Should I feel insulted or?????

[RockBit]

I don't think you should be insulted at all. I find that most non-cobraphiles have heard of FFR replicas, but don't know of any others. The guy was interested in your car, was hoping to strike up a conversation with you, and as an opener he threw out the only piece of information he knew. If you answered "No, I built it from scratch" then I bet he would have really gotten interested in what else you would tell him. Scratch built is more impressive than any kit to most folks.

[cycleguy55]

Originally Posted by RockBit

I don't think you should be insulted at all. I find that most non-cobraphiles have heard of FFR replicas, but don't know of any others. The guy was interested in your car, was hoping to strike up a conversation with you, and as an opener he threw out the only piece of information he knew. If you answered "No, I built it from scratch" then I bet he would have really gotten interested in what else you would tell him. Scratch built is more impressive than any kit to most folks.

I take a small binder with me to "Show and Shines" which includes profiles of original cars, most of the currently available replicas and a small number no longer available (e.g. Classic Roadsters, West Coast / Kellison, Contemporary). If someone appears interested I'll grab the binder and show them the photos - some seem very appreciative, while others glaze over and walk away mumbling something about the Cobra geek...

That binder also has some details about my car, plus a couple of pages on the original production numbers. Again, some seem interested while others, uh, not so much.

[patrickt]

When it comes to my car, I hear everything from "this has got to be an original" to "is this one of them Factory Five kit jobs?" None of it means anything. It's gotten to the point now that I do not correct anyone who is preaching to the group he's with. I just let them walk away thinking it's whatever their friend assured them it was -- even an "old Corvette." I only take the car to maybe one or two shows a year now. Usually big, holiday related shows where I know the people/politicians that are putting it on and I know the money is going to a good charity. I will say this, the level of "Cobra/Replica/KitCar Awareness," of today's car show audience, is significantly lower than it was ten years ago.