What would happen if Shelby...

[Dan Semko]

Here's a simple question: we've all read articles about Venture's financial misfortune and their declaration of bankruptcy as well as Carroll Shelby attempting to buy back the 75% interest that Venture holds in Shelby American. Why aren't the replica manufacturers all joining financial forces and approaching Larry Winget with a "sound financial offer"? It seems only logical that if the industry collectively joined forces and purchased the majority shares of Shelby American, the entire industry would benefit. Instead of entertaining maybe .15 on each dollar, Larry Winget would try to squeeze as much as possible out of his investment.
Why aren't we hearing any rumblings about such a "venture"?

[agro1]

Dan - do you know how much at stake Larry has ??

[Paul Gillespie]

"Getting your venture captial from a bunch of counterfeiters is an EMBASSESMENT!" - CS

Would this make those replicas more "REAL" by way of indirect ownership of SAI? Would it make the value of real "next generation" CSX cars fall because SAI would be financed by a bunch of "fakes"? Oh so many questions.

[coyled]

Dan, do you think forum members would be interested after all of the blasting that shelby has been doing? I doubt that any of the replica manufactureers would be interested. Scott

[Excaliber]

Actually the prospect raises some interesting questions and poses some real delimnas. Not sure I would support it, very complex.

Ernie

[RACERAL]

What would all the mfg's do with it after they bought it. IMHO, the only thing they could do with it is to sell off the equipment and buildings and make nothing...

[wilf leek]

Semko - you have a genuine talent for stirrin' the pot. My admiration.

[Bill Kesner]

Dan.

You've got to be kidding! If I were the Kirkhams, I would entertain the idea with some possibilities As far as the others, do you honestly think ERA, SPF, FFR, and others are going to fork up some big dollars to have a majority stakehold in SAI? They have enough on their plate just running their own businesses. The last thing Carroll would ever allow is the kit makers having a say in his company as well. It will never happen!!

[A Snake]

I doubt that with the exception of the Kirkhams, the combined resources of the kit manufacturers could buy 75% of SAI for this reason:

Book value of the stock is based on assets. Actual value is based on intangibles. Intangibles being the name Shelby. For what ever people may think of Carroll Shelby, the name has value.

What is the value? Don't know. Will it have value when Shelby is gone? Yup. Ferrari still has the mystique even though Enzo is long gone.

A logical investor is not a "hooie" of kit car makers, it is an individual or company with ties to the auto industry, who can capitalize on the brand recognition. Believe it or not, and interested or not, Ford would be the logical candidate.

It may be the real players are just waiting for ol Shel to go to that race track in the sky. Negotiations will be simpler then. Who knows, the company could go into receivership and get picked up for a song.

Any bets on this?

Al

[Steve R]

My crystal ball says:
FFR will offer to buy Shelby.

[Tongue Pirate]

I'm sure FFR would love to put that in ol' Shelby's face by now!

[cobish]

The market is saturated with replicas of Cobras. To invest in this type of market is not wise.
Look at all of the Cobras for sale and the price of what was invested on these cars and compare this to the sell pri

[Excaliber]

cobish,,,I think it's a temporary thing with the price/cost ratio. It better be, I got a vested interest in one for sale, lol.

Ernie

[petek]

Ernie, perhaps, but you can wait a couple of years before selling!

[wadesdad]

Went to SAI on Sunday of last week, however, despite their hours as posted on the web-site, it was closed.

Unfortunately, I couldn't make it back during a weekday.

I have nice pictures of the outside of the building from behind the gates availabel for sale on e-bay!

[Fast Farmer]

It is easy to stir up sh!t hypothetically speaking. But then, turmoil is the norm here

Today on the farm we were literally stirring up sh!t, loading it on a sh!t wagon, and then slingin' that same ole sh!t onto the fields. The wind was blowing pretty strong today, gusts up to 40mph. It was a good day to remember sage farm advice: "When spreading sh!t, keep the wind in your face, or you're going to get some on you."

Speculation over possible bankruptcy scenarios does no more positive good than the emotional speculation over the lawsuits did. This too will play itself out, with no one here having an impact one way or another.

Fast Farmer

[Dan Semko]

The idea isn't as remote as you think. If Superformance lead by Jim Price, who has the funds and one of the best marketing strategies joined with the Kirkhams who supply the best aluminum bodies, they would dominate the industry. Consider the legal fees already invested in defending/prosecuting the various actions and it becomes palatable. A smart investment broker could offer blue chip positions to the general public or even cobra owners to underwrite whatever funding remained. Unless Shelby has the exclusive first option to purchase SAI controlling stock, the bail out for Winget will be monetary mandated regardless of Shelby's personal feelings. Venture defaulted in Germany as well as seeking bankruptcy protection here, so they're not in the best position to pick and choose where the funding originates.
I don't think the big 3 are interested in acquiring any red in this current economy. They can't move vehicles now even at 0% financing with rebates and enhanced warranties, but it wouldn't be beyond Gale, Iaacoca or Lutz independently to seize the opportunity and turn the industry on it's head!

[Bill Kesner]

Dan........Why don't you call SPF. I'm sure they can pass onto you several reasons why your scenario won't work.

Ernie...... I'll bite! What do you have your eyes on for your next car. Hope to have my car in Honolulu within the next 12-months. We'll have to hook up. - Bill -

[Turk]

Dan,
Go to your room!

TURK

[Excaliber]

Hey Bill, What big event is going down to get you to drag your car over here??? What ever it is, I would love to see your car!

Would it be the Aloha Gran Prix per chance?

http://www.aisracing.com/schedule.html

Thats gonna be a great race if Bobby B. can pull it together. He's still looking for investors, so feel free to throw your hat in the ring.

My next car? Almost for sure a Classic Roadster (DV built of course)!

Ernie


(pssssst,,,,,,don't tell anyone, but I actually do have a C.R. all ready, and it's for sale).