[Jamo]

CV99

Let me assplain it again...folks have choices with regard to buying new Cobras.

When I purchased my second Cobra in 2002, I had it narrowed down to buying a modern arruminum Cobra from either of the two sources. Financially, it didn't make a difference. Because of the lawsuits, threats and comments to the press from the Old Man at the time, I went with the non-label choice.

It was my choice...the cars were essentially the same (much closer in the details back then) and I happened to love the person running Shelby at the time (Bob Marsh...I miss him greatly), as well as folks who were working there (Gary, Kris, etc.). Unfortunately, Bob couldn't control what others in the organization(s) were doing on behalf of the Old Man (or at least in his name).

Others made the same choice. Others bought from Shelby. They are all great cars; they all fulfill the dreams to one degree or another.

When you [keep] saying there's a backlash against the car...in reality, it is the label that may be targeted, not Cobras in general. Seems to me, folks will always buy Cobras, and they will have different reasons for doing so.

If people were pissed at Enzo, they had to buy a competitor's Italian sportsracer,not a Ferrari (sparcely produced Ferris and the Miami Vice knockoffs notwithstanding). Hell, one tractor builder got so pissed, he built his own.

I'm one of those folks who could care less about a person's title or station in life. I've rubbed shoulders with more than a few "names" and the one quality I find with (thankfully) the majority of those folks is that there is a real person behind the label. That's who I like to get to know...the person, not the label. Either I like the person, or I don't.

The current production organization is being run by some damn good folks, and they are building great modern Cobras. Anyone buying one should be thrilled with the quality they are getting. Personally, I think they are worth the money even if the badge wasn't stuck on them, and that's why the current production operation is successfully turning things around.

How folks respond to Shelby's personal actions in the Cobra community may or may not affect their business, but let's be honest here...the production of new Cobras pales in comparison to the production of Mustangs, pens and watches wil the Shelby logo.

Evan started a thread over at the soon-to-be Shelby Team site's Cobra area. I found it interesting that late model Mustang owners came on there wondering what the hell kind of car Evan was even talking about...it took some pictures to get them to understand. There are very few threads in that area. The late-model Shelby Mustang areas are exploding. The SAAC site added similar areas, and they are taking off quickly as well.

That is where the real money is...for Ford and Shelby. As with early ads for 60s Shelby Mustangs, Cobras make nice halo backdrops to catch the eye.

I simply think your premise is far too simplistic.

As to others who try to stand on moral soap boxes...

Legal issues? One need look no further than George Carlin's mid-pack ranking of "Mongolian Cluster ****" to find a way of describing what theories and arguments will come home to roost at some conference table or before the bar. We (lawyers) don't line shiney sterile tools up on a tray and ponder which to use while someone pats the sweat from our brow while we either cheat death or create heaving chests for modern Barbies...we use chainsaws, and stitch back together whatever's left.

By the way...I can almost admit to caring. I think SAAC's done something wonderful in keeping the flame alive for all of us old farts who watched these little basturds run in places like Riverside in the 60s. I also recall staying up all night and feeling pride when Foyt and Gurney kicked some Italian ass because some Texass hardass decided to take it to the evil-doers at the time.

Problem with stuff like this is that everyone tries to lay present claim to the glory.

Some of us prefer to sit back a bit and see how it all develops...and drive the damn cars because they haul ass and provide us with the same feeling of freedom as riding a new Schwinn down a long stright hill.