[David Hodgson]

Hi Guys
This topic is like a merry-go-round (carousel) goes 'round in circles and raises its head every so often. Ten years ago the issue of points awarding for originality in the show and shine at the nationals was a point of contention amongst some in the club. I even wrote an article about it for snaketales in about '96. The issue then was not about hot rodding, as there were no Lexus V8's used, the most "exotic" was a turbo RB 30 6cyl Nissan engine, and John Cini was the first I saw to venture outside the square with a modern style plush interior, the main conjecture then was about correct part number tail lights and things like correct style wheels, instruments and instrument layout and general correctness, some guys had a passion for this and like the author of the article PCC refered to, felt they should be rewarded for this.

Without over catagorising, there seems to be 2 groups of Cobra enthusiasts, one being the guys who have had an affliction about these cars since they were boys, and have a passion for how and what the car was in the sixties, the second being the guys who love the concept of a high powered engine in an agile sports car with carisma of the Cobra shape, and allowing them to build their own personalised car, with all the mod. cons. such as the Murphy Original Cobra. I fit the first group but accept that unless I go to great lenghts what I will end up is a good comprimise, capturing the essence of the '60's Cobra. I'm happy. I also appreciate the more modern version's as it sticks it up the noses of MGF and Z3 owners that a guy in his own garage can build something as classy as his showroom effort.

I don't denounce either interpretation, but you do have to admit that a modern interior with woodgrain and chrome trim and plush leather akin to Z3's etc, can look more stunning and may attract more points than a plain black interior with a flat vinyl dash fitted with 6 or seven plain round instruments akin to the '66 427. Is that fair? Who knows.

Do we need a different system of judging at the nationals? I don't think so. We are not and simply can't run a concourse.

Each of these two groups are not wrong or right but these two groups will always have differing opinions about some aspect of the hobby, lets just live with it and get on enjoying our cars and each others company.

Next for the soapbox!