Anybody lining up for the new Shelby Cobra?

[Dimis]

I'm torn... so thinking out loud.

Even ignoring the price issue...

If I'm to believe what I've read, then Shelby (via Joe - Good on him!) are finally trying to "catch up" to Kirkham in terms of what they offer.
Parts of me hope they do.

But no matter what they do (short of buying out Kirkham I guess), they can only ever be a rebadged/branded car of equal, or lesser quality (be it from Kirkham or other). No? Or is this disputable?

Clearly I'm missing something....

[David Kirkham]

Originally Posted by Dimis

I'm torn... so thinking out loud.

Even ignoring the price issue...

If I'm to believe what I've read, then Shelby (via Joe - Good on him!) are finally trying to "catch up" to Kirkham in terms of what they offer.
Parts of me hope they do.

But no matter what they do (short of buying out Kirkham I guess), they can only ever be a rebadged/branded car of equal, or lesser quality (be it from Kirkham or other). No? Or is this disputable?

Clearly I'm missing something....

Shelby clearly has one of the most successful brands in the world. Even so, Joe has taken a successful brand and made it even better. That is an extraordinary accomplishment. Many, many people are far more adept at destroying well-known brands than improving them. Joe and Keith have a move forward attitude and it is spreading through Shelby quickly.

Joe Feliciano at DenBeste Motorsports (Shelby Engines) has taught us quite a bit. He is a fabulous engine builder with a ton of insight and experience. Bill DenBeste has taught me quite a bit personally as well on a business level. I wouldn't mind "catching" either company.

David

[Buzz]

Originally Posted by Dimis

I'm torn... so thinking out loud.

Even ignoring the price issue...

I'm to believe what I've read, then Shelby (via Joe - Good on him!) are finally trying to "catch up" to Kirkham in terms of what they offer.
Parts of me hope they do.

But no matter what they do (short of buying out Kirkham I guess), they can only ever be a rebadged/branded car of equal, or lesser quality (be it from Kirkham or other). No? Or is this disputable?

Clearly I'm missing something....

Hi Dimis - put these same thoughts into the context of the relationship between AC and Shelby back in the sixties. AC Cobras and Shelby Cobras. Do you think there's a relevant parallel?

[Dimis]

David - thanks for taking the time to post.

Originally Posted by Buzz

Hi Dimis - put these same thoughts into the context of the relationship between AC and Shelby back in the sixties. AC Cobras and Shelby Cobras. Do you think there's a relevant parallel?

Buzz - I'm not sure it matters
But its a fair question that deserves an answer.

For the sake of argument, the AC in-line 6 2Litre engine, was NOT Shelby's "improved" Ford V8 engine, and it was this change in recipe which "we" admire, love and hope to replicate.

There's a line between taking ingredients, mixing them to bake/improve your cake, vs what seemingly is hopping down to the bakery, buying a cake and swapping the wrapping.

Or is that thought out of line?

[REAL 1]

Originally Posted by Buzz

Hi Dimis - put these same thoughts into the context of the relationship between AC and Shelby back in the sixties. AC Cobras and Shelby Cobras. Do you think there's a relevant parallel?

It's a direct parallel.

[Dimis]

Originally Posted by REAL 1

It's a direct parallel.

I'm interested how so?
Objectively please, not self-servingly please...