you feel better by saying it is a replica rather than saying it's a kit, go ahead, but what is motivating you to do so? Why can't you simply answer 'its a kit' or 'no, its not real'.

I assume it is ego or pride that prevents people from giving a simple answer to a simple question.

[Sal Gerace]

Most people asking don't care anything about the cars and their history, just how much money you have spent, that's why they ask. They see the high dollar Cobras on BJ and want to be able to tell their friends they seen one. The Cobra guys who don't ask already know or can figure it out for themselves and not insult you. That's just my opinion....

[Cobra #3170]

The only question I ever get is who manufactured your kit? Never is it real, I guess I have gone to far what with the 18" wheels but who cares!

[jhv48]

I have to disagree with a lot of the responses. When people ask if the car is a "real" cobra I think they are hoping they can tell all their buddies that they have actually seen an original 60 something Shelby cobra. And, yes, they are disappointed a little bit but ultimately they usually lavish compliments on the quality of the car. Who cares what anyone thinks about our cars. We take great pains to make our cars look like an original so why get all indignant when somebody is fooled and wants to know if it is "real" or a knock off. When all is said and done, you are still driving the coolest car in the universe.

[azfordman]

Originally Posted by jhv48

I have to disagree with a lot of the responses. When people ask if the car is a "real" cobra I think they are hoping they can tell all their buddies that they have actually seen an original 60 something Shelby cobra. And, yes, they are disappointed a little bit but ultimately they usually lavish compliments on the quality of the car. Who cares what anyone thinks about our cars. We take great pains to make our cars look like an original so why get all indignant when somebody is fooled and wants to know if it is "real" or a knock off. When all is said and done, you are still driving the coolest car in the universe.

My thoughts exactly, Jim. My experience has been that 99% of the people who ask about my car are truly curious if it is a car from the 60's. Even after learning it is a replica, they are still in awe and love the car. I have actually had the opposite happen on a few occasions with people not believing it is a replica. As far as I am concerned, the attention and the questions are part of the charm of these cars.

[xb-60]

Originally Posted by Sal Gerace

Most people asking don't care anything about the cars and their history, just how much money you have spent, that's why they ask. They see the high dollar Cobras on BJ and want to be able to tell their friends they seen one. The Cobra guys who don't ask already know or can figure it out for themselves and not insult you. That's just my opinion....

Just because some yob wants to pidgeon hole you by what your car's worth, doesn't mean you have to answer within the 'parameters' they set...

Glen

[Sal Gerace]

Originally Posted by xb-60

Just because some yob wants to pidgeon hole you by what your car's worth, doesn't mean you have to answer within the 'parameters' they set...

Glen

I do my best to educate people when they ask about my car or Cobras for that matter. My car fools a lot of people, looks real close to a sixties car. If someone is really interested I enjoy talking Cobras. Maybe a little too long winded at times....

[Nedsel]

It's a free country, so anyone can say whatever they want to in response to an inquiry about their car. If an owner chooses to lie about the origins of his vehicle, that's his decision, although it makes me question the pride of ownership he feels, or more likely the lack thereof. What is the big deal about being honest when asked " THE QUESTION?" If it's that big a deal, you can always keep the thing in your garage, or just drive it rather than stop where someone can ask what apparently is seen as an insulting question. I always view the question as evidence of someone's curiosity, rather than an affront. Similarly, I can only chuckle when one feels compelled to say, "No, it's not a 60's Cobra; it's much better, because I have improved upon that old P.O.S."!" Which is a bit like saying, "No, this Picasso on my kitchen wall is not an original; it's much better, since it is made of improved materials and has more vibrant color." Hey, say whatever floats your boat, but it's debatable that misleading people because it makes you feel better does you any favors in the long run.