Why Replicas and Clones Deserve Respect

[Tom Kirkham]

Why Replicas & Clones Deserve Some Respect

[CobraV8]

Not to offend anyone but I simply don't care if someone "respects" the car I drive. If you need a certain type of car for people to respect you then there's something wrong with you anyway in my opinion.

A wise man once said driving these cars is "as much fun as you can have with your clothes on". That's the reason I own one.

And because I have too much time on my hands to work on engines, transmissions and rear axles I guess

Simon

[Dimis]

Thanks for posting...

In my eyes they missed 1 critical reason.

'Cos we build and maintain them ourselves' which is more than most other owners of exotics can claim

Just saying.

[PSB]

I give the article a C-, but the pictures are A++++!

After looking at the pictures, I don't think Kirkhams should be classified as replicas, rather as rolling works of art.

Has anyone every polished out an original?


Pete

[Maricopa]

I certainly have respect for the high end replicas like Kirkhams and would own one of I had the resources, but consider my lowly FFR. No it isn't anywhere near a perfect replica of an original Cobra and nowhere near as sweet as a Kirkham, but OTOH it IS a 2,500 lb tube framed car with a 302 in it. Still more fun that 99% of the cars out there....all for @ 25K.

[Clois Harlan]

Thanks for posting David, good read and view. I doubt if many people know how much effort you put into your cars and the cost of the machinery you use to create such a state of the art product.

[Dimis]

Originally Posted by Maricopa

I certainly have respect for the high end replicas like Kirkhams and would own one of I had the resources, but consider my lowly FFR. No it isn't anywhere near a perfect replica of an original Cobra and nowhere near as sweet as a Kirkham, but OTOH it IS a 2,500 lb tube framed car with a 302 in it. Still more fun that 99% of the cars out there....all for @ 25K.

Mate, don't be so quick to knock your ride.
Nothing wrong with an FFR despite what some clowns may say or think.
They are a great cobra, and deserving of much love.
They are the ultimate cobra kit for a "do it yourself-er"

[OnyxRider]

Originally Posted by Tom Kirkham

Why Replicas & Clones Deserve Some Respect

What a plug for your company! lol

What a minute.....I wrote a thread for original CSX 2000 & 3000 series owners only and just about everyone else responded. To me it does seem like some "replica" have issues in what they own. For me if it has wheels on it and roles and you enjoy it...well that's all that matters. I drive my autos for myself.

As far as respect...what do you want someone to say...that's a great fake or a great looking knock-off or just a great looking car?

I just went to a California get together of old friends and someone asked if mine was an original and I asked original what? and his answer was Cobra. My daughter went dude that's an original Byers SR100!


What a minute I seriously forgot I have an unfinished Stallion along with some old fiberglass units unfinished in the barns. Darn I own a replica too(shaking my head).

[601HP]

It was 1994. I had completed enough of my replica (kit) car that I was ready to join the rest of the Cobra population. I sent my $50.00 in and joined the national SAAC Club. I was feelin' the love until the first SAAC newsletter came.

In that issue was a photo of a pick-up truck connected to an open trailer. On the trailer was a Cobra with the front wheels hanging over the front edge of the trailer. The owner had forgotten to strap down the Cobra. When he braked the tow vehicle, the Cobra shifted forward and rammed into the tow vehicle.

The caption below the picture read "...at least it was just a replica."

I realized where I stood in the pecking order.

David

[Maricopa]

Mate, don't be so quick to knock your ride.
Nothing wrong with an FFR despite what some clowns may say or think.
They are a great cobra, and deserving of much love.
They are the ultimate cobra kit for a "do it yourself-er"

Oh I'm not, that was tongue-in-cheek. I love the car and certainly have gotten my money back out of it in fun times. Still, if I had the $$$s....

The caption below the picture read "...at least it was just a replica."

That I can't disagree with. Ours can be replaced, the 'REAL' ones can't.

[mdross1]

I certainly would never have been seen in an original especially because of their value and the way people drive today.For me owning an original would mean no upgrades or probable loss of value.Not a fan of the aluminum body because they dent too easy and who would do the work if damaged.Besides that for me the suspension,drivetrain,and weight of the car are what a Cobra is all about not so much what the body is made out of.
Respect? Not needed for me just recognition like anything unique.Our Cobra has a history now after 20yrs of ownership and built just the way we always wanted it.
What more could a person ask for.

[csx4017]

Great article Tom. I purchased my CSX4000 S/C because it was a dream of mine since I saw my first Red, street version, 289 in 1966. I could have invested far less money in another ( replica ) Cobra, but I knew I was going to do this only once. My list of pro's and con's is long. I have two Cobra buddies that have built FFR's. One is complete and the other is 6 months away. They were built with the best components available by craftsman who had the skills to produce a Cobra, in most ways, superior to mine. They went outside the box. I did not build my car. I bought a roller and finished the rest. I have great respect for the builders, that is where my respect is..........Just drive them BOYS !!!!!