"Is it real?"

[btsai]

Let me see if I can steer this question in a little different direction.

Is there a proper/preferred way you LIKE to be asked about the origins of your car. I am pretty knowledgable about the cars and the manufactuers -- heck, I even used to have an original Arntz brochure.

I usually approach an owner by not asking "is it a kit" or "is it an original" ("is it real" really does seem a little dense -- of course it's real -- you're standing right in front of it!), but rather, I ask "who is the manufacturer of your car"?

As an owner would you find this offensive? I try to give them the opportunity to tell me about their car first before I make assumptions.

Also, if they were ever to say it's "real" or "original" -- I'd probably raise my eyebrows a bit. I've NEVER seen an original on the street (other than at Barrett-Jackson and the like). Closest thing is a mid-'80s AC version (aluminum body, etc. -- nice car, of course) here in town.

On a semi-related issue, I surprised myself a few weeks ago. Saw a VERY nice car at the local cruise in. Asked the owner which manufactuer. It was an ERA. Then he told me he had a side-oiler. THAT'S when I gave him the really big "wow".

Okay -- I've rambled on long enough. Chime in.

Ben