How do you answer, "Is it real?"

[ERA 626]

Originally Posted by Buzz

Hi-Tech builds the cars by contractual arrangement and ships them to Shelby for finishing, branding and selling. Essentially the same as the relationship Shelby had with AC in the 60's.
Having said that though, when the hoi polloi yell "Is it real?", 100% of them are asking if its an original from the sixties that's worth a small fortune.
So unless you're actually driving one of those, the only correct answer is "No."

EDIT: I suppose if you're driving a modern day Shelby Cobra, and you're in a conversational mood - you could say yes, but it's not an original from the sixties. Problem with that is, half the time they'll mutter "kit car" in a derogatory tone and walk away disgusted.

When people ask "is it real"? When I owned my ERA i said" its a real ERA" with a confused look they say OK.

Now when asked "is it real"? I say its a real Shelby, most people have no clue on the history of these cars and most do not know the difference between a cheap kit car vs. a top shelf replica. If Im in a chat mood Ill chat about it, otherwise "yes its a real ERA" or "yes its a real Shelby"