Why do you identify your car as a 60's model?

[750hp]

I'm intrigued to know what the reason is for so many Cobra owners identifying their recently built cars as a "1966 Cobra" or similar.

I understand the titling registration savings and relaxed pollution requirements in some states, and that it might be a quick and easy way for the uninitiated to understand that it's some type of '60s sports car, but why else do you tell people / advertise it as a '65, '66 etc?

For someone looking here on the Club Cobra (or the Cobra Country) classifieds to buy a car, we could generally assume that they've already done some homework. What's the value therefore in advertising any year model other than when the car was completed?

As an example, there is a 65, a 66, and two 67 year models listed on the first page of the CC classifieds.

Not judging (and certainly not implying any fraudulent intent), just intrigued...

[SunDude]

Probably because that's the type of vehicle they're made to replicate.

[Ron61]

In Calif. when you go to the BAR referee to have your smog inspection you go by the year the body most closely represents. But on your Title it will give the year the car was built and list it as a SPCNS vehicle. We can't register them as a 1960s vehicle, but when people put them up for sale they normally state that they have the SB-100 number which is the only way to sell one legally in this state. Some people put theirs is a replica of a 1965 0r 1966 Cobra.

Ron

[mdross1]

Originally Posted by SunDude

Probably because that's the type of vehicle they're made to replicate.

This is my reason and always add that the car is replicar.Nothing wrong with cloning cars.Too bad the purists are so uptight about it.Had to Edit this last statement,Not all purists are the same.

[Dirty Harry]

I bought a kit with an MSO in 1992. During the next 3 years, I fiddled around with it, re-building a 1969 engine, installing a 1988 transmission, hooking that to a 9 inch with parts that came from a '76 pickup and an '80 van. I used spindles and front brakes from a '78 Mustang and rear brakes from a '79 Thunderbird. In 1995 I titled and registered it as a '66 Cobra and put it on the road. I refer to it as a replica of a mid-60's Cobra. It just seems simpler that way.

[*13*]

I wondered the same.

[Ralphy]

Good question! If my car is stolen I want to let the police know as best I can what they are looking for. My thought when titling was they would be thinking Mustang, they probably would still. I was sure to state AC Cobra on the title.

Ralphy

[jhv48]

If the person I'm describing the car to is in view of the car, I describe mine as a replica of a 60's cobra.

If the car is not present, I will say it is a replica of a 65 Shelby cobra to try and differentiate it from a mustang.

[razerwire]

The street rodders do the same thing. If they have a fiberglass 32 body they call it a 32 ford. They always call the car by the body style or year it looks like. There is even a half size P51 mustang and its called P51. I always put csx4xxx number on info card at car show and if I'm around I tell people it's a later built, I don't know when because I bought used and unfinished, never met the owner, went thru dealer. Point is it looks like 65 cobra so why would I call it something else.

[*13*]

In an advertisement for a sale, it's misleading. As a representation of the history of the car it may or may not be entirely different depending the intention & how it's taken.

[razerwire]

Most outside the hobby would be more confused if you told them it was a 1997 cobra, if the car was not present, they would think it was a mustang. When you say 1964-1966 cobra , if they are not in know will bring more questions, at that point you have the choice to explain or not. The truth always comes out so you would be foolish to misrepresent.

[*13*]

Most people under the age of 40 don't know what a Shelby Cobra is. Most would still think it's a Mustang if you told them it was a 1964 Cobra because they think it is this when you say "Shelby Cobra"...

[Buzz]

Interesting question. If you built a '67 Mustang fastback from the ground up using a Dynacorn shell, a Roadster Shop chassis, all new aftermarket parts and a Dart block motor, what would you call it? Surely not a 2012 Mustang?

[*13*]

Originally Posted by Buzz

Interesting question. If you built a '67 Mustang fastback from the ground up using a Dynacorn shell, a Roadster Shop chassis, all new aftermarket parts and a Dart block motor, what would you call it? Surely not a 2012 Mustang?

Not quite as rare or storied, but I'd still call it a replica. Might even get more respect for having built it yourself!

[Buzz]

Yes, absolutely - it is and always will be a replica, particularly in conversation about the car or, more importantly, advertising, titling, etc.

In passing or driving through a parking lot however, people often call out "What year is that?". I never ignore folks who ask about the car but with no time to give an extended answer I find its easier to just say 1965. Never really gave it much thought until now.

[*13*]

An on the spot situation like that, it might be the easiest thing to say

[tcrist]

When I am asked I tell them it is a replica of a 1966 Cobra. If I were ever to decide to sell it, I would advertise it as what it is. A replica Cobra built in XXXX. Mine is about as far from a replica as you can get with the wheel base, width and doors but then people understand it more. Besides there would always be a picture of it if I were going to sell it.

Mine is going to my youngest son either when I am gone or when I am ready to let it go. So I do not have to worry about all of the advertising stuff anyway.

[Jimbocobra]

No emissions test, no noise citations, cheaper insurance. Plus it sounds cooler...

[PANAVIA]

I usually tell them it is meant to replicate the last of the cars that left the original AC factory in 1967. -an AC Sports 289'

[Trueoo7]

Originally Posted by 750hp

I'm intrigued to know what the reason is for so many Cobra owners identifying their recently built cars as a "1966 Cobra" or similar.

I understand the titling registration savings and relaxed pollution requirements in some states, and that it might be a quick and easy way for the uninitiated to understand that it's some type of '60s sports car, but why else do you tell people / advertise it as a '65, '66 etc?

For someone looking here on the Club Cobra (or the Cobra Country) classifieds to buy a car, we could generally assume that they've already done some homework. What's the value therefore in advertising any year model other than when the car was completed?

As an example, there is a 65, a 66, and two 67 year models listed on the first page of the CC classifieds.



Not judging (and certainly not implying any fraudulent intent), just intrigued...

For the simple reason that if you finished it this year and advertised it for sale as a 2012, most people might expect, air bags, ABS brakes, traction control, etc.
To me that would be misleading