Replica or a modern reproduction?

[Thor maine]

So let me get this straight, if you have a new series from Shelby American with a CSX serial number or an AC Heritage LTD car with a COB or COX serial number or a Kirkman(because they supply bodies to Shelby American ?) you have a "Genuine Replica of the Original" car build in the 1960's ? And everyone else has Replica Kit car of the original car built in the 1960's. Sound about right?

[AL427SBF]

Originally Posted by jhv48

I can see it now. A spectator and his son come up to your Csx 40-- continuation car and ask you, "is it real?"

After getting a thirty minute lecture on the differences between a replica, a continuation car and an original cobra, according to the saac registry, he'll walk away. His son will ask him, "daddy, what did that man say?" And his dad will reply, "son, he said it was a kit car!"

Actually it takes less than 5 seconds to answer the question ...

Originally Posted by REAL 1

... when I am asked if my Cobra is real I say yes, its a "Continuation Series Shelby Cobra". If the question is "is it original" the answer is "no, its a Continuation Series Shelby Cobra" ...

For the non-CSX owners the answer would be "no, it's a Kit Car Replica from [manufacturer] of a Shelby Cobra", and that would apply to either question.

... again less that 5 seconds of your time.

Example: hey buddyg, "is it real?" or "is it original?"
Answer: "no, it's a Kit Car Replica from Superformance of a Shelby Cobra"

I know, a lot there to wrap your head around on the first pass, read it a couple of times and maybe you'll have a eureka moment.

[Dimis]

Originally Posted by AL427SBF

Actually it takes less than 5 seconds to answer the question ...



For the non-CSX owners the answer would be "no, it's a Kit Car Replica from [manufacturer] of a Shelby Cobra", and that would apply to either question.

... again less that 5 seconds of your time.

Example: hey buddyg, "is it real?" or "is it original?"
Answer: "no, it's a Kit Car Replica from Superformance of a Shelby Cobra"

I know, a lot there to wrap your head around on the first pass, read it a couple of times and maybe you'll have a eureka moment.

Almost 2 weeks and a dozen pages later and your final conclusion is where we started...

See post #6

Just saying'

[Dimis]

Originally Posted by Thor maine

So let me get this straight, if you have a new series from Shelby American with a CSX serial number or an AC Heritage LTD car with a COB or COX serial number or a Kirkman(because they supply bodies to Shelby American ?) you have a "Genuine Replica of the Original" car build in the 1960's ? And everyone else has Replica Kit car of the original car built in the 1960's. Sound about right?

Sounds right to me... IMHO.

But Evan will profess -
"NO! You own a 'fakeydoo' and my CSX is better that yours, 'Cos some book says so... Na-na-na-nahhh."

Sorry, I had to get in early before he post another thesis on just how good his is..!

[Ralphy]

For a person who started off saying the op is looking for real answers. He certainly helped in hijacking this thread.

Ralphy

[REAL 1]

Originally Posted by Dimis

Almost 2 weeks and a dozen pages later and your final conclusion is where we started...

See post #6

Just saying'

Dimis: Yes. AL427sbf is correct and so was your post #6 is if we are applying SAAc's definitions as to the OPs Spf. If we apply Websters definitions it doesn't fit into the definition of replica. It would more fairly be referred to as a licensed aesthetic copy or lookalike.

Thor Maine: You've almost got it my friend!!! I'm proud of you for your continued effort to understand the issue. Using the Wester's Dictionary definition you are spot on. However, based on SAAC's definitions and categories as developed by them to deal with the what has developed over the years as the incorrect but common inclusion of cars by the average Joe, which bare no resemblance to a Cobra except for the outward appearance (body shell) manufactured by numerous companies and even scratch builders in no way connected to the original manufacturer into the universe of "replica", again, (stay with me here) which they are not according to the literal dictionary definition SAAC set forth their own authoritative definitions and categories for correct and appropriate reference.

Using SAAC's definition you are incorrect as to applying "replica or kit" to the Continuation Cobras. Continuations are not considered in the replica/kit car category but are simply considered current production Cobras.

Pick which definitional universe you want to operate in. Can't have it both ways as it works across the board for Shelby's and non-Shelbys. If you want to use Webster's definition we have come up with a correct technical definition for non Shelbys. Some possibilities are "Fakeydoo", Pretend Cobra, Wannbe Cobra, Counterfeit Cobra, Unlicensed Copy Car. We can get creative. Alot of possibilities.

However, my recommendation is that we go with SAAC's definition, at least around here. Show CSX owners some respect and what they own some respect by merely acknowledging their cars are genuine Cobras (this doesn't mean original). No Continuation Series owners that I know of are passing their cars off as original Cobras. We all know they are not and we in turn will recognize that non Shelby's are "Replicas of Cobras" according to SAAC and we don't need to worry about coming up with a technical term which likely won't sound as good a "replica Cobra".

I would think that Cobra enthusiasts and those wanting to promote the hobby and history of Cobras would advocate SAAC's position and look to educate the public on the differences in these cars when the opportunity presents itself to those that don't know as much as you instead to coming up with nonsensical answers like "improved Shelby reproduction" and the like. For the OP it would be "its a Supraformace replica Cobra". If you own a Continuation Cobra the answer is "its a Shelby Continuation Series Cobra".

How easy is that?

Thor Maine: As to AC Heritage, I don't know what SAAC's position is on them. They are not AC nor are they AC Ltd. We would need an answer from them. They are not addressed in the last Registry.

Dimis: Again. I'm surprised you keep returning despite you promises not to return.

[AL427SBF]

Originally Posted by Dimis

Almost 2 weeks and a dozen pages later and your final conclusion is where we started...

See post #6

Just saying'

Saying it's a "Superformance" is incomplete. It's a Superformance what? Your answer is missing the most critical information required to accurately describe the car in answering the question - again, more avoiding the obvious, i.e. "kit car replica of a cobra" ... TOO FUNNY!

[REAL 1]

Originally Posted by AL427SBF

Saying it's a "Superformance" is incomplete. It's a Superformance what? Your answer is missing the most critical information required to accurately describe the car in answering the question - again, more avoiding the obvious, i.e. "kit car replica of a cobra" ... TOO FUNNY!

AL427SBF: I think its fine for Spf owners just to say its a Supraformance. No misinformation with that. Likely the car is sitting right there and it looks like a Cobra so it doesn't take a quantum leap to understand it's a "replica" as most commonly use the term today and fits the SAAC definition too. I have no issue with it. They aren't saying its a Shelby or its a Cobra. If they add it "Cobra replica" thats accurate too. Lets not get too carried away.

[Dimis]

Originally Posted by REAL 1

Dimis: What are you doing here? I thought you were done with this thread. Just like a moth drawn to a flame uh?

I resigned myself to the conclusion that you believe this "intellectual" wank to be a sport... So thought heck... I'll play.

I'm here to piss on your parade, and ensure the average Joe gets the "best" right answer.

Sorry, I don't endorse yours...

If I were the op with an SPF. My answer would be, as stated before: it's a "Superformance cobra" (as opposed to. A Superformance GT40, or other...).
End of story.

[AL427SBF]

Originally Posted by REAL 1

AL427SBF: I think its fine for Spf owners just to say its a Supraformance. No misinformation with that. I have no issue with it. They aren't saying its a Shelby or its a Cobra. If they add it "Cobra replica" that accurate to. Lets not get too carried away.

... me get carried away, never! To the laymen saying "It's a Superformance" is like leaving a hanging chad, you can bet the next question would be "what's a Superformance"? Notice the all important no, as in "no, it's a Superformance" is missing? At least that would address the key element of the question "is it real". Sorry, ain't gonna roll over on that one

[REAL 1]

Dimis: You are too funny!

Your not pissing my parade. Nope. Your pissing on SAAC and the Registry and I agree as such you are clearly using the wrong head in this discussion.

If you wanted to ensure the average Joe gets right information you would refer him to the World Registry of Cobras and GT40s or provide him the information in the Registry unless you know more than they.

Saying a SPF is A "Supraformance Cobra" is misleading. It is not a "Cobra". Not by a long shot. It is a "Cobra replica". Without the qualifier "replica" in the description you aren't giving the average Joe the right answer you are misinforming him any way you slice it.

Cheers

[twin turbo]

Real1, I notice that you refer to Superformance as Supraformance. Just curious if that's intentional or not, lol.

[twin turbo]

To the person that started this thread my advice is to just keep it simple. They ask is that an original? Just smile and say "no". If they want to know more they will ask a follow-up question.

I was out with our "Cobra" Club a few weeks ago and a car full of people pulled up beside me and asked that same question. Fortunately, Bob P was behind me driving his original, so I was able point and tell them that his was the real thing. That was fun to see them all instantly rubberneck looking back.

Personally, I don't even like calling mine a "Replica", I'm not trying to replicate one. I'm too fond of customizing. I'm still going to try and remember that Fakeydoo answer though, lol. Cheers.

[Sideways]

Originally Posted by twin turbo

Real1, I notice that you refer to Superformance as Supraformance. Just curious if that's intentional or not, lol.

Yeah, I thought he was talking about a Toyota clone!

[soulman]

All I know is It would upset me to own a real sixties CSX Cobra with all the is it real questions !

Imagine owning a CSX 3000 series and constantly being asked that question !

And of course even the educated few not believing you!

I'm just glad I own a real Kirkham / 1965 Shelby cause the rego label says so!

Soul.

[REAL 1]

Sorry. My bad. "Superformance".

[mdross1]

This is still dragging on, sure wish other questions got this much attention hope the original OP got the answer he was looking for.
After owning our car over 20 yrs have heard it all and been asked mostly basic questions by curious onlookers. I am certain most that ask about originality would not be able to tell the difference.
No doubt how some of the Cobra forum members feel about this subject it sure has been run through the mill this time.
Is it real worth all the anxiety this question seems to pose on some people not for me. Have to admit my answers when asked out on the road depends on my mood or how much of a hurry I am to get behind the wheel say when fueling up. We stopped entering our vehicles in car shows a long time ago then we did enjoy the conversations when asked about our cars origin.
Have always been so proud of my creation and it's performance nothing anybody could ever say would ever make me feel 2nd rate. A kit, replicar, continuation, whatever is pure flattery to the originals.
Can promise this my car was one heck of a lot more difficult to be bought, built, tuned and tweaked than just writing a check for an original. That being said the connection to my car is very strong. Of course I would love to own an original but we all know there are only so many to go around.
Proud? you darn right I'm Proud I own a Big Block Cobra the rest of you can fill in the suffix.
Really like Thor Maine description a Hot Rod with a Cobra body.

[Ralphy]

I'm titling this as, "The Last Word."

Look I'm just as caught up in this as any. But the Shelby I know? He was a racer, a racer who wanted to win and win at the big show. He built street cars to fund his racing, even in the early sixties. So first off if you don't own a race car built for winning? Your a poser! Yes in this sense of the word even a sixties street vesion, is "A Replica."

I was drawn to these cars because of his winning. Not some street version mimic. That's the history and facts I like. I could give a whole lot less attention of how and when the CSX4000 or the CSX7000 were made and how many, blah blah blah blah........... I'd like to feel connected I bought what I could afford. Don't we all love Shelby's history?

I Like Racing!

I'm Out!
Ralphy/AKA 7th Degree Poser


Ralphy

[REAL 1]

Originally Posted by Ralphy

I'm titling this as, "The Last Word."

Look I'm just as caught up in this as any. But the Shelby I know? He was a racer, a racer who wanted to win and win at the big show. He built street cars to fund his racing, even in the early sixties. So first off if you don't own a race car built for winning? Your a poser! Yes in this sense of the word even a sixties street vesion, is "A Replica."

I was drawn to these cars because of his winning. Not some street version mimic. That's the history and facts I like. I could give a whole lot less attention of how and when the CSX4000 or the CSX7000 were made and how many, blah blah blah blah........... I'd like to feel connected I bought what I could afford. Don't we all love Shelby's history?

I Like Racing!

I'm Out!
Ralphy


Ralphy

Ralphy: No issue with your "last word". You are entitled to your own personal position.

Yes I'm sure all of here love Shelby History. Old and new.

Mdross: Have no issue with non "Cobra" owners using "hot rod with a Cobra shaped body" to describe their cars either. "Replica" seems better to me though but whatever floats your boat.

[AL427SBF]

A little off topic to the OP's question but you do bring up an interesting point ...

Originally Posted by Ralphy

[b] ... I'd like to feel connected I bought what I could afford ...

There is a connection with any of these cars to the Shelby story, but it is "money" that decides how strong that connection is. The SAAC registry simply defines the 3 levels that exist and with criteria that recognizes the OEM (or non-OEM) relationship.