Quote:
Originally Posted by thorconstr
I built a Kirkham Cobra in 2004. The same conversation, same people, was going on then. Kirkham bodies and frames, Shelby badging and "Continuation" paperwork. As far as I'm concerned an "original" was built between 1962 and 1967, the "continuation" is a Kirkham bodied copy of the original. If someone wants to think their "continuation" is any more a Cobra than any of the ERA's Kirkham's, Classic, etc, have at it. I loved the Kirkham and it would blow the doors off an original. Wish I still had it. All that matters is that you are happy with your Cobra, that's it!
|
A short spin on the merry go round from hell before bed.
-SAI constituted in 1961/62.
-Original Shelby Cobras are rebadged AC's. AC used subcontractors in many cases to fabricate body panels.
-SAI has been in existence since that time but dormant for many years.
-SAI became active again with Carroll Shelby at the helm in 1990's.
-Continuation Shelby Cobras are rebadged Kirkham's in many cases. Not all. Some others were sourced for aluminum bodies such as Kimmons.
-SAI fits out their Cobras with their own suspension bits, brakes, wire and plumb the cars.
-SAI has rights to use the Cobra name. Legally. No other can use that mark or -Shelby related marks including CSX vins. These restrictions applied to AC back in the 1960s also.
-Federal regulations and safety regulations appear on the scene beginning in late 1960s and continue to pile up continuing to current day.
-Original Cobras would never be able to be sold in the same manner as between 1962 and 1968 even if production continued uninterrupted and the design and specifications remained unchanged. They would have to follow the same process as the current production Cobras in order to be sold to the public today.
-SAI began production of current generation Shelby Cobras to exact or near exact spec of their original series in 1990s. Current production Shelby Cobras become available again in aluminum and glass.
-Original series are collectibles and very expensive. Current series more accessible and affordable but still at a large premium over "replicas" which term has become understood and used in common parlance to refer to cars merely looking like a Shelby Cobra but not really a Shelby Cobra. General public not really aware of current production or continuation series. General public knows of only the original series which they naturally see as the REAL Cobras.
-New series of Shelby Cobra
creates some confusion as to how to refer to and consider these new Shelby by both owners and SAAC. No one expected or foresaw a new second series of Shelby Cobras.
-SAAC issues statement sometime near and prior to 2004 stating their position. LONG before litigation SAAC has with Shelby in 2008. Statement makes clear that second series are genuine Cobras but not part of original series. Only difference between original Shelby and current production is years of manufacture. They are not considered "replicas" by SAAC as that term has now been misused and now commonly understood.
-SAAC 4th Edition of World Registry carries that statement position forward in 2008/9 and further explains common misuse of term "replica" as defined by Websters. SAAC acknowledges the widespread misuse and incorrect meaning now commonly used but says can't put the "toothpaste back in the tube". Point being
non Shelbys are not "replicas" but merely cars that look like Cobras but really not. A "bootleg" to use a euphemism. SAAC notes that
technically only the continuation Cobras are "replicas" i.e. true replicas as defined by Websters, i.e. an item or work reissued by the original artist or maker.
-SAAC, due to the fact the "toothpaste" can't be put back in the tube now adopts and uses the now commonly misused meaning of "replica" for the category of non Shelby cars except those that qualify as genuine "Cobras" according to SAAC. They now use "replica" as a term to refer to cars that are not Cobras but have the general appearance of one that have various underpinnings.
-SAAC sets forth those cars that it accepts as genuine "Cobras". There are different brands and categories from AC's (which have sub-categories), to Shelby's (which have subcategories) to Kirkham. Original Shelby's are clearly at the top of the pecking order. However, even within originals there are pecking orders e.g. completely original cars, partially reconstructed etc...
-SAAC in its comprehensive Registry provides very logical, well reasoned, reasonable and fair statements as to the current production Shelby's.
-SAAC's now current website statement still acknowledges SAI produces "current generation Cobras".
-SAAC's forum discussions segregate CSX Cobras by series e.g.2000, 3000, 4000 and 7000 and 1000 and provide a separate forum for "replicas and tributes.
-The "common guy's" "understanding" of what he considers to be a "real" Shelby Cobra is has no bearing in fact or reality on what is or isn't a real Cobra except of course as to that particular individual and what HE chooses to accept in his own mind as one.
Facts.
Hey, you guys have fun with this one.