[fsstnotch]

Here's my take... it doesn't mean anything but

The 4000 cars are genuine yes. They were built by the man amking them so. Yes, they are essentially replicas because they are IDENTICAL to the original. Do I consider them replicas.. no. Do I consider them "REAL"... no. I consider the 4000 and even the 3000 series for exactly what they are. GENUINE COBRAS. Nothing more, nothing less

As far as the auto companies stopping production of a particular car and then starting back up several years later. Yes this happens and no I definitely would not consider them replicas. HOWEVER, they are not building cars IDENTICAL to the ones they built several years earlier either.

Genuine... YES
Cobra... YES
Reproduction... YES
Continuation...YES
Completion... NO
Replica... sorta kinda, there's definitely a gray area(by definition, yes)

Lets call them what they are. GENUINE SHELBY COBRAS!

As far as SAAC vs Shelby, I side 100000% on the side of SAAC. Not only have maintained the integrity of the Shelby, they kept the hobby alive! They're also a 3rd party that has nothing to gain from a slip of a VIN. I think every original Shelby owner would agree. It's just too dangerous to the value of their prized cars!

That's my .02.