[DKing]

I hear you on the Kirkham quality --- they make a really fine car. (My hierarchy of Cobra desirability is Shelby aluminum, Kirkham aluminum, Shelby 'glass... in that order, notably in descending price scale...).

From what I hear about the SAI 'glass car, it's looking high quality as well. (Again, whiney-butt Shelby bashing can go find another thread upon which to snivel).

Let's play a "what if scenarior": What if Shelby is able to pull off a high quality aluminum car, and prices a painted roller for, say, $4000 more than a Kirkham car?

How could he do this? Well, those craftsmen working at the AC plant probably would love to be working on Cobras, and probably don't have a lot of other options without relocating. To be able to stay in their location, be employed during what has been a down economy, and be employed in working on something they love (Cobras!) may compensate for moderate wages. Also, the labor rates in England (I presume) are similar to the labor rates in Ireland. Ireland is becoming a hot bed for semiconductor manufacturing because of tax reasons and lower wages. I am presuming this also applies to England.

This is just a what if scenario, which I think falls in to the realm of "possibility". You can argue the liklihood, if you want. Nevertheless, Shelby's 'glass car announcement over the Summer, and this announcement indicates some changes are taking place in the market. It would be ludicrous to turn a blind eye to these developments and assume that business as usual is a foregone conclusion.

If I were a Cobra manufacturer, I'd be watching this pretty carefully.