rumor control--has SAAC lost its use of Shelby name?

[RACER X #99]

Originally Posted by computerworks

I'm not concerned about any of this as it relates to my GT-350. I know what is and where it came from...and I'm comfy with that.

In all fairness you 350 is a REAL Shelby

[computerworks]

Originally Posted by RACER X #99

In all fairness your 350 is a REAL Shelby

yes sir....and I don't find myself compelled to mention that, either.

[Durt]

'...write a book.'

Oh dear - voted off the island again. You kids have fun.

[fsstnotch]

Originally Posted by RACER X #99

In all fairness you 350 is a REAL Shelby

And unfortunately will probably depreciate 25-40% over the next 5-10 yrs should CS gain full rights to the registry.

Durt, that was perfectly said!

As far as badges... My POS replica will be badgeless and for good reason. It will be what it is, a driveable replica of a car that I have dreamed about owning since I was probably 2 or 3 putting my hot wheels cobra and a strip of track and lettign it race down to teh wood floor. My uncle and I used to pick like 5 or 6 cars each and race them all down the track like a competition to see whos would go the farthest. My cobra with it's rubber tires always went the shortest but it was always my first car chosen because it was my favorite! Ahhh the memories! I would never, aside from the occasional joke I'm sure, lead anyone to believe that it is original or a real shelby. Sure the emblems complete the replication, but I want the car to be as much fun as possible with no turmoil. I don't want someone telling me several years down the road that I can't have badges on my cobra because some old grumpy man has too much money and wants to sue everyone for everything he can!

Hey, maybe for a $200 donation I can get a visor or a glove box door signed!

I love the car, not the man! I just hope for the owner/enthusiasts sake that SAAC is awarded to keep the registry.

[computerworks]

Originally Posted by fsstnotch

And unfortunately will probably depreciate 25-40% over the next 5-10 yrs should CS gain full rights to the registry.

You bring up a very important and subtle point in all of this flurry.

It is my understanding that the original records of SAAC and all the data they have compiled internally and published in the form of the Registry is NOT what is being asked for in the recent lawyer letters.

What has been asked for is the return of all physical documents and records from the "old days" that were given to SAAC by Shelby.

...and the documentation ( not the originals) of the data on all Shelby vehicles that have been registered since 1996...the year Shelby Autos began making replica Cobras under their own name.

My point is: SA will not nullify the SAAC Registry past, present or future.
The Team Shelby plan will call for their own registry of the newgen stuff...and the classic stuff, if the owners want to send in their data. If no one does...that volume will be a thin book.

B-U-T nowhere is there the legalese to abscond with SAAC's Registry or the right to continue it.

As the pitchfork and torch mob runs with this stuff... it is really important to point this fine distinction out.

..and my personal opinion is that none of this will really affect present or future values of the classics. SAAC's data on the classic cars is impeccable.

[Excaliber]

Cobraviper says,

There's a dynamic in the Shelby/Enthusiast relationship that appears to be unlike anything I've seen before.

Yup, that about sums up at least the replica owners, and many of the real owners. Certainly something I've never seen in any car club circles I've been in.

Good points Ron (CW), the torches will burn down, the mob will dissapate, in time. But right now, let the torches burn bright and the mob swell!

[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.

[Jamo]

Originally Posted by Durt

'...write a book.'

Oh dear - voted off the island again. You kids have fun.

Not you! Hell, I'd take your rants into the throne room anytime.

[Wayne Maybury]

[quote=computerworks]
the year Shelby Autos began making replica Cobras under their own name.
QUOTE]

Sorry Ron but I have to ask, did you mean replica Cobras or REAL Cobras? This is so confusing. Aren't the replica Cobras really REAL Cobras????

Wayne

[Joe Wicked]

I think the reference to Shelby controlling the registry is in reference to his trademark application to SAAC as it relates to publishing books on automotive, among everything else listed. This really does look like he is trying to completely take over the SAAC registry. If he gets the trademark, then he can publish his version as the SAAC registry and SAAC must come up with a different name. To anyone who does not know that this is what is going on, will think that they are buying the latest version of the registry from the club when in reality they are not.

[fsstnotch]

Ron, it is my understanding from here and SAAC's website that CS's intentions are to eliminate SAAC all together. The data that he "loaned" Kopec, by all means he should get back. But ANY info that SAAC has compiled otherwise, he should have no rights to. And he certainly should not be bearer of any part of SAAC's registry. This is work that they have compiled out of enthusiasm for the hobby. Not wealth!

I hope you are right. I know there are alot of original Shelby owners that are VERY scared should the registry fall into CS's hands.

Any pics of your 350?

[Trevor Legate]

Originally Posted by Jamo

...write a book.

Somebody speak....???? :-)


A very good point Ron. Until the TRUE details of what's being asked for (or demanded) it might be wise to sit back awhile before reaching for the tar and feathers...and that info may be some time coming. (Back to the writing then)

[rdorman]

Will someone get the lights on the way out?

[computerworks]

Originally Posted by Joe Wicked

I think the reference to Shelby controlling the registry is in reference to his trademark application to SAAC as it relates to publishing books on automotive, among everything else listed. This really does look like he is trying to completely take over the SAAC registry.

No, not really. The basis of the legal request is to prevent SAAC from using the name "SAAC" on their published book...not a request for the content.
...not because they want to steal the name, but because the "S-A" stands for Shelby American... which is the mark they are revoking the license for.

Hey...if they are good business people, they would buy the classic volumes of the registry from SAAC wholesale and slap their own cover on it.

Just like aluminum cars.... whoa... ...did I say that? ..sorry.

[rdorman]

That should be good for 10 more pages.....

[What'saCobra?]

AC will not remain buried.

[computerworks]

Originally Posted by What'saCobra?

AC will not remain buried.

hmmm. good point. Excalibur...don't be to quick putting those AC badges on.

You could end up getting a letter from A.L.

[Jamo]

Originally Posted by computerworks

No, not really. The basis of the legal request is to prevent SAAC from using the name "SAAC" on their published book...not a request for the content.
...not because they want to steal the name, but because the "S-A" stands for Shelby American... which is the mark they are revoking the license for.

Hey...if they are good business people, they would buy the classic volumes of the registry from SAAC wholesale and slap their own cover on it.

Just like aluminum cars.... whoa... ...did I say that? ..sorry.

Hehehe....just wanted to replicate that statement.

[Jamo]

Trev...you could got straight to paperback since it would read like a Harlequin novel from hell.

[1ntCobra]

Originally Posted by computerworks

No, not really. The basis of the legal request is to prevent SAAC from using the name "SAAC" on their published book...not a request for the content.
...not because they want to steal the name, but because the "S-A" stands for Shelby American... which is the mark they are revoking the license for.

Hey...if they are good business people, they would buy the classic volumes of the registry from SAAC wholesale and slap their own cover on it.

Just like aluminum cars.... whoa... ...did I say that? ..sorry.

You know it would not be that simple. They would probably want to edit some of that information first and maybe add a bit of color. Perhaps they could ship the books off to Mexico or South Africa for some cheap modifications and have the locals do some magic with white out, typewriters and some paint.