[Dan]

Well, there are certainly a lot of ideas here. One thing is for sure, all of us enjoy the small, sexy, classic look af an AC Roadster, no matter what engine, or what year it is. Notice I say AC Roadster as this is what the car is. I recently lived in the UK, and there are tons of them there as well. Some with Rover V-8, and some with a 6 cly. Will Shelby American go after these guys as well I wonder? Botton line is that while I respect Mr. Shelby, he is not the creator of that body style any more than I am. Heck by now it's almost public domain.
A few truths:
1. If Shelby wins the legal action. Does he really think anyone will come by one of his cars that were interested in the FFR cars? Nope, here is why. Let's say that there are 5 guys. Normal guys like us. They make between 80,000 to 150,000 and don't have 70,000 - 100,000 for a sports car. Does anyone think these guys will pool 20,000 each and go by a Shelby? I think not! No, they will go to another maker of another sports car, and buy it. We. as "Cobra" lovers will have lost 5 future friends, and Shelby will be just the same.
2. I am fortunate enough to have diven an original Cobra in 1971. I've driven a recent "real" CSX. I drove a SFI one, and own a FFR. I think really there is very little difference in any of them. Forgive me, but this is my take. No, I'm not a pro race car diver, just an adverage guy that has always liked speed, the sound of a V-8, and the wind in hair. For my money the current Shelby has nothing more to offer than any first rate replica. And perhaps not as well made as they have not been doing this for years as some car makers have. I can understand the CSX dealers want us all to think they have a vastly superior car, but sorry guys, for my $$ they do not. (the only car I look at seriously is the Kirkham).
3. I hope Mr. Shelby gets his act together and drops his legal action. I really don't think he can win, and there will always be others to take the place of any car makers he is able to put out of business. He is only placing himself in a bad light, this action on his part is the biggest reason I would not consider a car by CSX.
Lets hope for the best, and hope that anyone willing to save, and work for a Cobra of any type can do so... after all guys, that is the American way right?