Best response to, "Is that an original?"

[Danr55]

True story. Parked the cobra and went in to dinner. Forgot my reading glasses and went back to the car to get them. A gentleman was explaing to his two kids about the car. He aksed me "What year Corvette is that?". I told him it is a 1953 and walked away. I heard him explaining to his kids how I was lucky to have such an old Corvette.

[jhv48]

I guess I just don't get it.

When asked if mine is "real", I just respond, "I wish", or "if it was, it would be parked in my living room". Most people just laugh and either make a remark about how beautiful the car looks or ask further questions.

Why is this such a big deal to some of you? 99% of the people who ask are genuinely curious if they are seeing an original Shelby Cobra. So, answer truthfully and then see what happens next.

If you're so hung up on pretending your fake, replica, or kit car (pick one) is an original, then go out and buy an original. Then, when you get asked if your $500,000 original is a "kit car", you can justifiably correct them.

Some of you need to get over yourselves!

[Got the Bug]

Originally Posted by jhv48

I guess I just don't get it.

When asked if mine is "real", I just respond, "I wish", or "if it was, it would be parked in my living room". Most people just laugh and either make a remark about how beautiful the car looks or ask further questions.

Why is this such a big deal to some of you? 99% of the people who ask are genuinely curious if they are seeing an original Shelby Cobra. So, answer truthfully and then see what happens next.

If you're so hung up on pretending your fake, replica, or kit car (pick one) is an original, then go out and buy an original. Then, when you get asked if your $500,000 original is a "kit car", you can justifiably correct them.

Some of you need to get over yourselves!

Right on Jim. I just try and answer the questions honestly and friendly. No snarky answers or guessing games needed.

This thread has a nice 5 year run, but what else needs to be said?

[lamaluv]

I get "The Question" often, especially when my car is parked near a shiny new looking Cobra. My ERA is over 30 years old with a 20+ year paint job and plenty of patina. After looking at the other cars people often say "this one must be a real one". My usual answer is " No, but if it was, I would probably be afraid to drive it because of the value." If they are interested in replicas we discuss the various manufacturers but most just want to know if it's an original.

[rms427]

I have about as many folks ask me which kit/replica it is. I don't take it as an insult. They are just curious. They know what a cobra is and are surprised when I tell them it's original.

[lovehamr]

Originally Posted by rms427

I have about as many folks ask me which kit/replica it is. I don't take it as an insult. They are just curious. They know what a cobra is and are surprised when I tell them it's original.

And a stunning car it is man!