Cobra intrigue...

[Midnight Special]

...'Never knew too much about the history of these short of Shelby, but I got a real close look at this original 1959 model with its Bristol engine today. Interesting!.. Who here can tell us more?

 

[rvrtrash]

I guess I'll get it started. What you saw was an AC Ace. Like most British "sports cars", it had decent horsepower but wasn't anything that would light your hair on fire (no pun intended Renee). Think of something like the early Triumph TR4's and 6's or Austin Healy 100-6's. When the infamous Texan came along in the early 60's, he found a nice chassis that needed a new engine and the rest is history.

Steve

 

[Midnight Special]

...Thanks Steve! ('Laughed out loud at the comment w/ Renee although a convertible that could "light her hair on fire" would be best with minimal collateral damage.

 

[PFSlim]

There are some folks who build the replica cars because they can't afford a "real" one. Oh - I love that. When folks say - "Is it real?" Sometimes, the mean side comes out and I say - "Stand it front of it, let me roll it forward and if it hurts - just let me know if the pain is real".

Paul

 

[gofastguy]

There are some folks who build the replica cars because they can't afford a "real" one. Oh - I love that. When folks say - "Is it real?" Sometimes, the mean side comes out and I say - "Stand it front of it, let me roll it forward and if it hurts - just let me know if the pain is real".

Paul

What is the "proper" way to make such an inquiry? The Cobra's are easy, but it's not always easy to tell a "real" Shelby (or CS) from a well-done clone. At some point in the conversation it becomes pertinent to know if you are complimenting someone on a nicely restored Mustang or a rare collector's item...

 

[Midnight Special]

What is the "proper" way to make such an inquiry? The Cobra's are easy, but it's not always easy to tell a "real" Shelby (or CS) from a well-done clone. At some point in the conversation it becomes pertinent to know if you are complimenting someone on a nicely restored Mustang or a rare collector's item...

I don't get insulted when people ask "real or not"... To the degree they really want to know - I explain it to them, often with a laminated Marti I keep in each car. If you do it right (without overdoing it), you get some really nice feedback. The rare few who are "smart ass" are going to be that way anyway, so who the hell cares what they think... and if I'm driving the clone - I tell them it's a clone (if they ask, but don't always offer it...)
I was never so impressed than with the guy who owned this cobra featured here. We chatted for about 45-minutes about mutual love of collector cars, experiences, adventures and life in general before I even knew this Cobra was his! As it turned out - the Gullwing Mercedes pictured below was his too (his third in about ten years)

Long live the real people in this hobby! Polite and forthcoming - never stuffy!

 

[PFSlim]

It is very difficult. As you said Tim, if they approach it correct, it is a pretty easy conversation. However, in a cobra, usuallly the first question is "Is that a kit car?" Most of the time I respond back that it is a replica car as my car is not a kit car (as what we defined kit cars when I grew up).

The hard ones for the "Is is real" is when that is the lead question, then I respond back and say it is a replica car - then they just leave looking like they have been suckered. It is disappointing since they don't really take an interest in the car.

In the GT/CS - I had several folks come up to me and say "what did you do to that Mustang - I have been around Mustangs all my life and I KNOW there was never a GT/CS made". That was always fun!

Paul

 

[hookedtrout]

I don't know a lot about Cobra's other than they are one awesome car, replica or not. I think I'd respond with your investment including putting a price on your time. Reply with something along the lines of it's a true replica with about $XX,XXX invested. That would probably bring them back somewhat to the realization that it isn't some small dollar back yard built car. However I'm sure just standing by it and looking at it probably makes it pretty clear that it isn't some cheap kit car and a short ride would confirm that. All I know for sure is your Cobra is beautiful and I'm sure you're very proud of what you've built.

 

[Midnight Special]

...TJ did an auto detail job on a client's 427 Cobra kit car. The owner permitted him to drive it on their private road and said "let her rip, I trust you..." TJ did, then immediately called me with; "Dad - I can honestly say I drove a car that scared the livin' crap out of me!!" He went on & on from start up, to its thunderous idle, to neck-snapping G-pulling blast up to 80 in no time!!..... to sheepishly turning it around and parking it.... My point being we all see kit-Cobra's and a myriad of other exotic cars, but do we do a good enough job conveying the experience and excitement of piloting one?

The GT/CS is a no-brainer as a classy optioned & rare, but otherwise standard Mustang with a league of owners "Special" as its appearance...

But a Cobra!
Are you animated in explaining its inspiring heritage? Do you light up like an X-mas tree when speaking of its awesome power? Do you (as Cory said) speak of the countless hours and expense culminating into reliving a by-gone era of speed with reckless abandon and calculated (methodical) operation??

Would there be value in that difference vs (like a lot of owners) sitting back in a chair and letting the ill-informed control the conversations about it?..

To me - a car show is more than a "car show". Without due passion - it's a pointless waste of time IMHO...