[Buzz]

by professor Squatt Twatt (Scott Ott's uncle) as published by Rotters News Agency.

In reference to racing sanctioning, what may (and probably should) happen a few years down the road when these issues are brought to the table (non-hypothetically, that is) is that there will be a general consensus on a "Cobra class", formula or type of vehicle encompassing the various incarnations of the Cobra that were manufactured by various entities at different times. This umbralla classification would cover the AC and Shelby cars - old and new, Autokrafts, Auroras and quite possibly the manufactured rollers like SPF, etc. This would apply strictly for the purpose of acceptance or sanctioning by whatever the governing body that oversees vintage racing happens to be at the time. Ford's nose will be initially bent out of shape over the wording but they will be tolerant as long as manufacturers other than Shelby are not badging and selling the cars as Cobras.

It will not be intended as a definition per se of what constitutes an authentic Cobra, but it will inevitably result in some level of prestige and perceived distinction in the marketplace (officially NOT a kit car).

Perceptually and subjectively, but non relevant to the sanctioning, the pecking order that exists today within that group will remain largely unchanged with the original Shelby and AC cars in an accepted position of distinction, connected to the others only as a matter of semantics. Continuation Shelbys followed at a distance by latter day AC's and Autokrafts will be another unofficial sub-group with all others falling in line according to perceptions of pedigree.

The interesting part will no doubt hashing out what exactly constitutes a "Cobra-class vehicle". The originals and continuations will certainly be the benchmark, but how much variance on the theme will be tolerated when classifying the other "manufactured Cobras"?