Best response to, "Is that an original?"

[Danr55]

funny thing is, most people don't know the difference. If they could tell by looking, they wouldn't ask!

[JWilly]

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...

[twobjshelbys]

Originally Posted by JWilly

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.

[tirod]

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."

[FWB]

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

[poboy427]

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".

[JBCOBRA]

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

[bret a ewing]

No.

[jhv48]

Originally Posted by bret a ewing

No.

The end!!!!

[Danr55]

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

[Mike Brasfield]

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.

[CobraM@]

Is that an Original?

Original as in a custom one off hand built - then yes, Original as a mid 60's Shelby race car - Then No.


M@

[Hammer65]

I say "No, it's a replica. Originals are not driven to (wherever I am)."

Recently I also offered to let a young boy sit in the drivers seat and I too started the engine. His smile went from ear to ear and his dad took a picture and thanked me. As I was walking back to the table I was using, I received about 4 or five compliments, not for the car, but for making a young boy's day.

Doesn't get any better

[mikiec]

Hammer, keep that up. I have been doing that for the past 13 years. Love seeing the smile on the kids and grownups.

I once let a lady tourist from Germany sit in the car. You would have thought she went to heaven. I got the biggest hug of my life from her.

Fixed my sloppy typing.

[Danr55]

Love those hugs from strange ladies.

[Xack]

I know this guy who is relatively knowledgeable about cars, being a mechanic. However, not knowing anything about Cobras being from the Chevy corner of the world. He thought that an original Shelby Cobra had a Chevy 427 in it. He insisted that Carol Shelby used GM engines.... I just said "Oh really!" and nodded as if I had learned something.

[Jaydee]

There's always a fine line between a smart arse return comment and a clever one. I haven't finished mine yet, and I'm not sure I really want that much attention. I've loved the car all my life and I've tried not to annoy someone who has one. So what's been the most annoying questions you get asked? Or the silliest? This has been a great thread to know how to respond when I finish mine.
JD

[dallas_]

I always laugh and say "hell no, but thanks for asking".

[snakebitekit]

I used to be a kit now it's a car.

[Dangerous Doug]

I still like my response on page 1 from 2007...

I pretty regularly invite people to hop in for a photo op. People are genuinely thrilled to be allowed that moment. Rare are the "genuine" idiots that jealousy drives their disdain for what I own.

DD