Quote:
Originally Posted by Dimis
I get why there's a premium on a CSX vs a COB car of yesteryear.
However, I can't see how the playing field is remotely the same today.
Shelby developed and improved the recipe via the R&D of their racing arm to suggest there was a value add. THEY pioneered all the "improvements". Yes?
But SHELBY aren't doing that now. That's the other mob! No?
What's shelbys value add now? A signed MSO and paint?
For mine, that is not adding or improving the recipe.
That's where I fail to see the parallel.
Back in the 60s Shelby didn't change the wrapping!
He changed the heart and soul (read: engine and driving sensation).
ALL the R&D (and manufacturing) that improves the recipe today comes from Kirkham. Including the desire to improve the "heart and soul".
ie. Engine part development, suspension development, exhaust development, reducing weight, stiffening the chassis (even developing a billet version), and then trivial things like gauge development, wiring loom development... Blah blah blah...
Actually they've pretty much stollen the formula that made Shelby!
So seemingly there IS some parallel...except it's been turned on its head and Shelby aren't leading the charge. Nor are they manufacturing anything. Today they are just following. No?
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The parallel is there just as in the 60's regardless of any modifications in geometry or materials.
In the 60's Shelby improved the AC in various ways in the process of the car morphing into a Cobra. Those improvements carried through production at AC once made and the CSX cars coming in were re-badged, painted and sold.
Same for the earlier CSX Continuatin series except SAI made the changes in the chassis' received.
Later Shelbys see the mods being made by Kirkham deviating from original with billet components etc and Shelby receiving the chassis and rebadging and painting and selling.
As far as leading the "charge" what charge are you referring to? There is only so much you can do with a 50+ year old design. I wouldn't refer to modifications to geometry and materials leading a "charge".
Regardless of who is responsible for the updates in materials or adjustments to geometry the basic formula is still there. Body and Chassis hand built by an outside vendor and Shelby Taking delivery and reselling and up fitting with its materials, gauges and other touches etc....
There are many who want slight improvements in geometry and billet materials etc... There are those who are purists and want it the way "it was". After all when you want to duplicate one of the most iconic cars of all time it is only truly duplicated when the original receipe' is followed in all respects which receipe is set in stone and long ego established. You can't improve the heart and soul of what a Cobra is by deviating from what it was. You may change it and improve it's handling, it's power, its comfort and whatever else you want to your liking but then it moves away from center as to what it is supposed to be historically which is the "way it was" which is what a Cobra is. A "Cobra" has a character based on its original design and performce. That character is purist when the receipe is followed without deviation. You can change things but that changes character to your liking but dilutes the pure character of a "Cobra".
Kapesh?
Personally, I think SAI should not used "improved geometry" or anything visual that deviates from the original design. I think their cars should be kept true to the their Cobra of the past. Only if specified by the customer should SAI deviate.