Dave,
I know what you mean about staring at the car like that. I do the same, and then think how lucky I am.
When they ask if it's a kit, I just say it's a replica of the original with modern suspension and tires to make it handle better than the original.
When they ask how much it cost (and they will), my favorite response is "Well now, how much do you make a year?" For some reason, they think that is nosy, unlike asking how much I paid for the car.
Keep us posted!
Cheers!
Dave