If I am driving my CSX 6000 series Cobra, and I get the "Is it real?" question, I like to say "It is a real Shelby American replica of an original Cobra" I often get very confused looks from them...

Virtually everyone who asks the question doesn't care about the answer. They are classic "does in the headlights" or "dazed and confused". For my CSX it was the same answer.

Finally decided to read through this thread. I let my 3 year old do this (above) and I about shi*t myself. He slid under the dash and mashed it down. 0-7500 rpm instantly. Didn't like it, had to show him how to flutter it a bit. :LOL:

Vicki always replies, "It's real to us." Seems to work.

Yes Yes Yes!!! This is what I have been saying here , unless it was built in the 60's by AC-SHELBY-FORD its not an original period!! Cars from Shelby American there is A little gray area but very little. So those of us with kit's/replicas it will never be an original no matter that you put a 60's Ford FE or that you matched the exact number of rivets around the hood scoop or you have the batteries behind the seat or that you stencil Good Year on the tires! So the answer is always "it's a replica and I built it myself"

What they said%/

Alot depends on who's asking! When most people ask the question "it is real" ? I usually say; it's a original "427 sideoiler"! This seems to shut down most naysayers to just whispering to there buds as they peer into the engine bay. As 99% of the population couldn't tell the differance between a 3000 series CSX & a (in my case) factory built ERA S/C sitting side by side. For those who know AC's, I gladly tell them it's a factory built replica; and almost always enjoy the ensuing conversation. In truth there are less than a 1000 original Shelby AC Cobras. All the rest are in fact. 1. factory built exacting replicas to the original; providing original style factory specs/parts were used . I say exacting as no two of the originals were built the same! 2. factory built clones whick mimic the original in most respects, with the exception of (sbf's in bb ac's) drivetrains. 3. factory partial built & supplied kits & the customer completes the kit 4. complete kits where the customer adds the drive train & finishes the kit. 5. Donor kits where customer takes parts from other existing auto's & completes the kit. No matter what number listed above your AC falls into. Almost all of these AC's were built with the same dedication to true performance cars that Carrol gave us so long ago! Enjoy your AC COBRA M8's It may not be 1 of the original 1000 Shelby AC's But that doesn't mean it's not every bit the equal of the original, or mabe even better. Long live the [AC COBRA :D

I have no problem with it being an original, or a kit. It is exactly what it is. If you have an original, good investment. They are valued highly exactly because they are original. If it's a kit, I would say so. Shelby's were kits, too. Good company.

Just because it's an original does not make it intrinsically better, however. It's just a snapshot of automotive science at the time. The next generation of GT cars broke almost every record Shelby posted. That was the GT40, something Shelby headed up and did well with. He walked away from the roadsters because even he could see the writing on the wall. SA closed after selling the last 427 (oops, 428) Cobra.

The price bubble from the debt ridden Boomer generation will finally subside, history will take a long view, and the rough Roadsters that couldn't sell themselves off the lot with sidepipes and rollbars will have a place in history regardless of the chest thumping from their current owners.

Ok, fine, it's an original. And likely it's never left parked at the Mall with no comp or collision insurance, either. I can do that with a kit. I won't mind at all, knowing my "place." I can use it any way I want, without velvet ropes or golf course under the wheels, and look forward to seeing some door dings on it parked at work.

It's just a car, I'll count my blessings it's not "real." That's the answer: "Oh gosh, no, I park this one at work." :D

i just say its not even a cobra......that really gets em'

Once, I was asked how many MPG to I get ????????:JEKYLHYDE

when asked about gas milage i just smile and say "who cares" ? that usually ends that subject!

What Fitz said, no more , no less.:LOL::cool::JEKYLHYDE:MECOOL::CRY::(%/

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Nope I do have that sign, its funny to see the look on their faces:LOL:

I usually tell them my Supeformance S/C is a factory built replicar out of South Africa and I spec'd the engine.

If I get a smartass trying to impress his buddies with his question "is that real"?, I respond with "well it's not a mirage".

When get the question i simply say with a smile:
"I can't afford an original"
Short and sweet:3DSMILE:

No.

:)

Yes. a real blast to drive.

The end!!!!

It's a 1952 Corvette.. Usually gets a funny look or two.

Mine is a hand crafted replica of the original Shelby AC Cobra from Factory Five Racing. Facts are facts. It's not an "original" as most people question. I am proud it so replicates the "original" that most people can't tell the difference. I never make a smart remark as it is an honest question.