Evan,
My poor malaligned New Jersey friend, once again in true plumbers fashion, you've managed to divert your fluid cerebral flow into perceiving that our CSX's are more than rebadged and slightly improved Kirkhams or Kimmons cars. I agree that the CSX label does carry an increased monetary value but if you simply remove the CSX badge, it becomes another replication of an original 60's production car. Similarly if you place that same badge on a new KMP and place it beside a CSX, they will be indistinguishable to even the most discerning eye.
You asked to name a person that was influential with the AC evolution: how about Peter Brock.
The performance legend of the cobra was cemented well before the introduction of the 427. The media exploitation in the United Staes certainly wasn't as acute as today nor was the racing interest. It was the 289 that opened the door for the rivalry with Corvette and subsequently the development of the 427SC.
The insanity of investing in our CSX's for "authenticity" is contagious and though it may represent a certain level of success in life, it is merely another passion that shares the platform with many very competent suitors. I plan to drive the hell out of my CSX as well as also my SPF and guess what, they are BOTH absolutely wonderful cars that provide valuable memories and experiences. Like Mikey in the old "Life" cereal commercial always said: "try it, you'll like it"
