Real vs. Replica, Classic Motorsports Magazine Sept issue

[Buzz]

by professor Squatt Twatt (Scott Ott's uncle) as published by Rotters News Agency.

In reference to racing sanctioning, what may (and probably should) happen a few years down the road when these issues are brought to the table (non-hypothetically, that is) is that there will be a general consensus on a "Cobra class", formula or type of vehicle encompassing the various incarnations of the Cobra that were manufactured by various entities at different times. This umbralla classification would cover the AC and Shelby cars - old and new, Autokrafts, Auroras and quite possibly the manufactured rollers like SPF, etc. This would apply strictly for the purpose of acceptance or sanctioning by whatever the governing body that oversees vintage racing happens to be at the time. Ford's nose will be initially bent out of shape over the wording but they will be tolerant as long as manufacturers other than Shelby are not badging and selling the cars as Cobras.

It will not be intended as a definition per se of what constitutes an authentic Cobra, but it will inevitably result in some level of prestige and perceived distinction in the marketplace (officially NOT a kit car).

Perceptually and subjectively, but non relevant to the sanctioning, the pecking order that exists today within that group will remain largely unchanged with the original Shelby and AC cars in an accepted position of distinction, connected to the others only as a matter of semantics. Continuation Shelbys followed at a distance by latter day AC's and Autokrafts will be another unofficial sub-group with all others falling in line according to perceptions of pedigree.

The interesting part will no doubt hashing out what exactly constitutes a "Cobra-class vehicle". The originals and continuations will certainly be the benchmark, but how much variance on the theme will be tolerated when classifying the other "manufactured Cobras"?

[REAL 1]

JWilly: SPFs are get cars and tremedous value for the buck IMHO. I would definitely own one.

Russ: Russ your comments are great. Mr. Mustangs response is silly. There are enough SPFs around that I am sure the magazine could source a SPF out for a compro with the same engine as an original. You can leave the suspension stock and compare stock original to stock replica with same power train. I'm sure there would be plenty of SPF owners willing to have their car in the magazine.

Oinie: Excaliburs are great cars. At least I think so. I owned one. There are some "racers" that make fun of the Excalibur but hey they know more then waxers so who are we to say.

Problem with the Excaliburs is as you know the 5.0 engine and the extented wheelbase. Not a good compro.

Don: Thanks for your post.

[Don]

For the AACA to consider any vehicle for acceptance into the SGCV Class, documentation supporting the request must be submitted for their review:

AACA Vice President Class Judging
Hulon C McCraw
101 Dausuel Trail
Hendersonville, NC 28791

The SGCV Class definition is in the Judging Guidelines on page 53, which can be found at:

http://www.aaca.org/publications/200...Guidelines.pdf