Quality concerns between a $25k and $50K Cobra?

[StephenC]

Ernie, a Rhetorical Question:

When you use the term “right” in the context of your last post, I take that to mean “original”. But, if I have chosen to own a car that is not “right”, does that make me wrong? LOL

(The following is not directed at any individual, including Ernie)

Since joining the Cobra community last February, I have been amazed and even shocked at how judgmental we can be. This car is “better” than that car, these wheels (gauges, bumpers, engines, you name the part) are correct/right while those wheels are incorrect/wrong.

There is a group of replica owners that, at times, give the impression that if your car is not “right”, then it’s wrong. These are usually the guys who have a great love for the originals and have taken pains to ensure their car is a true REPLICA (as much as that can be accomplished). Then there are the racers who feel if it's not setup for the track and raced, there's something wrong with the car AND its owner.

But, there are a number of owners like me that, while having great respect for the originals, have no desire to own or replicate one. If I am passing my car off as a Cobra REPLICA, then I guess there probably is a right and a wrong. But, if I’m simply building a car that I love to own, drive, and wax (and sometime just sit and look at), who is qualified to say what’s right or wrong for me?

I have 17” polished wheels and 315 Michelin Pilots. It’s what I like and I’m not aware that anyone has been given authority to tell me they’re “wrong” or incorrect (unless I enter it in a show). I choose Autometer gauges instead of Smith’s (for a number of reasons). I have polished sidepipes and roadster bumpers because my wife liked the look (bless her heart). I ordered a 427 Shelby aluminum stroked engine from SA when and iron block 427 SO would cheaper and more “correct”. Right or wrong? All wrong maybe for a true REPLICA, but maybe, just maybe, right for me.

I go back to what I’ve said before; the best Cobra/replica out there is the one you have the keys for, all the rest are just eye candy. $25,000 or $50,000 it doesn't matter, are YOU happy with it?. Does IT make you happy? Is your life somehow better or more enjoyable because you have it? A $15,000 car that makes its owner glad he’s alive on a warm summer evening has got to be better than a $75,000 ride that never meets the expectations of its owner.

I try never to forget that the reasons why people own these beautiful little cars are as diverse as the people themselves. And, not one of these reasons are any better than any of the others. We could be more tolerant and understand that not everyone who owns a Cobra replica really wants to own a true Cobra REPLICA.

I hope that does not make me wrong.

As always, best wishes,