Quote:
Originally Posted by gthompson
I'm not sure why some people get so hung up on referring to their car as original, real, authentic, copy, replica, reproduction, etc.
Isn't this about being in a community of people that share a common interest or love for the Cobra?
I have a lot of fun hanging out with everyone at our monthly DFW meets and/or drives.
All of these posts just create hard feelings and divisiveness.
I think that the more people involved in this hobby, the better.
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Unfortunately, it seems every single contributor to this thread missed or ignored your comment. I absolutely agree with you 150%. All these guys miss the point. The hobby is about a car. A hybrid car of sorts. A really ****ty car by many standards. Loud, shaky, nervous,and many times dangerous. A temperamental car. As such, the car will entertain numerous needs, and fulfill many a dream. The originals are better, and some copies can be the best.
I hate myself for chirping in. I rather read, but today I was weak. It's really simple. It's all about your budget, and how rational a person you are. Are you the guy who wants the original, at any cost, and nothing else? You have potentially 998 options. Are you the guy who likes to consider cost/value options and apply them to your financial reality? Then you have plenty of manufacturers and products that'll get you there with a broad degree of variation to suit your situation/need. Branding is a long established entity. From generic (by definition brand-less) to the market defining name. In between, you have a number of options that essentially fill everyone's financial "wisdom". You get what you pay for (in most instances).
I think owners of "Continuation" cars should limit their claims to what the brand they bought actually is. In my case, I bought a Shelby Cobra, CSX6108. Not a real Cobra, but a Shelby replica built 3 years ago, just like the 998 of the 60's (well, there were many less 427 SC, but we all know that). I always tell people it is not an original Cobra, but a replica built by Shelby. People almost unanimously ask where it was built and I simplify it by saying "North Carolina", where my builder resides. EVERYONE GETS IT. In over three years I have yet to hear a disappointed response to my statement. Almost every time I get "It's f'ing awesome". You know why? Because the car IS f'ing awesome. Thats why it is arguably the most replicated car in sports car history.
The theoretical 998 owners (some own more that one, some cars are gone) need not worry and ruminate over the authenticity of their car(s). When confronted with the question "Is it REAL?", you have the right to say "It IS". End of answer. Why would you be upset that people ask? You should not be. Otherwise, you didnt know what you were buying in the first place! It is the most replicated car in the world! What do you expect? You wanted exclusivity for your 2 million dollar car buy? You should have bought that Ferrari or Bugatti...
Lay it down for good. Continuation Cobras are only "Real"to the owner who like me paid the premium for that plaque, because it meant something to him/me. It sure means a lot to me. Is the Kirkham nicer? I could care less. It is a Kirkham, not a Shelby. If I had wanted a cheaper, better built ERA, I would have ordered one. If I had wanted a possibly faster, more comp oriented Backdraft or FF, I would have gotten one. I wanted the replica "built" by Shelby American, and that's what I bought, complete with the Carroll Shelby mystique and distinction. Because no matter what you claim, you can't erase that guy's paternity claim on the Cobra.
The Kirkham owners seem very resolute in propagating or perpetuating the notion that a Shelby Cobra is not worth its premium. Why not? The belief that modern technology (CNC for example) and aluminum have made the 60's obsolete and/or dumb does not trump the fact that Carroll Shelby is whom he is/was. No modern aluminum suspension and/or frame can quiet the glory of Shelby American's racing heritage. Kirkham, or FF, or ERA, or any one else was not there. Let's face it, only Shelby was there with the Cobra for the USA. Therefore, I for one decided to pay (literally and figuratively speaking) tribute to that heritage in buying a CSX6000 car. God knows I did not buy a 2000 or 3000 car because I cannot afford it.
I love the Kirkham polished aluminum cars. God, they are beautiful. I also drool when I see their aluminum everything! Yet, they are not Shelby.
Just my 2 cents...
Cheers and enjoy your Cobra, no matter where it comes from
Cheers
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