And, so...what do YOU drive?

[Tim7139]

That's why I drive a SPF. I get asked about once a week and it's a simple reply...no.
I am, however, getting increasingly concerned about sitting at a light, quite often, to look next to me and see a large old broad with a big grin and a thumbs up.......gheeesh . This keeps up I'm gonna find out who Caitlin's doctor is.

[Dangerous Doug]

Ah, I do see a few squirming over the term "kit" in this discussion. I see the CSX guys and the SPF guys are already distancing themselves from the "kit" term---if a "kit" doesn't mean as little as just adding an engine and transmission. Based on that, an ERA "roller" would also not be a "kit", and neither would a Kirkham. Nor, for that matter, any "roller" produced Cobra.

I think what happens is car enthusiasts see the ubiquitous Factory Five Racing advertisements in every automobile magazine and when looking at a Cobra wonder if they are looking at one of those advertised "kits".

To me the term reminds me of the early electronics "kits" or of the VW-based Bradley or Sterling, and not something I regard as having much in terms of quality and road-worthiness---especially when they "chirp" like a VW.

I think my Cobra has more similarity to an old Corvette than anything else: fiberglass body, V8, built on a frame (not a VW pan...) with IRS, disks all around, et cetera. Sure, I built quite a bit of it, but the build took quite a while and wasn't as simple as a "kit".

So, for the 1% that DO ask if it's a "kit", I think I'll simply reply, "I'm not sure the term "kit" accurately describes this car." If they ask why, I'll describe what's under the skin and talk about building it, and let them decide for themselves.

Most people seem genuinely impressed. As for John and Jane Doe from my initial post, well, I'll let them continue with their "eminence front"* charade. I know better.

DD

Real1: "The originals were "kits" based upon your definition?" You're trying a little too hard, don't you think? Is it possible to have a thread not evolve into the "real" vs. "replica" vs. "original" bare-knuckle fist fight?

DD

* For those of you that need help on this one, read the lyrics to The Who's "Eminence Front"

[Joe's Garage]

Originally Posted by Dangerous Doug

,,, As for John and Jane Doe from my initial post, well, I'll let them continue with their "eminence front"* charade. I know better,,,

Maybe you are trying a little too hard as well, ERA calls it a kit so that's what you have, regardless of what you think "kit" means.

[sea2jet]

A kit means in unassembled form. Once it's assembled, it's a replica of the original car manufactured in the 1960's. ERA calls it a kit because that's what it is, it's in pieces. They don't call their roller or turn key car a kit because it's assembled.

[ICBomber90]

I try not to get offended, I try to educate people to the fact less than 1,000 were ever made. It's just such an iconic car, people just don't know. When asked if mine is original, I respond, "No, it's a Factory Five Racing Replica that I built in my garage." Oh sure every now and then I'll run into "that" nimrod, but I have to say its been few an far between.

[mptech]

I don't mind the Kit question so much and I usually respond that it is a Factory Five Replica that I built, but when they ask "what chassis / frame is it?" my enthusiasm drops. Some even say "Oh yeah, is that a Mustang II?" then I really start getting agitated.

[REAL 1]

Originally Posted by Dangerous Doug

Ah, I do see a few squirming over the term "kit" in this discussion. I see the CSX guys and the SPF guys are already distancing themselves from the "kit" ..

DD

Real1: "The originals were "kits" based upon your definition?" You're trying a little too hard, don't you think? Is it possible to have a thread not evolve into the "real" vs. "replica" vs. "original" bare-knuckle fist fight?

DD

"Eminence Front"

I didn't mention real vs replica. You did. The thread is about the term "kit" is it not? The responses to this thread have clearly exposed the fact that many have their own view on what constitutes a kit.

Back in the '60s the Shelby Cobra was the equivalent to the Superformance of it's day. Clear parallel. Roller imported plumbed and wired and engine and trans installed and sold to customer. Yes you can argue some minor variances but overall not much. If the Superformance is a kit to some the that puts the original car in that same basket does it not? Therefore, the continuation series rollers too..some here will love that notion Moreover, back in the 60s it was an oddity with foreign manufactured body and chassis and domestic power plant dropped in by a small race shop in California...

Finally, I'm not looking for a bare knuckle fist fight..... but there are some here still stuck in the third grade that are.

[lnfletcher]

I'm proud to call mine a "kit". Or as I tell some that ask, "it's a custom, hand build, high performance replica". How many of these guys have personally put every bolt and screw, connected every electrical connection, personally performed all the body work and painted it and installed the interior. Spent the time to work out all the kinks. And now have a personal high performance sports car built only for them!
This fits a rare few of those that are at these car shows or other places! Expecially not those at the gas pump beside you that may use the term "kit".
And if I did have a "real one", it wouldn't be as nice or drive as good as mine. And I'd be a lot poorer!

I'm not ashamed to call mine a kit!

[cobrajeff]

I don't really have a problem with people asking if my car is a "kit" - for me, it really has to do with their demeanor and the voice inflection.

Had one of my most embarrassing moments at a local Ford dealer a few years back. Drove my ERA to the dealer to pick up some parts. Several mechanics & customers came out to admire the car and ask questions. After I answered their questions I walked into the Service write-up area on my way to the Parts counter. There was a nice looking '57 Thunderbird sitting there in the entryway. I stopped to check it out, as I own a '57 'Bird myself. It needed a little TLC, but, was basically in pretty good condition. I thought to myself "I'll have to introduce myself to this person, and share some T'Bird stories". On my way back from the parts counter, I saw the T'Bird owner, a little old lady all dolled up in her pillbox hat and white gloves, talking to the Service Write-up guy, and overheard part of their conversation. He says to her "...did you see that little red Cobra parked outside?". She replies, in a totally condescending tone "...yeah, I saw that KIT car out there...."

Even though it was obvious she could use some help with that T'Bird...I knew right then it wasn't gonna be me.....

[kevins2]

My wife and I stopped at a VisionWorks to pick up our new glasses. The front of the building is glass so everyone in the store was looking at the car. When we got inside, one of the optical technicians had told everyone that it was a vintage Ferrari

[Dangerous Doug]

I got asked if my 289 FIA was a "Triumph Spitfire".

I prefer something like that instead of "kit", uhh, as long as they don't think it's a Buick...

I rolled into the local Starbucks and a crowd across the way stopped to look at my Cobra from afar. My older brother rides up on a bicycle and purposely asks loudly, "Is that an MG?'

"Yeah, it is, but it's got a Honda engine in it. I cut off the exhaust with a hacksaw. That's why it's so loud."

The crowd didn't seem to get it.

We went to get our coffee.

DD

[vref120]

I got asked if mine was a Mazda once. Priceless.

Told home it was a limited edition Miata in limited numbers. Better get yours fast. He left. Sometimes ya just got to be a smartass.

[MAStuart]

I can see I am going to have problem if I ever finish my car. I am scratch building a coupe. I have been asked if I was building a kit car when someone drove by and my wooden buck was outside. Other have asked "a wooden car how are you going to get inside to drive it". When I explained that it was a buck to build an aluminum body over it. They wanted to know how you get the wood out after it was done. I ended up telling them I was using the lost buck method and when I was done I would burn the wood out.

Other have asked if I was building a kit car . I had to tell them yes. I then went on to tell them that I did not own enough land to harvest enough trees to make my own plywood . I told then the same thing about not enough land to mine the ore to smelt my own steel and aluminum to make the tubing and sheet metal to build it. I had to buy those items so I guess I am building a kit car!

Mark

[cycleguy55]

In my experience, it seems most people who use the term 'kit car' aren't using it to disparage the car, it just happens to be the term they know. They're almost universally curious about what it is and how it came to be built, what's in it, what's it like, etc.

I don't take offense, but I usually respond that "I prefer the term replica" and, if they're interested, engage them in a discussion to answer their questions and satisfy their curiosity. I'd much rather have them walk away muttering "that guy sure likes to talk about his car" than "wow, is he a snob (or smartass)".

[Jamo]

I used to be patient and nice. As my beard has gotten more grey, I find my best response is to simply stare at stupid people and say nothing.

[keezling]

I have a t shirt that says "BUILT NOT BOUGHT". Need to wear it more. Classic to me is the Superformance GT40 owner who had the hood open exposing the beautiful engine. A small block Ford. I asked what engine it had he said a 427. I asked a 351W based stroker? His reply; I have no idea!

[Ace23]

My response is based on the person who is asking the question and what mood I'm in. I've told people it cost $200,000 and I've told them it was an antique Honda S2000. Generally if its a family with a kid they get a friendly reply. If its a guy with 22's on a crown victoria or some jerk off wearing a airbrushed Jeff Gordon T-shirt they are in for it.

[Dirty Harry]

I have a theory as to why the term "kit" rubs some of us the wrong way. When I was a kid, I'd go to K-Mart and buy a plastic model kit and glue it together. The parts always fit and no real expertise was required to build it. It was "child's play" to make a car out of those kits. With our replicas, building them into a highly capable and functioning automobile is a bit more of an accomplishment. Perhaps we just don't want someone thinking we simply had to glue part 11 onto part 16 and brush on some paint. Maybe.

[mptech]

I think when the Lay person thinks "KitCar", they envision a fiberglass body and a few parts bolted to a donor chassis.
Often, when asked if it was a Kit and I responded "yes", I'd then be asked if it was a Mustang Chassis.
If possible, I'd open the hood and show them the custom manufactured round-tube chassis. They usually liked learning and seeing it.

[cycleguy55]

Originally Posted by mptech

I think when the Lay person thinks "KitCar", they envision a fiberglass body and a few parts bolted to a donor chassis.
Often, when asked if it was a Kit and I responded "yes", I'd then be asked if it was a Mustang Chassis.
If possible, I'd open the hood and show them the custom manufactured round-tube chassis. They usually liked learning and seeing it.

I'm astounded by the number of people who think there's a Mustang (or other) frame under the car - including some of the people responsible in our jurisdiction for vehicle standards and inspections. Yikes.