Cobra Education 101

[R U YELLA]

What do you feel people know your car name best by. When I tell people what kind of car I am going to build they get a look on their face like or What name is the most understandable? AC Cobra - Shelby Cobra - AC Shelby Cobra?

Catch ya later
Ed

[KeithBrown]

I believe the first ads were for the "Shelby-AC Cobra", then shortened for obvious reasons to Shelby Cobra.

Regards,

Keith

[Clois Harlan]

I have found it is an age thing.....


Over 30 you tell them a Shelby Cobra or just a Cobra

Under 30 you have to start out with some examples: eg, "Gone in 60 Seconds" or the U.S. Postal Comercial or the Autozone comercial. Then they may understand. But I usually don't have a lot of patience if they don't get it pretty quick.

Clois

[Edley Rondinone]

I would say "AC Cobra" replica. NOT a Mustang Cobra!"

[BLACKJACK]

HI, ED - - -

IT'S PROBABLY EASIER IF YOU CARRY A PHOTOGRAPH IN YOUR WALLET TO SHOW THEM. I'M SURE PETER WILL SEND YOU A FEW.

I REFER TO MINE (IN PUBLIC) AS A "REPLICA AC COBRA" AND IF I GET A CURIOUS LOOK, THEN I TRY "REPLICA SHELBY COBRA".

I NEVER REFER TO IT AS A "KIT CAR". IF THE QUESTION COMES UP I CALL IT A "COMPONENT CAR".

I DID HAVE ONE INCIDENT IN LEESBURG A FEW WEEKS AGO. SOME SARCASTIC SMART ASS ASKED, "IS THAT A KIT CAR OR A REAL ONE. I POINTED TO THE GLOVE BOX DOOR WHICH HAD BEEN AUTOGRAPHED IN SILVER PEN AND SAID, "WHAT DO YOU THINK ?? THE GLOVE BOX HAS BEEN SIGNED BY PETER PORTANTE HIM SELF." THE GUY CHILLED INSTANTLY - LOOKED AT ME LIKE I WAS SOME SORT OF HERO AND SAID "WOW - MAN - THAT'S REALLY COOL".

HE'S PROBABLY STILL TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHO PETER PORTANTE IS. - - - - ON THE OTHER HAND, MAYBE HE ALREADY KNOWS WHO PETER PORTANTE IS - - AND THAT'S WHY HE WAS SO IMPRESSED.

Y'ALL HAVE A REALLY GREAT DAY (AND GOODNIGHT , PETER, WHEREVER YOU ARE).

BLACKJACK

[AC Cobra]

I refer to my car as an "AC Cobra" replica, hence my user name AC Cobra. Carroll Shelby probably would like us to refer to them as a "Shelby Cobra" and send him a small fee for using his licensed trade name.

Rick

[Lowell W]

Hmmm...That raises the question: How much do you think you would have to pay CS to get him to allow you to call your car a "real" Cobra?

Would it then be a "real" Cobra?

[Cal Metal]

It is an interesting debate. More interesting is that I have never seen any Cobra--AC or otherwise--with a dash signed by Charles Hurlock.

[BLACKJACK]

EXCELLENT POINT, CAL - - AS USUAL.

BLACKLACK

[RICK LAKE]

Blackjack Hi How MUCH did that autograph COST you?? A Lunch, golf outting, or buying another car Rick Lake

[BLACKJACK]

HI, RICK,

THE COST IS A 289 STREET VERSION (WHICH I WOULD HAVE BOUGHT ANYWAY - - BUT DON'T TELL PETER).

ON THE STRONG RECOMMENDATION OF BOB PUTMAN AND OTHERS I ASKED PETER TO "PRACTICE" ON SEVERAL OTHER ITEMS BEFORE I GAVE HIM THE GLOVE BOX DOOR. I DIDN'T WANT ANYONE TO MISTAKE IT FOR MRS. SHELBY'S LITTLE BOY'S SIGNATURE. I NOW HAVE A COMPLETE SET OF P.P. SIGNATURES ON MY BRIEF CASE CALENDER, MY LEGAL PAD COVER AND SCRAPS OF MISCELANEOUS LUMBER. REAL COLLECTORE ITEMS.

ACTUALLY - - I THINK IT'S THE COOLEST GLOVE BOX DOOR IN TOWN. I DON'T BELIEVE THE GUYS WITH THE CSX-4XXX CARS THINK SO BUT - - - - - .

Y'ALL HAVE A REALLY GREAT DAY.

BLACKJACK

[NeedAntiVenom]

Blackjack -

Thanks - I needed some coffee through my nose.

Jim

[REAL 1]

The Cobra is, at least from most people I have spoken to about the car and things I have read associated first and foremost with Carroll Shelby. After all its he who made the car famous and legendary.

No question. Its a Shelby Cobra.

[Chaplin]

Actually, this is an interesting question. I think the answer to it is that there is no clear answer to the question. If you recall 6 or 8 months ago when SPF got Shelby's trade dress and infringement claims tossed out of court, part of the reason the court ruled in favor of SPF is that there was no clear consensus as to whether the general public looks at a Cobra and recognizes as a "Shelby Cobra." In fact, (if my memory is correct), the report the court relied on, in part, in rendering its opinoin was prepared by Shelby's own expert. The report, which was based on a poll of random people, found that people identified the car as, among other things, a "Cobra", "Shelby Cobra", "Ford Cobra" and "AC Cobra". Thus, to the general public, I think there is no true answer.

However, I agree with Evan. To those "in the know" and who are familiar with these cars and their history, they can only be Shelby Cobras.


Black Jack- You didn't have to buy a 289 street car, Peter would likely sign anything for a pizza or steak

Rick- Next time you go up there, bring a box of donuts and see what it will get you.

[RallySnake]

This is one of those areas of communications where you have to judge your audience. Most of the time, especially at a parts counter, I just say it's a custom car. Saves time.

Paul

[decooney]

427 Cobra.

- no need to say anything else after that.

[Doug Axelrod]

It's a replica of a 1965 Shelby Cobra made by Superformance. It was factory built in South Africa; the engine and transmission were added here. It was built and completed in 2001.

[Badger]

The term "Cobra" has become generic by constant use. We all drive "Cobras" of some sort. Trying to be specific to someone not familiar with all the different manufacturers who build "Cobras" just confuses them because all our cars look quite similar. A real Shelby Cobra is a car produced by the Texan's team in the golden era of 1962-66. Those produced after that date with a new CSX number could certainly be called "Shelby Cobras", as the man legally owns his own name, but they really aren't any more "real" than any other competantly produced replica. Yes, there were a few real "AC Cobras" (those with COB serial numbers) but they're pretty rare, especially here in the US. I think the easiest and most understandable term for those who don't understand the complexities of the car's convoluted history is simply to call them a "Cobra" .... what we precede that name with depends on the interest of the inquiring party. If they care enough to REALLY know what kind of "Cobra" we drive then we can say it's a "Superformance", or whatever brand constructed the chassis we drive. Let's keep it simple, OK? Badger

[Excaliber]

When people ask WHAT it is, my first response is always, a Shelby Cobra. What year is it? A 1966.

If they ask if it's a "Kit", then I know they have a "clue", and the re-creation "discussion" is on! Which way it goes depends entirely on the person, my mood, the time of day and Jupiters alignement with Mars.

Ernie

[Carroll DeWeese]

I call my car an AC Cobra Replica. Shelby is associated with other Cpbras and people get confused with "Shelby Cobra." Actually, most people have to see the car or a picture or it to know what it is, unless they are fans of the car.