Replica owners: How do you respond to "what year is it?"

[Al G]

I tell them it's a 1965 built in 2011. The title says 1965 in the year block and replica in the comments block. That's how Virginia does it.

[blykins]

It's easy. Unless you have one that was built in the 60's, every single one of you has a replica. I don't know why this is so cluttered up or why the water gets so cloudy.

A Kirkham is a replica.

A Contemporary is a replica.

An FFR is a replica.

A Superformance is a replica.

If you took any other car into context, the clarity would soon show up. Just because the car is a Cobra doesn't make it any more complicated.

[bret a ewing]

Originally Posted by REAL 1

Hey CCRsAC/Jason. I agree! It would be since mine is not fake.

Bret: You are correct, however, the DOT did not start to operate until 1967/68. .

Thanks, I corrected the historical change from the former "Under Secretary of Commerce for Transportation" to DOT after 1966.

Bret.

[REAL 1]

JBCobra: You'll be disappointed to know the year is 2001. What does your say as to year?

Brett: Correct again.

CCRsAC: Such anger! For a newbie you need to take a deep breath and try and learn. Based on your post count and your statements your knowledge pool doesn't appear to be that deep.

As you apparently have no clue, ol' Shel's role back in the 60's wasn't "wrenching" either. He was the "face" of both the old SAI and the current SAI if corporations have a face, which they technically don't but I suppose you knew that. Back in the 60's they were AC bodies and chasis branded Shelby Cobras, but you knew that and today they are Kirkham body and chasis branded Cobras. Not hard stuff.

I don't eat Hoagies that often. I do like wraps though. Watching my carbs. The rest of your post is just silly and meant as a personal attack or put down which really brings down the entire site in the eyes of the public. You need to learn to try and stick wtih the facts and substance as opposed to personal attacks as in the end your just embarrassing yourself.

As to the car show thing your right at a Mom and Pop show they don't separate out cars into classes or categories like they would at SAAC.

Your also right the "civilian" (not a phrase I coined but I suppose you know that too) likely wouldn't be able to tell the difference at first glance between your "rattle trap" FFR (which assuming is really not a rattle trap but probably quite nice in appearance) and my Shelby. Thats why we have the Reigistry. Thats also why it's fair to explain the difference if asked.

Just so happens I have a friend and neighbor that has a FFR. Its beautifully finished. Have no issue parking next to him and hang out with him often shooting the breeze on cars and Cobras.

Also recently, true story, was driving my Shelby and a FFR was in front of me. I put on my turn signal into a Panera and he pulled into the right lane let me pass and followed me into the lot. He was floored wtih my car and the fact it was a Shelby. We talked Cobras, Shelbys etc.. for a good hour. Exchanged numbers and a week later I called to invite him to a Cobra reunion event in PA. His car was actually very rough in appearance and not nearly as "finished" as my neighbors. Oh, and it was my neighbor who invited me and told me about the Cobra reunion event.

See it's not the car I have an issue with. I only would have an issue with insecure, angry FFR owners.

Bylkins: The confusion stems from the difference between the Dictionary definintion of "replica" and how that word is now so widely used and understood by the average Joe when it comes to all of these cars. SAAC deals with this issue and thats why in the world of these cars they have set forth definintions based on the now common usage and understanding.

You are also wrong in that Kirkhams are not included in the definition of "replica" / "kit" in the World registry. They are considered "Cobras" manuafactured by Kirkham. You are free to disagree and have your own opinion but the only real authority and authoritative text has set the standard and definitions. I like and always agreed with SAACs position so I go'in with it!

[blykins]

Aww, forget SAAC.

A Kirkham is not a '60's CSX. Therefore it's a copy. Replica. Whatever you wanna call it.

[mdross1]

When I first started thinking about a kit knowing that an original was out of the question had the misconception that they were a fairly easy bolt together car.Oh how wrong I was.That being said when asked about our car always hesitate to say kit and usually add that these are by no means bolt together anyone can do it.Most do not have a clue other partly understand.The rest they can think what they want since my name is on the title and the steering wheel is in my hand.Acting like a teenager behind the wheel is hard to control I make no excuses.
Lucky for me when I first started 20 yrs ago there were plenty of people knowledgeable about these cars to motivate and help me along as was this people in this forum.We own a fiberglass bodied BB Cobra call it what you will. 99% of the time it does not matter about it's origin unless someone is truly interested then I will elaborate,and very proud to do that.

[blykins]

A lot of people understand that they are not originals. They're still cool.

I do have a problem with the whole "replica" deal. In my mind there's a difference between a "kit car" and a replica. A "replica" is designed to "replicate." This is where I struggle with the ones that say, "Well Shelby thought about using a Chevrolet engine, so I'm going to use a SBC." Well, he *may* have thought about putting curb feelers on the first one too, but he didn't. He also *may* have turned to a buddy in jest and said, "Let's put a straight 8 Olds engine in it. " But he didn't.

The whole "Is it real" argument is really easy to sum up if you just take a step back and look at the forest.

[JBCOBRA]

Mine says 2005 SPF Cobra.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by blykins

It's easy. Unless you have one that was built in the 60's, every single one of you has a replica. I don't know why this is so cluttered up or why the water gets so cloudy.

A Kirkham is a replica.

A Contemporary is a replica.

An FFR is a replica.

A Superformance is a replica.

If you took any other car into context, the clarity would soon show up. Just because the car is a Cobra doesn't make it any more complicated.

Et tu, Brute?

And one glaring omission. Shelby's (post CSX3000) are replicas, but they're a "true replica."

[CCRsAC]

Originally Posted by REAL 1

CCRsAC: Such anger! For a newbie you need to take a deep breath and try and learn. Based on your post count and your statements your knowledge pool doesn't appear to be that deep.

Angry? Not at all; this is fun. In fact, you've never failed to make me laugh over all these years, so thanks for adding to my enjoyment of this wonderful hobby.

As for post-count being evidence of a limited knowledge pool (leaving aside your disagreement with and distaste over my statements), well, a book by it's cover and all that rot, old chum. I will admit, though, that nothing I could say would ever be as deep as you spread it.

I'll go back to the kiddie table now to listen and learn from the adults.

[computerworks]

This is wearing me down...and that is never a good thing.

Stick to the topic or...

Thanks
Ron
ClubCobra Moderator

[REAL 1]

Stick to topic...Yes, mom.

I think we all understand that when asked at stop light or by someone passing by while you are getting gas when that question is shouted some may respond in the excitement "1965" or "1966" instead of "2007 Backdraft" as the case may be. No real harm. No harm no foul. Kinda hard to carry on a discussion about the car in those circumstances.

When there is more time to respond more deliberately we all should be honest about what our cars are and the year of the car as opposed to the year of the car it replicates.

CCRsAC: I wasn't judging you by your post count solely it was by your words but I understand that when people get upset they say things they really don't mean..

If I added to your enjoyment of this hobby I am glad and humbled. Your welcome. Oh, and if you really not angry stop on buy and we can have a few beers and talk Cobras, replicas and such. I'll even order some hoagies if you want.


JBCobra: Kudos to you sir.

[CCRsAC]

Originally Posted by REAL 1

Oh, and if you really not angry stop on buy and we can have a few beers and talk Cobras, replicas and such. I'll even order some hoagies if you want.

To keep the mods happy - 1965

Evan: All meant in fun, so absolutely. If I find myself in NJ, you're on - I'd love to see your car as I'm sure it's quite nice. As for the chow, let's make 'em wraps - I'm watching carbs, too. Pax.

[D111]

I think this question is a bit tricky because sometimes you don't know what the person is actually asking, some people don't even know what the car is replicating and if they want to know what its replicating well its a 65 or so,, if they want to know when the car was actually built that's different so its not so cut and dry like the question replica or not ,if you want to call that cut and dry :-)

[REAL 1]

Originally Posted by CCRsAC

To keep the mods happy - 1965

Evan: All meant in fun, so absolutely. If I find myself in NJ, you're on - I'd love to see your car as I'm sure it's quite nice. As for the chow, let's make 'em wraps - I'm watching carbs, too. Pax.

First part: Now that's funny.

Second part: No problem. I'll buy. As for my car, it's ok. I'm willing to bet yours is no "rattle trap".

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by CCRsAC

As for the chow, let's make 'em wraps - I'm watching carbs, too. Pax.

Just don't fill your "low carb" wrap with something that rhymes with wrap, but begins with a "c."

[itstock]

Originally Posted by blykins

it's easy. Unless you have one that was built in the 60's, every single one of you has a replica. I don't know why this is so cluttered up or why the water gets so cloudy.

A kirkham is a replica.

A contemporary is a replica.

An ffr is a replica.

A superformance is a replica.

If you took any other car into context, the clarity would soon show up. Just because the car is a cobra doesn't make it any more complicated.

now you dun it!!!!!

[BAsque1]

Weeelllll I know after this post I will be chewed, masticated, and spitted out as a bad bite, but I normally direct the curious ones to look at the vin # plate inside the engine bay which clearly states "'1965 Ford 2 Door Convertible"
I know is a replica, i know it is not an original AC Cobra so don"t get your knickers on a twist. I am having toooooo much fun with it and I could care less what anyone thinks.If I had a $ for all the compliments, videos and pictures this car draws I can pay for the gas for a year.
Life is too short to be upset for trivialities

[henrik]

I find it easy:

"It is a modern replica of the iconic 1965 427 Shelby AC Cobra - this particular car is a 2008 backdraft with a Roush 427 engine and the T-56 trans. and I'm pleased it has the BMW M3 Suspensions and brakes to try to handle all the power - 540rwhp / 750 Nm to a 980 kg light car"

This way I have answered most of the questions that always followes...

If the ask how fast it is... : "If you ask for 0-100 km/h... It can kill you in less than 4 seconds"

And if they dare ask to "see the engine" : "no, they are not Webers... this is a EFI system where the intake is made to look like 4 polished Webers - better performance and keep the look "

[itstock]

Originally Posted by BAsque1

Weeelllll I know after this post I will be chewed, masticated, and spitted out as a bad bite, but I normally direct the curious ones to look at the vin # plate inside the engine bay which clearly states "'1965 Ford 2 Door Convertible"
I know is a replica, i know it is not an original AC Cobra so don"t get your knickers on a twist. I am having toooooo much fun with it and I could care less what anyone thinks.If I had a $ for all the compliments, videos and pictures this car draws I can pay for the gas for a year.
Life is too short to be upset for trivialities

Well you obviously care what people think if you are purposely misleading them, don't you think?