How do you answer, "Is it real?"

F355FTS · #1 (**permalink**) 01-08-2019, 04:54 PM

This question is directed towards cobra owners, who's cobras are in the registry. CSX, Kirkhams, ect

If its just someone who doesn't look well informed what it even is I just reply yes.

Since they are in the registry, that's real in my book. I usually follow it up with it's a continution car, it's what you get when you buy a new one today.

If it's someone who is semi genuine and curious and seems knowledgeable, and we have time to chat, "not at a stop light" I go into all the details.

Most people seem lost after explaining things to them though.

Iam always surprised at how few people even know what a Cobra is.

twobjshelbys · #2 (**permalink**) 01-08-2019, 05:00 PM

For most people the answer is "It's not an original 60's version". If the person continues the q&a session and seems to have knowledge then the history of the continuation/replica might be meaningful, but by that time, my gas tank was full and I had to go. I would usually drop the names of the manufacturers and if they genuinely were interested they could research on their own.

PS. This is NOT the first time this has been discussed and in the past it has resulted in some heated and often hateful discussions. Hopefully things have settled down a little.

ACademic · #3 (**permalink**) 01-08-2019, 05:31 PM

“Why, yes, it’s a real very well built replica.”

rodneym · #4 (**permalink**) 01-08-2019, 08:23 PM

twobjshelbys,
Heated and hateful discussions? I haven't seen one in a while.
I think most members here are beyond the age having an ounce of testosterone left.

bobcowan · #5 (**permalink**) 01-08-2019, 08:47 PM

Q: "Is it real?"
A: "You see it too?"

Ron61 · #6 (**permalink**) 01-09-2019, 02:39 AM

I just tell them if you can see anything and touch it then it is real but that my car is not one of the 60s originals. Most people just thank me and look the car over.

Ron

Dwight · #7 (**permalink**) 01-09-2019, 04:38 AM

I had a couple of "is it a kit car" questions lately.

My responds was that when I first learned about kit cars I though I could buy a frame and body with 20 or 30 boxes of parts and put it together. I did not know I needed a welder, grinder, band saw and a degree in engineering for the suspension, fuel flow, brake system, coolant system, etc. etc.

Chicagowil · #8 (**permalink**) 01-09-2019, 05:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobcowan

Q: "Is it real?"
A: "You see it too?"

I love it!
So my type of response- as a certified "old man" now, I usually give a smart ass response to questions that should not even be asked! My wife then asks why I can't act more adult at this age? I respond, "I'm old, tired and since retired, no longer have to worry about what people think of me". Of course she points out that has somewhat always been true!

Thom

peterpjb · #9 (**permalink**) 01-09-2019, 05:07 AM

"no, its a shall-be"

KDubU · #10 (**permalink**) 01-09-2019, 05:50 AM

It’s a replica, plain and simple.

66gtk · #11 (**permalink**) 01-09-2019, 06:25 AM

"What kit is that?" and "Is that a kit car?" are very common questions at stop lights and such. I think I'll use "Tinker Toys" for my answer during the 2019 season and see how that plays.

Come to think of it, that might be a good license plate.

Moto One · #12 (**permalink**) 01-09-2019, 06:32 AM

I just tell them what it is. Simple. I'm not ashamed of it or what it is.

Mark

kevins2 · #13 (**permalink**) 01-09-2019, 07:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moto One

I just tell them what it is. Simple. I'm not ashamed of it or what it is.

Mark

I agree with this. If someone asks if it's a replica or even a kit, I respond yes. At the top of ERA's website are the words "Manufacturing Extraordinary
Replica Kits Since 1981". If the words "replica" and "kit" are good enough for them, I'm certainly fine with that.

Kevin

jhv48 · #14 (**permalink**) 01-09-2019, 07:58 AM

Damn, I miss Evan.

PNJSNAK · #15 (**permalink**) 01-09-2019, 08:49 AM

Q: Is it a real Cobra or one of those “kits”?
A: It’s real to me, but yes it is a kit.
If they continue to ask questions, I answer the best I can.
If they act like a you know what, I ignore them, or ask them to move along.
If that doesn’t do, I tell them your chances of seeing a “Real” one at a local car show isn’t going to happen.

Jim Norris · #16 (**permalink**) 01-09-2019, 08:59 AM

In my experience the people who ask if it's "real" already know what a cobra is and are not asking if it's a real car, they are asking if it's an original. My answer to them is "no, it's a replica" or sometimes "no, it's a kit". They always respond with: "It's beautiful man" which makes me smile.

fastd · #17 (**permalink**) 01-09-2019, 09:49 AM

what people are really asking is: can you tell me a bit about your car.

I say it's made by ERA and it's better than the original!

Cobra #3170 · #18 (**permalink**) 01-09-2019, 09:52 AM

Scott has a pretty funny response because we get "The Question" all the time.
Sometimes phrased as what is the difference, he says "1 more 0".

ACademic · #19 (**permalink**) 01-09-2019, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cobra #3170

Scott has a pretty funny response because we get "The Question" all the time.
Sometimes phrased as what is the difference, he says "1 more 0".

More like “1 more comma.”

I have too much respect for those that own/afford the real ones to diminish their claim to real status. So call mine what you want but it’s not an original therefore not a real one either.

RodKnock · #20 (**permalink**) 01-09-2019, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rodneym

I think most members here are beyond the age having an ounce of testosterone left.

Uh, speak for yourself.

There's nothing wrong with telling folks that it's a kit. In CA, they're all classified as "Specially Constructed Vehicles, including kits."

For some reason in the Year 2019, kit is still a bad word. And we have to parse the % of completion when purchased from a FFR to CSX/KMP/SPF/ERA.

There must a 100+ threads on this subject.