How to ask

[mikeinatlanta]

Tall order to keep your question on track. I have noticed that if I just look at the car for a bit, I will quickly learn what I really want to know by listening to the owner talk to others. What I really want to know is if the owner is a prick or if I can talk to him about his car. I see nothing wrong with "I own a Factory Five, what is this?", however, if hear the owner barking all the negative crap I won't even say hello. Have learned over time that no brand has a monopoly on the negative attitude.

[Moto One]

Another member here has a good response to the "is it real?", his response is "It's Real Fun". I myself, just ask, and don't question their answer.

Mark.

[mrmustang]

Originally Posted by 2bars

I do not want to start a "is it real" post.

My question is when you see a Cobra and you just want to politely ask what kind it is, meaning SPF, ERA, Back-draft etc how do you ask?

While I can identify some I am not good at identifying all of the other manufactures. I see one and want to strike up a conversation with a fellow enthusiast that I don't know.

I was slightly embarrassed once when I kept looking over this car. It looked so spot on and no way was I going to ask "is it real", so I said, who made it. Turns out it was a CSX from the 60's. I just wasn't expecting that. Very cool guy and we visited for some time.

For me, I now generally say, I have a Superformance, what is yours? Note embarrassing when the answer is a CSX from the 60's

Beautiful car, what can you tell me about it has always worked for me.

[FritoBandito]

Lately I usually just ask "Who is the manufacturer?" Most of the time that starts the conversation without any friction however there is an occasional bump. Was at the Edelbrock show and looking at a very low budget kit car replica. It was using what looked like AC registers for side louvers along with a number of other budget kit car touches but I couldn't figure out the make. The owner comes up and I said "Nice Cobra. Who is the manufacturer?" To which he replied proudly "That's an original Shelby Cobra!" It was clear I wasn't going to learn much and he was keen on rambling so I made an excuse and politely moved on.

Mario

[byronpete21]

As an owner, I appreciate the simple "what can you tell me about your car approach". It is interesting owning a 289 car and trying to explain why my Cobra doesn't look like the others that they have seen.

Best Regards,
Byron

[cycleguy55]

Originally Posted by Tommy

How about, "Tell me about your car."

True. "Tell me about [insert topic here]" is usually a very good conversation starter - whether about cars or any other topic.

[Blue66]

Originally Posted by mikeinatlanta

if hear the owner barking all the negative crap I won't even say hello. Have learned over time that no brand has a monopoly on the negative attitude.

x2 !!! IIIIIIIIIIIIIII MeMeMeMeMe

[Luce]

I've thought about getting a sticker for the wind shield that is just a square root of -1 to point to for when I'm questioned.

[Tommy]

Luce,
You must travel in a better educated circle than me. None of my friends get math jokes, especially my imaginary friends.