CSX3026 which is the real cobra

[Curator]

In a Club, like this, one has to ask oneself..,,,at what point does someone that wants to build the Perfect Replicar, honoring an iconic Supercar like the Cobra, STOP? This 1989 ERA fiberglass Replica was never marketed for sale or sold as anything but what it WAS and IS! (w/the required, original "ERA" VIN Plate IS in place with matching title, and by law, neither have ever been altered!). If the replica Cobra Chassis plates were not to be used: Tony Branda (since 1975), Finishline, eBay merchants and a 1/2 dozen other sources would not have been selling them Worldwide for the last 25+ years. To suggest one of the past owners of this great car, or myself, would try and fraudulently sell any REPLICAR as anything other, then what it is...IS ludicrous and just a cheap shot. Since many of us couldn't afford an original, one would suppose ALL the charm to building any knock-off would be: 'How Close You Could Make It Look Exact To The Original'? I would imagine Mr. Shelby or Mr. Boosalis would probably be honored by these Dedications.

ALL of the cars shown in our Museum have Showcards, Window Stickers or original brochures on them that help tell 'the dejavu story' of these great classics (orig.cost/color /equipment, how many made; etc). It is, after all, a fun Car Museum. This car was so beautifully done and recvd. so much attention we kept it on display for over 15 years, only to finally offer it for sale in the past few months (for the critics: what do you do when you really DON'T want to sell?- price it high).
~This 'event' reported by Mr.Wullf (CobraDan) is a travesty ~
PS. The Gray AC MKIV small block is 'real' and the gorgeous 1969 Camaro RS Z28 was a real Crossram JL-8 that recently sold to a Camaro 'expert'.
Happy Motoring...come see us sometime. Kerry

[NewYorkGuy]

Originally Posted by Curator

In a Club, like this, one has to ask oneself..,,,at what point does someone that wants to build the Perfect Replicar, honoring an iconic Supercar like the Cobra, STOP...

Sir,
I guess life is different down south but here in New York, your response would not work with museum curators and gallery owners.

You are misleading the paying public, surrounding your non-Shelby car with Shelby's picture and plaque and the CSX number. If someone couldn't read English, by looks alone your car looks like the real deal.

Best of luck to your museum.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by Curator

In a Club, like this, one has to ask oneself..,,,at what point does someone that wants to build the Perfect Replicar, honoring an iconic Supercar like the Cobra, STOP?

You STOP before affixing an actual CSX # with a repro VIN plate and the ad plaque not having the words "ERA replica." There are legal issues and if I were the owner of the actual CSX 3026, then you would be hearing from my lawyer. At a minimum, it is misleading and potentially fraudulent.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

You STOP before affixing an actual CSX # with a repro VIN plate and the ad plaque not having the words "ERA replica." There are legal issues and if I were the owner of the actual CSX 3026, then you would be hearing from my lawyer. At a minimum, it is misleading and potentially fraudulent.

Ehhhh, I don't know.... It's kind of like just offering up a placebo to people. If it helps them enjoy life by thinking they're seeing an original Cobra, and you're not stealing money from them, then what's the harm? Anyone that knows even a little bit about these cars can tell the difference between an ERA and an original, so I say "what's the big deal?"

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by patrickt

Ehhhh, I don't know.... It's kind of like just offering up a placebo to people. If it helps them enjoy life by thinking they're seeing an original Cobra, and you're not stealing money from them, then what's the harm? Anyone that knows even a little bit about these cars can tell the difference between an ERA and an original, so I say "what's the big deal?"

There's a right and wrong. And that's wrong. A line was crossed IMO.

And I doubt that anyone who affixes a repro VIN plate to their replica anything gets the owner's approval. As an owner, why would you agree? But first you would have to locate the real CSX owner and that's nearly impossible in our society where privacy is priority.

[patrickt]

It's a well known fact that many of the world's finest art galleries display copies of fine artworks, interspersed with originals. The copies are not labeled as such. No one is harmed from this practice. Would you say they "crossed a line" or committed some sort of fraud by doing this? At the most, there is, occasionally, a very savvy art expert that can tell the difference and is a bit disappointed.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by patrickt

It's a well known fact that many of the world's finest art galleries display copies of fine artworks, interspersed with originals. The copies are not labeled as such. No one is harmed from this practice. Would you say they "crossed a line" or committed some sort of fraud by doing this? At the most, there is, occasionally, a very savvy art expert that can tell the difference and is a bit disappointed.

First, yes, it's wrong to sell a copy without labeling as such. Second, this ERA has a label which identifies it as CSX3026. Lastly, how do you know no one is harmed with this art gallery practice? Are you able to monitor each one for fraudulent practices?

[blown]

Ok I bet the tile states what the car is and as for not locating the owner it seems several people knew exactly which car it was and who owned it these cars are monitored and watched better than any criminal I have ever seen. But we all have our opinion's.

[Curator]

Originally Posted by patrickt

Ehhhh, I don't know.... It's kind of like just offering up a placebo to people. If it helps them enjoy life by thinking they're seeing an original Cobra, and you're not stealing money from them, then what's the harm? Anyone that knows even a little bit about these cars can tell the difference between an ERA and an original, so I say "what's the big deal?"

Exactly. Every State has a ruling on VIN's so, its probably best if anyone who is running one of these reproduction plates on their car to check with your own State DMV. I've read the published language written for FL., and it seems clear but, I will contact FL. DMV this week, ask if they will delve into it further and give me an opinion. Cannot speak for the other 2 states this car was titled in, or your individual states but, the best solution here is to simply remove the "Shelby" tag. I'm legal as long as the original ERA VIN is unaltered... I could care less about this tin plate. The replicar 'fantasy' has to stop somewhere.
Thanks everyone for all your input.

[NewYorkGuy]

Originally Posted by Curator

Exactly. Every State has a ruling on VIN's so, its probably best if anyone who is running one of these reproduction plates on their car to check with your own State DMV. I've read the published language written for FL., and it seems clear but, I will contact FL. DMV this week, ask if they will delve into it further and give me an opinion. Cannot speak for the other 2 states this car was titled in, or your individual states but, the best solution here is to simply remove the "Shelby" tag. I'm legal as long as the original ERA VIN is unaltered... I could care less about this tin plate. The replicar 'fantasy' has to stop somewhere.
Thanks everyone for all your input.

Sir
I checked out your museum's website. I am impressed with your guitar signed by the "Pawn Stars" cast.

Do you have more replica art in your museum?

Thanks,
Future paying customer of fine replica art