Paul F: You're right. Saying "replica of a Shelby Cobra" rather than "kit car" is probably for my own benefit.
"Kit car" just sounds cheesy to me, conjuring images of thin fiberglass on a VW pan, drum brakes, chirping up the street (that chirping is the exhaust note from that 1800cc air-cooled opposing cylinder engine).
Whereas my Cobra "replica" has a square tube frame, IRS, disc brakes, 5-speed and plenty of horses---having more in common with a vintage race car than a "kit car" (as described above).
So, you're right. I must be vain or insecure because I would like people to walk away with a correct understanding of what they are looking at when they examine my car.
DD