Replica or a modern reproduction?

[DanEC]

Originally Posted by hectorturer

What would be the right answer to all the people that ask me when driving around? Many compliments to the car but the question always comes, is that car original? I said is an improved Shelby Cobra reproduction. The replica or kit sounds unreliable in this part of the world

I don't think there is a right answer that "all" people will put in the same context. IMO it's not a Shelby Cobra unless it was produced by and invoiced out under SAI or one of lt's Carrol Shelby-owned iterations. However, the term "Cobra" alone has become a generic term that applies to all of these cars, whether original Shelby cars or replicas/kit cars/customs/hot rods that exhibit a similar body design and style. So I would call it whatever makes sense to you - because your description will probably satisfy some people, but others will put it in a different context.

I like Cobra Replica myself. To me a kit car is an antiquated term from the days of dune buggies and Fiberfab Avengers or whatever they were that bolted on to a VW chassis. Also, my context of "kit" cars is more in line with a custom car that does not try to closely mimic any particular manufactured car but is more custom syled. The term kit car IMO doesn't match a lot of these cars that come as completed roller/runners such as Kirtham, Backdraft, ERA, Unique, etc. Some can be had both ways - as a complete roller/runner, or as a do-it yourself project - like ERA. Others are only available as a do-it-yourself project like "FFR". The term 'replica' implies it is intended to closely resemble or mimic the original. But I guess if it originally arrived at your home strapped to a pallet with a couple dozen boxes of parts and assembly instructions - it's a kit. When it's assembled, it's a Cobra replica.