I'm Dying...and I want to drive my car...All Read Please

[computerworks]

...if you need any help with the uploads.. let me know.

[BigGuy]

Good News! Congratulations Dwayne. Enjoy your car!

Can't wait to see the pictures.... I'm sure thats' you with the big GRIN!


Good job everyone who helped clearing this mess up.


Dwayne,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

[Wayne Maybury]

What I found most gratifying was the fact that Dwayne was not only well enough see the car arrive, he was also able to drive it.

Lets hope that he can beat this terrible disease and be able to enjoy his car for many years to come.

Wayne

[DonC]

Ron:
Thanks for the offer of help but I think I've pretty much got the posting down. Shot in RAW format because I'll be doing prints for Dwayne and have to process a bit more than I'd do with JPG's.
DonC

[BMK]

grillyiv

Jim,

Don't think anything will be achieved by discussing CS, SAI or Finishline's individual or collective fault.

It appears that behind the scenes key people jumped onto Finishline and the car was completed. A good result.



This entire 'Thread" ran over only a few days and CS was in there once he knew of the problem. So perhaps the one or two 'Posts' that were a little critical could acknowledge his positive involvement. Nothing more.

The reference to CS and his black hat could then be percieved as a hat thats keeping the sun off his face...

Oh to live in Utopia...

Hey it's good that Dwayne has his Cobra and is out cruising..

Jim Mc and Big -Foot

I think you guys have got it covered well.. let's move onto positive things...

Photos guys..

Cheers

Bernie

[Buzz]

I can't imagine anyone being anything but happy that this was resolved the way it was and that Dwayne is finally sitting in his dream car. The reference to Shelby's black hat is a common one to anyone who has been around for a while - it means that he is often seen wearing a black Stetson; nothing more. I take it that you were referring to my last post... or maybe that was just another addition to your post count not really meant to be read or taken seriously...? Either way, the main thing is that the man in the black hat finally did us all proud by lighting a firecracker under Roy Hunt's a$$ and helping Dwayne get his car. I'm happy for that but I don't feel that I owe any apologies because like Pat sez, something should really have been done sooner. I can't wait to see the pictures of Dwayne in his Cobra - that's all that really matters here.

[jrussell]

Wow,
I am so glad the car was finally delivered ans Dwayne can get some long awaited enjoyment. That being said, do you know if a clear title was also delivered?? If it was, this very well just might be over..........finally!!!
Don C, I can't wait to see your pictures, as I would imagine everyone that has posted here and/or read this thread is also.
This is indeed the best news I have heard in a long time, so next we just need to hear the cancer in in remission.
That is what is now in my prayers!
Go for it Dwayne, for you have indeed earned the ride!!
The best of luck to you,
John Russell

[daltondavid]

[quote]Originally posted by Buzz


The reference to Shelby's black hat is a common one to anyone who has been around for a while - it means that he is often seen wearing a black Stetson; nothing more. Thats a scary mental picture!

[crillyiv]

Bernie,
I was responding to someone's apparent call for an apology to CS. I was not assigning blame for the delay. There are many people who know far more about that than I.

I do think CS is the head of SAI in the public's eye and that nobody could have more influence over a dealer than him. I give him all the credit he deserves for helping push to get the car done. I am glad that there are people out there who have his ear and were able to direct his attention to this. For all I know, and I suspect, CSX 2300 is one of them.

I am now back in "Thankful God gave us Cobras" mode. iow, CS


Regardless, it is more important that the car is done. Dwayne was able to drive it and hopefully will continue to do so for many many years to come

[TerrysSPF]

Originally posted by PatBuckley


csx2300-

This is pretty much a one way deal. Most seem to be able to be objective but there are also a vocal few who seem to revel in taking every opportunity to slam Shelby.

Regarding apologizing to Shelby - it is my opinion that something should have been done a long time ago regarding getting this car done. The people at Shelby can't say they had no idea this was going on...the fact that some screws weren't turned by Shelby on Finishline before this kind of puts Shelby in the same boat as Finishline - IMO.

I would say at best it is a draw.

No apology needed, none given.

I am just glad this sorry story is over. As a Shelby supporter, it was hard reading.

Pat: Excellent post and very well put. I'd have to say that I agree with just about everything you said.......especially if, when you say "Shelby" you are referring to Shelby THE COMPANY and not Carroll Shelby HIMSELF.
I've been critical of Shelby in the past but I'm becoming more and more of the opinion that CS really doesn't know what's going on there and that his company is being run by "others". Sure, CS probably hired these people and put them in places of managment, so he has to take some blame there........but I think he is pretty much out of the loop of day-to-day operations. I don't know.......I may be wrong, but that's how I feel.
As Pat stated in his post, I'm sure there WERE some at SAI that knew what was going on at Finish Line (and should have stepped in earlier)- in fact, I believe Danny eluded to this in one of his post regarding a meeting with Brent F (after Roy Hunt lied to Dwayne). But, SAI's original delivery of the car to Roy Hunt was on time and it is Mr. Hunt that dropped the ball from there. I highly doubt that Mr Hunt picks up the phone and calls Carroll Shelby and tells him when he has fallen behind on a customer's build, so CS probably knew nothing about this.......until it got WAY out of hand, and then he stepped in (which I give him a lot of credit for). -I'm sure he is the main reason the car ultimately got finished. Good to hear he can still kick some ass when he wants to / has to.
As for Roy Hunt & Finish Line............well, what's there to say that hasn't already been said. If his business doesn't take a hit because of this I would be very surprised. Should Shelby have a few words with Mr. Hunt? -Absolutely. Will Finish Line be dropped as a Shelby dealership? -Doubtful. We'll have to wait and see what happens from here. Hopefully this will at least light a fire under Mr. Hunts ass to take care of his customers. In some of the pictures posted of Dwayne's car, it looked like there were quite a few Cobra's in the background that were being worked on. Hopefully THOSE people (as well as future customers) will be treated a little better as a result of all this.

Do I feel I owe someone an apology? No. -Especially Mr. Hunt. His customer service on this job was dreadful (especially LYING to Dwayne about someone elses car being his.......come on!). Also, whether you take into consideration the circumstances of Dwayne's illness or not (THAT just made it WORSE!), you don't take over 26 MONTHS to finish a car that you said would be done in 9...........especially after the customer has given you 140K.
If ANYONE should apologize here it should be Roy Hunt. -And he should apologize to Dwayne, and (IMO) he should have given Dwayne a discount for his troubles. But that's just me......

I'm just thankful it's all over.
God Bless you Dwayne and hope you enjoy your new ride!

[Buzz]

[quote]Originally posted by daltondavid

Originally posted by Buzz


The reference to Shelby's black hat is a common one to anyone who has been around for a while - it means that he is often seen wearing a black Stetson; nothing more. Thats a scary mental picture!

LMAO!! No kidding! [IMG] [/IMG]

[BMK]

So CS wears a black hat..

Guess I read the "Post' incorrectly. Damn I thought someone said..

"..and that's why he wears a black hat"



In all them western movies that you guys sent 'down under' only the bad guys wore black hats.

Obviously I misunderstood the inference in the "Post".

Guess I'm a kangaroo short in the top paddock..

Bernie

Off to 'Post" somewhere else - didn't know there was someone watching my count.........

[427sharpe]

It is great to hear that Dewayne finally got his car...I hope he has a LONG time to enjoy it!
CSX2300---I would like to extend my thanks to YOU for taking the time out of your day to get involved in this and push the chains forward. I do not think this would have happened without the involvement that you took. As for Shelby, I think he gets thrown a beating virtually every time a thread 'round here opens nowadays, so . It seems that he can't do anything to please anybody here. I still think Hunt has gotten off pretty lightly...so far. I only hope that memories run long. I would also like to say thanks to CS, for his actions in this mess. I do agree with some of the earlier posts, that feel that he isn't all that involved in the day to day ops at the car company...with all of his health problems I am sure that other things take his time.

[HOGDEALER]

*** UPDATE ***

John Russell -

In answer to your question. Yes the MSO (Manufactures Statement of Origin) was delivered with the car, along with the SAI plaques. The car was registered to Dwayne yesterday.

Dwayne drove his Cobra into my Harley Dealership yesterday with his new FIANCEE. Yes Dwayne is going to marry his long time care taker / girl friend, Keena.

Dwaynes car sounds just great!! It is like a whole herd of Harleys comming down the street. He is running the "Race Only" tires around with big white Goodyear letters. Everyone at the Dealership was glad to finally see him get his car!!

HOGDEALER

[Dsprint2000]

Sounds like Dwayne has received some much needed Cobra medicine to soothe his being!!!! That being said, Danny - you are one he!! of a man and friend! After this episode quites down, hope that you stick around and check in from time to time.

Take care.

David

[DonC]

O.K. here goes. These are some of the photos taken of Dwayne and his car the day it arrived. I'm only posting the high lights here, there are more in my gallery
In attendance were:
Dwayne
Dwayne's son Josh
Dwayne's caregiver and partner Keena
Dwayne's very good friend Danny Miller
Dwayne's other very good friend Mike Paturzo
Ted Kubiaczyd of Shelby Autos who drove the truck
DonC of Club Cobra
The car arrived about 10:00 and the temp was about 60 and the sun was shining. This is very unusual for the Oregon coast and almost unheard of in January.
1. Dwayne's son Josh trying to keep him from exploding waiting for the car



2. Dwayne, Josh, Danny and Mike looking like expectant parents by the road.



3. The truck coming in.



4. The anticipation is so thick you could cut it with a knife.


5. First look after more than 2 years.


6. View from inside.



7. The birth.



8. Climbing in for the first time. Remember what if felt like?


9. First start smile. Remember what if felt like?


10. Real Shelby engine. It says so on the valve covers.


11. The proud papa.



12. 30 seconds is plenty of time, lets light them up.



13. The other new toy, an anniversary edition Harley painted the same as the car.



14. How's this for bookends.


15. Dwayne and his two new loves.


16. Dwayne and Danny, a true friend in every sense of the word.


17. The father and son team Dwayne and Josh.


18. Dwayne and Keena wondering if maybe he should have ordered red.


19. Nah. I like the silver.



20. The perfect ending to a perfect day.



DonC

[Power Surge]

Don, the pics look great! Man, every pic has a smile on Dwaynes face!

That car looks just plain awesome. Roy Hunt may be a scumbag, but at least he builds a nice car.

Looks like just a plain great time all around. Hope Dwayne enjoys ever second of that car!

[HOGDEALER]

Don,
Thanks for the photo's they are great!! You really captured the whole event!!

[Dsprint2000]

Hey Danny -

Any chance that Dwayne will post here? Sure would like to "hear" his musings after taking delivery. That smile........

cost for dream car- $145k+
time for dream car - over 2 years in the waiting
look on face of Dwayne at delivery - PRICELESS

David

[LwCwb]

Don, the pics look great, thanks for posting!

It made me crack a smile when I saw the look on Dwaynes face in the pic where he is getting in it for the first time. I bet he's still smiling! Congrats Dwayne!