Looking for Authenticity How far to go?

[RodKnock]

Yes, David, it's up to you and your bank account.

But it's also how delusional you are to think that a 5-bolt scattershield, date coded blocks, BW T-10s, Smith gauges, headlights, proper paint color, a correct luggage rack and Lucas wiring harness makes your replica Cobra experience any different than the rest of replica Cobra owners, whether CSX, ERA, SPF, BDR, Unique, FFR or KMP.

So how delusional are you?

[patrickt]

If you want the experience of driving an original CSX3xxx car, just disconnect your fan, so your car overheats in around-town driving, wiggle your ignition wires loose, so it's touch and go whether you can even start or not, and be sure to remove all insulation so your feet, legs, and everything else is either burned to a crisp from the pipes, or freezing from the outside weather, depending.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by patrickt

If you want the experience of driving an original CSX3xxx car, just disconnect your fan, so your car overheats in around-town driving, wiggle your ignition wires loose, so it's touch and go whether you can even start or not, and be sure to remove all insulation so your feet, legs, and everything else is either burned to a crisp from the pipes, or freezing from the outside weather, depending.

And don't forget those original 1960's tires too, that'll "cement" (wall) your faithful Cobra driving experience.

[jolsen42]

You know Rod, may I call you Rod. For years you've been semi ridiculing and telling everyone how foolish they are for trying to replicate an original Cobra.

Originally Posted by RodKnock

Yes, David, it's up to you and your bank account.

But it's also how delusional you are to think that a 5-bolt scattershield, date coded blocks, BW T-10s, Smith gauges, headlights, proper paint color, a correct luggage rack and Lucas wiring harness makes your replica Cobra experience any different than the rest of replica Cobra owners, whether CSX, ERA, SPF, BDR, Unique, FFR or KMP.

So how delusional are you?

But for some of us that's the fun. I never built my cars as an investment. Delusional? Not at all. I built them because I liked building them and make them as close to an original as with what I have to work with.

I've had a love affair with them since they were first introduced. I couldn't afford one then and I certainly can't now. That's why I build replicas.

John O

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by jolsen42

You know Rod, may I call you Rod. For years you've been semi ridiculing and telling everyone how foolish they are for trying to replicate an original Cobra.



But for some of us that's the fun. I never built my cars as an investment. Delusional? Not at all. I built them because I liked building them and make them as close to an original as with what I have to work with.

I've had a love affair with them since they were first introduced. I couldn't afford one then and I certainly can't now. That's why I build replicas.

John O

John, just don't call me Shirley. It's a free country, you build and drive what makes you happy.

But what I've noticed among the "originalist replica" owners, not necessarily here on CC, is that they convey an air of superiority, because their replica is a "faithful" reproduction of the original Cobra. I find that behavior delusional. They "humble brag" about their replicas.

I've pointed out in this thread to the OP that beyond Larry and a few others in this world of 7 Billion, no one knows what a Cobra is and even if they know what a Cobra is, they have no clue that your Cobra replica is any more or less "authentic" than my Cobra replica. Also, I pointed out, the ROI of "originalism" isn't good. There's a "law of diminishing returns." Personally, I think about resale, since I doubt I'll own my Cobra forever.

I've had a love affair with the Cobra, GT40's, Tigers and Shelby Mustang's, since I was a little kid. But installing a 5-bolt scattershield, date-coded blocks, BW T-10's, Smith gauges and Lucas wiring doesn't make your replica any better than the person who buys a replica, like an SPF or BDR for example, who just likes the shape and wants a cool car to drive.

As I said, if your build makes you happy, then that's wonderful.

[Mark IV]

I have several canisters of 1964 California air, Los Angeles sourced with the correct amount of smog for the pre CARB days.

Offers?