Not Ranked
Jamo & rdorman:
Shelby didn't need decades of auto production to build his reputation. In fact, he wasn't even trying to build a reputation. His deeds on and off the track did that. That's part of what makes him "Ole Shel." Public be damned, he did it for himself and his team.
I don't think for a moment that the kit cars have helped Shelby even today. The folks buying Shelby's current cars were probably well aware of Cobras (or perhaps more likely AC Bristols) from way back when. Or they truly respect the man from reading of his exploits.
The attraction of the CSX 4 series is that they are in fact Shelbys, and folks are willing to pay for that (branding, see Marketing 401); knowing full well the price of originals is either out of financial reach, or unrealistic if one plans to drive and enjoy the car to it's fullest - chips, dings, etc. The real satisfaction comes from knowing you're driving and savoring a true legend; not from the envious glares of those left in your dust. I suspect that is true of 99% of Shelby's customers. Certainly there are far more poseurs buying Porsches, Ferraris, and yes, Cobra replicas, than real Shelbys.
I didn't buy my car to impress anyone but myself. I don't show my car. Hell, I try not to ever stop long enough to even discuss the car with people, unless they're at the gas station while I refuel. Frankly, I suspect most assume it's a kit. I just don't give a damn what they think, unless they show genuine interest.
Callous? No. I want to spend my time driving, not trying to educate the "great unwashed."
Let 'em go to car shows.
Scott
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