Why does every thread here devolve into a "Real" vs. "Replica" argument?

[Thor maine]

Originally Posted by LMH

I need to clarify a little using correct terminology. First, the "Cobra" is a leaf spring model as originally designated by internal documents from AC Cars. The coil spring model developed later is a "Cobra 427" or "427 Cobra". Two different cars. When I say "Cobra", I'm referring to the leaf spring cars.
Alan Turner redesigned the Ace, changing it a couple times during it's run with the most changes seen for the Ace 2.6. The body was kept pretty much the same for the Cobra except for flares added to the body to accommodate the wider wheels and a few other little changes here and there. Initially, the Cobra was little more than an altered Ace chassis but quickly, it was further altered for the added horsepower of the V8. As changes were made in one car, subsequent cars were changed during production. Those changes were made based on feedback from SAI (insert "Phil Remington" here) and engineered at AC Cars into production. The development of the Cobra was truly a joint effort. Changes were made throughout production with the last run of cars being the most similar to the previous car built.
When it comes to the Cobra 427, I freely admit that I don't know as much about it as I do the leaf spring car. They just don't interest me as much. It was Ken Miles who had the idea of using the Ford big block and Ford engineers did the design work for the chassis but had to stay within spec's set forth by AC Cars engineers for their jigs. As for who exactly designed the body of the Cobra 427, I don't know for sure. It may have been a situation where in basic terms, the leaf spring body was modified to fit the wider chassis but I'm speculating. The rear fenders are basically from the FIA Cobra with changes made to fit the wheels/tires. The doors, hood and trunk are still the same. The grill was opened up for more air flow for the bigger radiator, needed for the larger engine. I have never been able to find out if Turner had a hand in the Cobra 427's look or not. I'm always learning and always studying.
To say that AC wouldn't have built the Cobra because they would have done it before Shelby entered the picture is not an accurate statement. The lightweight Ford V8 was in development during the Ace's production and not available to customers. Can't build what you don't have. For sure though, the car we know as the Cobra and Cobra 427 would not have been as we know it were it not for both SAI and AC Cars involvement.
Larry

And FORDS, AC-Shelby-Ford and that is the problem. The Shelby American Car of today is only a replica of the lighting that struck in the 1960s. 1/3 of a authentic, Real1, kit, and to believe it is any more than that is just stupid . All of that said , they are super cool cars, as all replicas that are built to the highest standard. A 1/3 of a authentic , genuine, replica, kit car, like I said before you can take that to the bank.