Lance Stander (Superformance) makes Forbes

[Randall Thomas]

However, the real difference is, yours is truly "opinion", whereas mine came from the source. Please understand, I'm not trying to convince you or anyone else of anything, other than what the facts are.

I suspect hearing any of the details or further facts from anyone here isn't going to mean much too you, so if getting to those facts are truly your motive you can call up Lance Stander yourself. He is always a pleasure to speak with and loves other brand owners just as much as his own.

I told him you may be calling so he would be glad to speak with you if he is in the office whenever you call. I didn't know who you were other than "Rod knock", so they will get you right through to Lance if you call (949) 900-1960. And then you can ask clarification on what you disbelieve, directly.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by Randall Thomas

However, the real difference is, yours is truly "opinion", whereas mine came from the source. Please understand, I'm not trying to convince you or anyone else of anything, other than what the facts are.

I suspect hearing any of the details or further facts from anyone here isn't going to mean much too you, so if getting to those facts are truly your motive you can call up Lance Stander yourself. He is always a pleasure to speak with and loves other brand owners just as much as his own.

I told him you may be calling so he would be glad to speak with you if he is in the office whenever you call. I didn't know who you were other than "Rod knock", so they will get you right through to Lance if you call (949) 900-1960. And then you can ask clarification on what you disbelieve, directly.

Thank you Mr. Thomas for the invitation to speak with Mr. Stadler, but I have no plans to call him, because beyond our interactions here, I don't really care.

And I'm not sure what these "facts" are that you're referring to. But you have offered opinions here, as has Mr. Stadler in the Forbes article. So, we all have opined on the topic being discussed.

There are some basic facts, such as Mr. Stadler owns Superformance and he makes and sells cars for a living. And his is the only company to sell licensed Shelby products like the Superformance. I can agree with those set of facts.

The other fact is that Mr. Stadler, according to you, is disappointed in the Forbes article. And on that fact, we can also agree.

I really like Superformance products, especially the MKII, GT40 and GS Corvette replicas, they're very good products. But to tell you the truth, between you, Rick and some others here, and the article, I've soured on the company.

Frequently, I get "Likes" and some positive PM's from people who don't post much, if ever, but otherwise, no one listens to me anyway. And I'm fine with that.

[Randall Thomas]

It sure sounded like you cared. It must have been misinterpreted.

By the way, if you are truly interested in "accuracy", the name of the owner of Superformance is Mr. Stander.... not Stadler. Maybe you are mixing Lance Stander, owner of Superformance along with John Sadler, owner of SAFIR GT40, together.

However you are absolutely 100% correct that both you and Lance Stander agree upon and are BOTH deeply disappointed in the inaccuracies of the article.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by Randall Thomas

It sure sounded like you cared. It must have been misinterpreted.

By the way, if you are truly interested in "accuracy", the name of the owner of Superformance is Mr. Stander.... not Stadler. Maybe you are mixing Lance Stander, owner of Superformance along with John Sadler, owner of SAFIR GT40, together.

However you are absolutely 100% correct that both you and Lance Stander agree upon and are BOTH deeply disappointed in the inaccuracies of the article.

Thank you for spelling correction of Mr. Stander's name. I didn't know.

And for the record, I find your tone here with me insulting. That's the way it comes across to me, but for some reason, that really doesn't surprise me when people confuse facts and opinions. Calling your own opinions, facts, and other's opinions as "just opinions."

Beyond the inaccuracies of the article, and there were plenty IMO , and the insulting tone in which I was addressed here by a representative of SPF, nope, I don't care.

[Bernica]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

Thank you, Mr. Thomas. Yes, we have a difference of opinion.

I quickly grabbed a few sentences from the article:

"We don’t build anything that can be considered a replica."

"We copied everything. And we do it very well."

"It’s definitely not a kit car."

"But up until now, we had to trade under the kit car law."

"It’s not a replica. It’s definitely not a kit car. It’s a brand new Shelby. It’s just brakes upgraded and stuff like that has changed but otherwise the car is the same as what it was in the ‘60s. It’s just new. The same with the Daytona. Every now and then somebody will write and say, ”It’s a replica,” but it’s not a replica. It doesn’t replicate the original car because it’s different dimensions."

"Currently, you walk into the showroom, we will then show you what we call a roller. It’s a roller, minus engine, transmission and driveshaft, at the present."

"Our Shelby is the genuine Shelby."

That certainly doesn't sound like Lance! He totally knows the difference between his SPF product and the Shelbys, both of which he sells.

I have been mis-quoted before in several articles in my business to the point that I just refused to do them anymore. In one case years ago, talking to the LA Business Journal reporter about the construction industry in LA. He assured me that I would see a draft of his article. Never happened.

I ended up fielding phone calls from many of my friends and friendly competitors when it came out saying "Bernica!...what the hell are you talking about!!!?". That was rough, I was pissed, and the last one I ever did.

As for someone like Lance or anyone for that matter that has taken a business and made it a success through hard work, passion and drive gets my respect. I don't care if you are selling cars or pencils!

That's my 2c.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by Bernica

As for someone like Lance or anyone for that matter that has taken a business and made it a success through hard work, passion and drive gets my respect. I don't care if you are selling cars or pencils!

That's my 2c.

Bernica, the "fact" that someone has taken a business and made it a success through "hard work, passion and drive" will never automatically get my respect. And I'm sure they could care less about my respect.

I'm just a peon in this world, but the article as written, is, as Mr. Thomas has said, disappointing. Life goes on.

Let's talk about the Kevin Durant signing with the Warriors. Aren't you excited?

[Bernica]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

Bernica, the "fact" that someone has taken a business and made it a success through "hard work, passion and drive" will never automatically get my respect.

Let's talk about the Kevin Durant signing with the Warriors. Aren't you excited?

RK: Well, you're on a roll on this one for sure!
When I speak of someone that has succeeded in business, I mean someone that I have watched do it and how they did it.

As far as Durant, could care less. Just happy to have Luke back with the Lakers and start the rebuilding process.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by Bernica

RK:
When I speak of someone that has succeeded in business, I mean someone that I have watched do it and how they did it.

Personally, I would rather just be lucky and blindly stumble in to success without really having to work at it.

[BMK]

Well done Lance.

I was fortunate enough to meet Lance years ago in Costa Mesa when I visited his small factory agency.

He and his wife were very welcoming.

He offered to show me a Daytona he had just brought and I waited around to follow him to see it.

Lance rushed out the door on his cell phone and took off in his car a breakneck speed, I followed...

He had forgotten about me as he was obviously distracted. I followed him a speed down transit lanes, along freeways and just got through the gates at his gated house estate...

What a shock for him when he arrived home and I was behind him. Apologizing he took me in and then across the road to meet his Australian neighbour who was recovering from a tennis injury.

Yes that was years ago and at that time Lances passion was obvious.

Say Hi to him for me if you see him..

Bernie

[BMK]

I like Lance and I drive a Kirkham..

[Antny]

As a newcomer here, I can't believe there is any debate over what a real Cobra is vs everything else. How can there be any confusion or dispute? In my warped mind, only 998 or so real Cobras were ever built. Everything else is a replica, a fake, a recreation, whatever term you prefer. If I'm wrong, please educate me.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by Antny

As a newcomer here, I can't believe there is any debate over what a real Cobra is vs everything else. How can there be any confusion or dispute? In my warped mind, only 998 or so real Cobras were ever built. Everything else is a replica, a fake, a recreation, whatever term you prefer. If I'm wrong, please educate me.

We've discussed this real versus replica nonsense for forever. I would just refer you to the 100 or so other threads where we've beaten this horse to death. (MrMustang, please insert the dead horse being beaten cartoon).

It's only being brought up now, again, because of the article on Mr. Stander and SPF.

I still love this thread, Bernica. Sorry for all the trouble I'm causing you! And of course, for being an "enormous ass."

[Bernica]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

I still love this thread, Bernica. Sorry for all the trouble I'm causing you! And of course, for being an "enormous ass."

No worries here. I have a tough skin and nobody is taking shots at me!
Just going to get the popcorn and watch!

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by Bernica

No worries here. I have a tough skin and nobody is taking shots at me! Just going to get the popcorn and watch!

You're the fair-haired golden boy around here. Me, OTOH, well, let's just say I'm the flaming a$$hat. Rick and I can start a new club.

[Bernica]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

You're the fair-haired golden boy around here. Me, OTOH, well, let's just say I'm the flaming a$$hat. Rick and I can start a new club.

That's because I am usually "Zen Bernica" here. It comes with age and understanding of people. I don't look for fights anymore, but I can still finish them.

[Mark IV]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

You're the fair-haired golden boy around here. Me, OTOH, well, let's just say I'm the flaming a$$hat. Rick and I can start a new club.

Like Groucho, I wouldn't join any club that would have me as member!

In fact I run the "Lone Wolf Sports Car Club" an organization that does not allow membership!

[Antny]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

We've discussed this real versus replica nonsense for forever. I would just refer you to the 100 or so other threads where we've beaten this horse to death. (MrMustang, please insert the dead horse being beaten cartoon).

It's only being brought up now, again, because of the article on Mr. Stander and SPF.

I still love this thread, Bernica. Sorry for all the trouble I'm causing you! And of course, for being an "enormous ass."

That, in and of itself, is mind boggling. That's like discussing if water is wet.

[buddyg]

Interesting that Superformance has this on the front page of their site:

"There's an exception when it comes to Jimmy Price and Lance Stander. Superformance International makes replica Cobras in South Africa and calls the two-seat roadster they build the MKIII. It's not a true Shelby, but I've endorsed and licensed the car for being as close to correct and well-built as possible."

- Carroll Shelby (Octane, Oct. 2006)


And then on the individual Cobra MK III page

The Superformance MKIII is the only Cobra replica built under license from Carroll Shelby Licensing Inc.

What makes the MKIII so much better than its competitors? It looks like an exact replica should. It is sure-footed, reliable and is as exciting as the great sport roadsters of the sixties. Each rolling chassis comes completely assembled and painted, less engine and transmission.

So obviously Superformance is NOT marketing their cars as ORIGINAL Cobra's.

Carry on with your bickering.

[Bernica]

Originally Posted by buddyg

Interesting that Superformance has this on the front page of their site:

"There's an exception when it comes to Jimmy Price and Lance Stander. Superformance International makes replica Cobras in South Africa and calls the two-seat roadster they build the MKIII. It's not a true Shelby, but I've endorsed and licensed the car for being as close to correct and well-built as possible."

- Carroll Shelby (Octane, Oct. 2006)


And then on the individual Cobra MK III page

The Superformance MKIII is the only Cobra replica built under license from Carroll Shelby Licensing Inc.

What makes the MKIII so much better than its competitors? It looks like an exact replica should. It is sure-footed, reliable and is as exciting as the great sport roadsters of the sixties. Each rolling chassis comes completely assembled and painted, less engine and transmission.

So obviously Superformance is NOT marketing their cars as ORIGINAL Cobra's.

Carry on with your bickering.

Well put BuddyG! I have parked my car (a 4000 series) at a show along side a well-known 3000 series and one of Lance's SPF's and have seen him walk people around them all and explain the differences. He doesn't try to convince anyone that the SPF is an original, only that it is a close replica.

[RodKnock]

Buddy's post would be interesting to me, if it were in fact what we're talking about, which was the Forbes article. And the Forbes article dealt with more than just the SPF selling cars as more than just a Superformance. The article also discussed other subjects like the word "genuine," "replica" and "kit car." And also discussed CSX.

I thought the matter was settled when at least some of us agreed that the Forbes article was "disappointing." And it was to me.