No CR at Carlisle?

RAZOR · #1 (**permalink**) 05-19-2002, 08:08 PM

Just wondering if anyone knows why CR wasn't at Carlisle this year? I was really dissapointed I expected to see them, I thought that most every large manufacturer would want to be at a major show like Carlisle.
Rex

Jack21 · #2 (**permalink**) 05-22-2002, 07:16 PM

Also found it disturbing that CR wasn't there. Also sent them an e-mail asking why. No reply. Asked if they'd be participating in any other events. No reply. Any insiders know what's going on with these people? They don't return phonecalls. They don't return e-mails. They don't participate in their own manufacturers forum right here.

Double Venom · #3 (**permalink**) 05-22-2002, 07:46 PM

Jack,
Responding to the forum is mine and Don's job.
CR's doesn't have to many guys up there that do the computer thing except Pete. Pete has really been trippling up on duty's lately and like most of us is just trying to catch up with his catch up.

Pete was also just diagnosed with a blood clot in his leg. Don't know how serious yet, but I can assure you it is more than a splinter problem. Ask Don about that one, he just went through it!

Carlisle: Well hmm I represented CR's at Carlisle for years. Last year they had a few customer cars there, I think. I simply haven't had time to participate in the last few years.

Am I defending them? Not hardly. I don't pretend to know where Mr. Rutherford is heading. Maybe he thinks his Cobra is so good it doesn't need advertising. I do know his Boat Division is really keeping him busy.

No exscuses and a lousy explanation.

DV

dscott · #4 (**permalink**) 05-23-2002, 07:51 AM

Jack, I agree with DV's statement. We took the responsibility of this forum years ago. I also monitor the factory web site and reply when necessary. Both Ed and I are believers in the Classic product and that is why we stepped up and decided to help. I can't give you a reason why they don't attend shows. I know for myself I quit doing shows years ago. The cost was too great for the benefit. Maybe Gary has found this true also. Not all replica companies are represented at the shows. Pete is under a heavy load and has had some medical problems lately. I think the assumption sometimes is that Classic is a huge company but they are a small business like many other replica mfg's. If you ever have a problem getting a return call or don't get an answer on e-mail send it to me and I will respond. I don't work for Classic but after 13 years I have a good relationship and I want to see them grow and improve. My toll free number is 1-888-722-6272. My e-mail is dscott@mainstreetcom.com
Don

Jack21 · #5 (**permalink**) 05-23-2002, 05:03 PM

Thanks for chiming in Don & DV. Just venting I guess.

Pete is good, and from the sound of it, Pete could use a staff of about 6 people himself. Now he has some health problems.

All the engineering on this car was done in the mid - late '80's. Since their recovery from their bk, it's been status quo, and nothing more. Meanwhile, the FFR's and others are upgrading, and adding options and new products.

And the FFR guys around here call my CR the Caddilac of Cobras. Yet it's the FFR's that are running late Mustang suspension and 13" brakes (not mid '70's Mustang II), and have a T-Bird 8.8 IRS as an option.

I guess being the factory gurus for CR has its own rewards. Just seems like you're doing their job for them and not even getting a thanks for it from CR while CR keeps their overhead to the bare minimum to keep the doors open and product out the door. Despite the fact that you have to keep the doors open and get product out the door yourselves.

Well, I, and editorially we here on this forum appreciate the interest, assistance, and insight.

Perhaps Gary Rutherford is at retirement age, will relenquish the helm, and new management will rejuvenate, rather than rape (as in the debacle of '92-'93) Classic Roadsters.

RAZOR · #6 (**permalink**) 05-23-2002, 08:35 PM

CR is a major player in the kit car world and have a great product they need the exposure of a show like Carlisle. If they want to keep a market share they need to step up to the plate, and its true FFR creates excitement and draws attention with the evolution of their product. I would just like to see the powers that be have a passion like the rest of us have. In sales "perception is reality". But I guess it's easy being an expert at another persons business. I just think the grandness of the CR demands more aggresive maketing, and exposure.

petek · #7 (**permalink**) 05-23-2002, 09:18 PM

You've got to wonder with their boat division doing well, why the heck they'd bother with the automotive division (other than to maintain a presence in the market).

Snake · #8 (**permalink**) 05-23-2002, 10:02 PM

I wish also that CR would pick up the pace and be more innovative in there product. I'm new at this and have had alot of help from ED and Don, PeteK, Jack21...just to name a few Thanks Guys!! Pete and Tammy at CR have also been a great help...and I know for a fact that the shipper is now helping in the boat section as Pete was doing the packing and shipping of my parts when I called. Like ED and Don said!! Pete could use some help...I wish Mr Rutherford would get it together and help make the Classic Roadster Cobra what it should be...not what it could be. Just my 2 cents.
Snake.