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.

RodKnock · #5 (**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.

cycleguy55 · #6 (**permalink**) 01-09-2019, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RodKnock

There must a 100+ threads on this subject.

100+? One more zero.

Dwight · #7 (**permalink**) 01-12-2019, 05:02 AM

sometimes I tell them "oh no, It's not real, it's a cheap plastic fake"

ERA 626 · #8 (**permalink**) 05-26-2019, 01:24 PM

This is either a complex question or a very simple one.
1) is it real? no matter what company made it yes its real
2) is it a kit car? well was it purchaced as a kit? or a turn key ? or someware in the middle?

To me if I am asked the question now, is it real? I say yes its a real ERA, most people look at you like a deer in the headlights and say "very nice"

I am proud to say its a real ERA.

I am getting CXS 6079 in a few months, it will be a much eaiser question to answer. Is it real? yes its a real Shelby cobra.

ront49 · #9 (**permalink**) 11-30-2019, 05:18 AM

We went to the "Ford vs Ferrari" movie ... good show ... on the way out I thought how neat it would have been to have my Cobra parked outside the theater ... It was nasty and rainy so that wasn't going to happen even if I had thought of the idea prior to going. The next day while driving the Cobra up the highway, one car keep passing us then slowing down so we could pass him. Running along about 95-100 they passed again. This time his windows were down and all inside were waving and two were filming. Then another car went by (much slower speed now), and they were taking pics also. Got to the store parking lot where my wife went in so I remained in the car. Had two different couples stop. One videoed and the other asked if they could take pics to send to their son, "sure you can." Then another guy came up grinning and saying "wow, beautiful car. Does it have a 427?" Yes I replied ... another "wow" they guy was really impressed and then he asked "did you build it?" My response was "it's not a kit." I thought the guy was going to piss his britches. Don't know if it was recognition from the movie or just car folks appreciating a good ride but needless to say my ego meter topped out and that's what it's about for me! God Bless you all and God bless America.

bobcowan · #10 (**permalink**) 01-08-2019, 08:47 PM

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

Ron61 · #11 (**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 · #12 (**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 · #13 (**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 · #14 (**permalink**) 01-09-2019, 05:07 AM

"no, its a shall-be"

KDubU · #15 (**permalink**) 01-09-2019, 05:50 AM

It’s a replica, plain and simple.

66gtk · #16 (**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 · #17 (**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 · #18 (**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 · #19 (**permalink**) 01-09-2019, 07:58 AM

Damn, I miss Evan.

BAsque1 · #20 (**permalink**) 02-06-2019, 07:58 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

When these questions come up I use the replica line, not a kit car, but a replica. If it was a 60's original it would be in my living room surrounded by lots of security and not in the streets. But this replica I am enjoying quite a bit!! Move on!!