How to deal with questions/comments where the answer is....well....you know...

[Sharroll Celby]

Go, SGT Hulka!!! lol !!!

[RodKnock]

A long time ago, I think Evan "hatched" (no pun intended) an evil plot to close every thread. He's our TK (Thread Killer).

[REAL 1]

Argess: My point is simple. Don't worry about what others think about your car. Who cares. I mean really. I'm sure its beautiful as ERAs are top of the line. There is nothing wrong with saying its replica. No offense intended. Just say'n like it is.
Yeah, if you lived closer I'm sure we could be friends.

Rodknock: Can't argue with picking a Kirkham. Great car. I see them as todays AC to todays Shelby.

John: Very cute. I actually laughed at that one.

You guys take this stuff way too serious.

Takes Care

[decooney]

Originally Posted by Argess

I've read enough on this site that most of us are faced with similiar questions by the curious public. "Is it real?" must top the list. That one just gets me tongue-tied... ?

Or, just as you about about to drive away, respond with "I really don't know, I just stole it". That'll keep 'em puzzled.

[elmariachi]

Originally Posted by REAL 1

Argess: My point is simple. Don't worry about what others think about your car. Who cares. I mean really. You guys take this stuff way too serious.

This coming from a guy who has made countless posts arguing real vs continuation???

Sorry, we don't know each other but I couldn't resist. And if you lived closer to Texas, we'd be friends too.

[Paul F]

I agree Buzz.


I see from these responses, that most kit-car owners feel the need to not answer a simple question directly.

Is it real? Answer; No, it's a kit-car. Simple.

Oh, I get it. While Evan is a piss-ant for claiming his Shelby Cobra is real, everyone else here is frustrated when someone asks if their car is real and have to come up with some enhanced explanation of what they own.

Me thinks most are actually on the same page as Evan.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by Paul F

Me thinks most are actually on the same page as Evan.

Naaahhh, I have a nice cardboard sign that goes in my windshield at car shows that clearly and plainly identifies my car as an ERA roadster and that the only part in the car that was not built in this century is the block itself. But, I still get the question... actually, I get more comments like "This is a real one, isn't it?" to which I always answer "No, it's not."

[Argess]

Originally Posted by Paul F

I agree Buzz.


I see from these responses, that most kit-car owners feel the need to not answer a simple question directly.

Is it real? Answer; No, it's a kit-car. Simple.

Oh, I get it. While Evan is a piss-ant for claiming his Shelby Cobra is real, everyone else here is frustrated when someone asks if their car is real and have to come up with some enhanced explanation of what they own.

Me thinks most are actually on the same page as Evan.

I dissagree completely with you. If someone asks "Is it original?", I have no problem with stating "No, it's not original, it's a kit car" or something to that effect.

The problem lies with the word "real". If it's not real, then the implication is it's fake. And if it's a fake, then as with most fakes, it's assumed to be junk, worthless, etc. Like costume jewellry.

The whole question "Is it real?" implies that if it is not an original, then it must be to a large extent, sub-standard. I am certain that there are many replicas that perform better than an original, so you should be able to see why the "Is it real" question can be a bit irritating and prompt a rude response. I made this post to inquire about "polite" responses.

**************************

On the Evan post, ....I've said it before, and I'll say it again: "I'm sure Evan is just as proud of his car as I am of mine". But without a doubt, some of the reasons will be different between us.

The reason I say "we could be friends" is because, everything else aside, we all have a common interest, and it's this car. Once past who owns what, detailed conversation about various aspects of the vehicles would presumeably be informative and enjoyable. Which is what goes on in the majority of the posts in this site.

Where we fail, is it's all too easy to type snot-grams to each other from behind a computer screen.

It's not Cobra ownership, or the type of Cobra owned, that makes one person rise above another...it's plain old fashioned manners. And that begins with respect.

hmpfh....I've rambled on...guess it's OK...I started this thread.

[4pipes]

Nice reply from someone from Pleasantville.

I simply say my Kirkham is a synthetic. Works better than original but not dino.

[*13*]

You mean to tell me that some here are going to have their feelings hurt if someone on the street thinks their cobra is fake? Mine is a fake, in case you haven't figured it out yet

[Paul F]

Argess,

You've proved my point.

The person asking the question "Is it real" is asking "Is your car a 1960's Shelby Cobra?"

Like Evan, you interpret 'real' as something other than that. It doesn't matter what you think the word means. It matters what is being asked and the answer to the question "Is your car an original 1960's Shelby Cobra?" should be no, without further embellishment to make you feel better because you felt insulted by them insinuating your car is inferior.

It's the same thing if they ask if it is a kit car. Many here feel insulted, because they don't feel their car is a kit-car. The answer is yes, because the question they are really asking is not if it is a quality replica, but rather " that's not an original 1960s Shelby Cobra is it?"

[RodKnock]

OMG

These threads now take place every week. Used to be once per month.

[Paul F]

I need to raise my post count somehow.

[Paul F]

Yes, I feel inferior with a small post count.

[tcrist]

Deleted due to not giving a d@m.

[elmariachi]

Originally Posted by Paul F

It's the same thing if they ask if it is a kit car. Many here feel insulted, because they don't feel their car is a kit-car.

I beg to differ with you. I don't feel inferior by being asked nor do I fear my car being perceived inferior because its not. My car is not a million dollar car, its a $50k car. I seriously doubt that anyone here has a problem saying that their car is a replica. Most people, especially those of us who built our cars, are proud of that fact. I like telling people I built my car, it makes for great conversation.

Hi. My name is Jim, and my car was a kit. But now its a Cobra. And it was built by me, not someone else.

[Paul F]

Jim,

I didn't say everyone feels insulted. You and I don't; along with a bunch of others. But many do feel insulted or insecure by the very question and can't find it in themselves to simply say no. They need to say more and are looking for a way to deal with it. That's fine. I am not in any dispute with them and the discussion about how to answer the question is fine. I think it's an interesting topic as it comes up often in every 'non-1960's Shelby Cobra' owners life.

I am (apologies to the thread owner), taking the opportunity to point out that I suspect SOME (this does not mean you or anyone else responding to this thread) of the very same people that are having this discussion about 'is it real' are the same ones that give Evan a hard time.

[elmariachi]

Originally Posted by Paul F

But many do feel insulted or insecure by the very question and can't find it in themselves to simply say no.

I agree Paul. For me, I would much rather stand around and talk about how I built the car than to have bought a real one and be able to say its real. Congrats to those who own real ones, I like what I have.

A lot of kits and replicas out there bear no resemblance whatsoever to an original, so the question in itself is hilarious. The fact that people walk up and ask "Is it real" just shows that the average Joe is clueless.

I offered a tongue-in-check post earlier about what I say when asked, but I truly do like being asked and I like bragging about having built it. To the OP Argess, look at it as a chance to have a great conversation about what you did with the $1,106,000 you saved by not buying CSX3034 from Wayne Carrini.

[twin turbo]

Last time I was asked is it real, I said no, but to me its better than an original because its lighter, stronger, and faster. The question doesn't bother me in the least.

[Badger]

G'wan...It's OK, you can touch it...it won't disappear. Badger