And, so...what do YOU drive?

[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.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by 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.

I've been asked "Is that a Corvette?" more times than I can remember.

[mptech]

Originally Posted by patrickt

I've been asked "Is that a Corvette?" more times than I can remember.

Our club had a cruise last month and about 6 of us were parked at the gas station filling up before we started. A lady in the convenience store asked if we were the "Buick Club???"

[REAL 1]

Originally Posted by patrickt

I've been asked "Is that a Corvette?" more times than I can remember.

I was asked by a gas station attendant years ago if it was an "MG" while his polyester pants were melting/burning because he was standing too close to the side pipe.

True story.

[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.