[cycleguy55]

In my experience, it seems most people who use the term 'kit car' aren't using it to disparage the car, it just happens to be the term they know. They're almost universally curious about what it is and how it came to be built, what's in it, what's it like, etc.

I don't take offense, but I usually respond that "I prefer the term replica" and, if they're interested, engage them in a discussion to answer their questions and satisfy their curiosity. I'd much rather have them walk away muttering "that guy sure likes to talk about his car" than "wow, is he a snob (or smartass)".