Roland "Valpodoc" said, on the third reply, "shades of Series 1", referencing the many long delays that THAT car went thru before product was delivered. I agree with him on that point. One Fast Ride pretty much paraphrased that same thought, but added some more "definition" to the Series 1 comparison. I THINK that the South African (SA) CSX is just a fiberglass-bodied Cobra, with very little, if any, changes from the aluminum Cobra made/assembled in Vegas by SAI, am I correct? Seems that the SA Cobra is getting some fine-tuning before the cars are shipped to the States...sure, would have been nice to have all that done before a release date, but schit happens, as it were!

I was indeed referring to the SA (South Africa) plant, and not the old plant in Vegas (I know they moved accross the street). I heard from 3 different sources that Shelby's SA plant looked like a ghost town. Of course, 2 of the sources are "other" replica mfgrs who could be pulling my leg (while trying to pull on my wallet!), but the other source is a neighbor who was in SA on business and made it a point to look up the new factory on his free time. He wanted to speak with someone about the new rollers and he said he went there 3 times in his 2 week trip and no one was ever around. No signs of "finished product" anywhere to be seen either. ......On strike already??? Those South Africans are becoming too Americanized. Unions.........;-)

Not uncommon at all for a business to accept orders for a product to be delievered in the future.

It happens ALL THE TIME with the Big 3 auto makers. You order a car with the options you want and THEN they build the car. And sometimes, they DON'T build it on time.

What a bunch of pu$$ies crying about how "bad" Shelby is. I tell you frankly,,,,you pissers and moaners are really starting to bother me.

Tell you what, take your DAM SPF and stick it where the sun don't shine. That box frame piece of $hit seems to attract more owners with their head up their a$$ than any other replica out there!

If the shoe fits, yeah I WAS talking to YOU!

Ernie

:LOL:


Yea,..... but Ernie .....how do you really feel......

.........that's good stuff, Ernie.:LOL: :LOL: :LOL: :LOL:

Does anyone have any stories regarding early numbered cars from ERA, SPF, FFR, Unique, EM?

Were they all perfect?

I remember our first color TV. It stunk. We were the frirst ones on our block. Some of the neighnbours are still waiting for their first one. They heard in 2006 HD will be the standard, and the tuners will be built into the sets.

At the mean time they are still watching Black and White waiting for the Color TV's to become perfect.

Who did the right thing, who is wrong. You decide.

If the SA built CSX cars were perfect, do you think some of these people would say anything differnt and buy one.?Hell no. They already got a perfect SPF. Why should they?

This is so poorly argued, it is beginning to reflect more negatively on SPF than on Shelby.

TURK

Well I know that SPF did not have a perfect car at #303, so Shelby has a long way to go.

Allan:o

How is ANYTHING negative being reflected on SPF??? Exactly WHAT is being argued??? SPF is taking in orders, and pumping out cars for their customers......in a timely manner. What's negative about THAT? On the other hand.......Shelby is taking in NON-REFUNDABLE deposits, teasing potential buyers with a special "introductory price" that has been "continued" at least twice now, and playing the "delay game", ala Series 1. I've heard from 3 different people that nobody seems to work at the SA factory, and all we have seen so far is a proto type that, according to many sources, is going to differ from the production models.

I know there have been many changes / upgrades to the "other" replicas that have been around for awhile. There is no "perfect" car. But I don't remember them taking non-refundable deposits from people and asking them to wait past their initial stated delivery date (WAY past!), and to be patient because, after all, "we are improving the product".

Hey, I hope Shelby DOES come out with a decent car. It only improves the "sport" that we all love and share here. I personally think, however, that the only reason he came out with these SA cars was out of greed, and jealousy of what the "other" mfgrs have accomplished. I always liked thinking that the Shelby CSX cars were THE car to have in this industry. Made by Shelby, FE engine, CSX number, registry, and yes......high price tag. This new car kind of takes away the "specialness" of owning a REAL Cobra (IMO).

Oh, by the way............. Some of you guys have your head so far up Shelby's keester, you can tell what he had for lunch (IMHO).:p

SPF#243 was perfect. Still is. Sorry to disappoint you.

Delivery delays & set up headaches 6 years ago were a result of

A.) The boneheads who used to run House of Cobras.
B.) Superformance (who took turns pointing a finger at HOC)
and
C.) A dockworkers strike at Long Beach that stranded my car on a freighter for at least a month and a half.

I have no doubt that all good things come to those who wait - including the new CSX's.

But I own a Superformance. I must have a sinister hidden agenda.

Good lord.

Yes,
It is all out in the open now. It took you to figure it all out. Shelby is in it for greed. Others are in it for what? Charity?

Nothing negative is being reflected on SPF. Not the car. Just a few rabid SPF owners who are busy inflicting pain and suffering on those who are not fortunate enough to own one of those cars.

Continuing an introductory offer is nothing new. GM has extended the 0% (ZERO) financing since 9/11. I am glad they did.

If there are delays in the initial delivery of the product to those who gave their hard earned money to Shelby already, we should be supportive of their agony of wait. Delayed delivery dates does not make the car any less of a car. It just pisses of the owners. Shouldn't affect you or I.

If prompt delivery was the measuring stick of the quality of a car, KIA would be the champion.

Last I checked, $50,000 deposit may get you in line for a Bentley Continental GT. No promised delivery date or year either.

I have been taking NON REFUNDABLE deposits on certain vehicles like Corvettes, SSRs, XLRs just like those paid to other dealers on Vipers, GT-40s, Mini Coopers. It is not all that unusual in the car business. I think even some hotels do something similar.

If you hope Shelby comes out for a decent product, I can only assume you will be happy for someone. For those whose deposits were not lost, or those who ended up with a better car than the one you have?

To think Shelby is coming out with this car because of "jealousy" has me stunned. Name another company who went into manufacturing something because they are jealous!!

Shelby couldn't beat them in court, maybe he wants to give it a try the good old American way. Competition. If he does, he will sell cars. If he doesn't he won't. You and I won't get to decide that. Market place will.

Let's not hold Shelby CSX car to a higher standard than others. It is under a $40K Cobra for cripes sake. What do you expect for $40K?


I can't say what Shelby had for lunch, but I could probably tell where he ate. I don't quite have my head up his butt that deep yet!
When I do, I will look you up.

TURK
It kind a smells in here.

This thread's a joke, right? You guys can't be seriously arguing about the merits of a car that hasn't hit the streets, are you?

It's gonna be a long winter...

My gawd when did we go back to the 3rd grade? What abunch of whiny NON-SAI owners. Why the hell do you guys care how long it takes SAI to deliver our cars? I'm waiting on CSX 4780 myself and could give a flying rats ass about how long it takes, as long as I get the car. And as far as this knocking the changes being made on the fly..who gives a S**T?!? I was told of these changes by SAI when I was there a month ago and saw the first car CAV built. I'm glad the changes are being made. What, this is something new to people? Like every car manufacturer doesn't improve on the breed every so often? Get over yourselves. Jeez, be glad you have a car to drive and shut your cock holsters! Whiny babies.....

Wow, I feel better already!

t.

Waiting is part of the experience.;)

I'm hoping Morgan (Red CSX) is ready to run down the Blossom Trail here in Fresno next Spring...another Fresno Cobra.:3DSMILE:

Every large assemblage of folks is going to have a variety of personalities. Our large Superformance group is no different. While it is fine for us to work to correct misunderstandings about our particular variety of Replica, i don't think it is our concern to speculate about another brand's introduction or "quality" or cost.

Fans of SPF already have a Replica, (most of us, at least) so these sorts of things really only concern those who don't, or have a CAV car on order.

I have seen some blantant salesmanship about the new player on the block, which i supose challanged some pro SPF folks to counter with their comments and criticisms, but i am pretty sure those with $50K plus to spend on such a primative car are able to sort out things for themselves, and don't need our advice or cautions.

Lets let the owners of these new cars rave about them, and the thrill of their ownership, and quit telling them why they should or shouldn't be pleased with their choice.

I don't think Brent created this place to be a forum for bashing one another.

Jamo,

Looking forward to that Blossom Trail Drive as well as getting it on the open track and meeting you and your Kirkham in person. Was hoping to have it ready for SAAC does Vegas but that looking like it might not happen. More than likely be there anyway since I normally write the article on the event for the Northern Cal Shelby Club. In the intrem, I am buiilding the 427 and gathering the parts need to get it on the road quickly after it arrives.

Turk... right on, man
 

Just because an owner of a particular brand says or does something, it doesn't mean they represent or casts a shadow of the company that made the car they happen to own.

In the Cobra world however, it's a lot closer knit family from owner to manufacturer, so the associations are easier to accuse them of I suppose.

Bantering back and forth about the features, performance and technical points of different brands is always interesting to both sides as well as onlookers alike. But bantering the companies business ethics, procedures and policies is not the owners business, but should be best left up to the companies themselves to deal with. After all, were just customers, not share holders.

Many of these new CSX buyers that just got done plunking down 10 grand certainly do not need to hear that they are not going to get their car or their money back, and if anyone tells them that, they are going to respond in kind. Let's just hope for the best for them and remind ourselves what a happy experience it was when we were waiting for our cars... then think what these other poor folk's memory of their experience will be becasue of this. That's just not fair to anyone.

Looking back through all the discussion there seems to be a turning point of where the "brand vs. brand" apparently turned an ugly corner, and specifically onto Shelby. And that appears to be when he put out that ad stating "you're kit car is an embarassment." That one hit home on a lot of people, so maybe a lot of the super sensitivity is still coming from that.

While I personally didn't think it was too good of a marketing spot, it did catch your attention! That's all water under the bridge, and while I'm not so sure I liked the way ol' Shel handled things in the past few years, IF he were to be in my town and IF he needed a place to stay, my home and hospitality would be his to enjoy... just like any of you would be just as welcome.

Defending your brand is nothing new. But to take it to the level it has, would be like the 65 Mustang guys disowning the 69 Mustang guys, and teaming up to attack the 70's Mustang guys. If that was the case everyone would be driving Pinto's! And what would a replica of that be... a Mercury Bobcat? no thanks.

/Randall

Turk: If you ever get your head THAT far up CS's butt, DON'T look me up until you've had a shower!

Jealousy may not have been the right word to use, for Shelby getting into the 40K roller market. I'll switch to "greed" instead. How long did he sit back and watch other mfgrs. make a killing on, what he claims is "his" car (even though the courts say otherwise). He couldn't stand the fact that people weren't buying HIS Cobra's at a much higher price, versus the "other" mfgrs. cars at a very competitive price. It got to the point that they (the other mfgrs) were starting to put out such a GOOD product for the money, that he HAD to do something. I really do hope it IS a decent car.......that only promotes competition, and forces mfgrs to make a better product. Then we ALL win. Will it be a better "bang for your buck" roller than an SPF? Only time will tell. I'd like to see the 2 companies vehicles go at it head to head in the "Chassis Competition" that is being discussed on a different thread. Will it be better than an ERA? They (Shelby) will have their hands full doing that. .....But you can't forget what you ARE getting with the SA CSX cars, and that is the "name". To some, that means EVERYTHING (and I'm happy that those people can now get into this market without getting a 2nd mortgage). To others, the "name" will only carry the product so far.
Hey, as long as we are all happy with what we have, then THAT is all that counts. Some of us wouldn't be here if it weren't for those "other" replica mfgrs. We couldn't afford to be. In my opinion, Shelby OWES them for keeping his car alive and giving him the opportunity to even make money in the "replica" or, "continuation" business. Instead he SUES them. If it weren't for replicas, his car would have stayed DEAD..............just as he left it years ago.
I admit, this is a touchy subject for me. I guess most of it probably stems from the fact that I grew up a huge Shelby fan (Owned a GT-350 in the early 80's). Watching him go from, what I considered a "Car God", to what I now see him as (a bitter, greedy old man), has been very upsetting.
.........oh.............can't we all just get along???? I honestly hope that the guys who have a new SA roller on order get a very nice product for their hard earned dollar. I thought very seriously about ordering one myself and making up with 'Ol Shel (in my own mind, anyway). I just decided that I couldn't afford to put one together the way I wanted it (alum Shelby FE).
.......I really am a nice guy. REALLY!:) :) :)

WOW!
While dismissing "jealousy" as wrong choice of words as why Shelby is building cars at a competitive price FINALLY (like others have been asking), you have no problem believing where my head has been. I also didn't mean it!

I too was kidding. I did not grow up with the same reverence as you, but I have been both a critic of the man and his cars while wanting one for 35 years of my life.
I am sure you felt the same way about your SPF. You must have dreamt about one for what, weeks...months?

But people ARE buying his cars. Just that he can only build and sell so many out of Las Vegas. He is dependent on other suppliers for components.

What is wrong with him bringing another car to the reach of many who couldn't afford one before?

I will not debate with you if the car is better or worse than any others out there. Others are OUT THERE, this one isn't. If it lives up to the expectations of those who bought one or want to buy one, it will do just fine.

If it is less than that, it won't matter what you and I think. If it is a good car and at $40,000 with his name attached to it, AGAIN it won't matter what you and I think.

I don't know! I have seen the car only once, it looked good to me. I am NOT the expert.

I don't know if it will be better than ERA. I doubt it. They have experience in more years of building these cars than most others put together. My sentiments toward ERA has be exhibited many times before.

If the car was every bit as good, the price would be higher and the wait would also be 10-13 months.

I am willing to give them the benefit of the doubt, and hope they come with a car that is GOOD.

I have said it before, If GM and Ford think there are more customers out there for their products, I am sure there are more Cobra buyers out there than those we are aware of.
The market is NOT flooded.

I believe they can sell more cars without effecting others. Even if they hurt the competition, it is up to the competition to deal with it. Not their burden.


I am sure you are a Very Nice Guy. I knew that already.
I 'm not, unfortunately.....just kidding!

TURK

Interesting stream of posts.

While Hal says Brent didn't create this thread for our small community to bash each other thats predominately what goes on and has gone on here for years and it is especially vicious towards CSX owners (being me) for "God forbid" defending the car's status as a genuine Cobra. Even our "wonderful" host, Brent has made nasty remarks directed at me regarding the same. Do I care. Nope. He and all the others can Kiss my a$$. All I have done from the beginning was respond with facts not opinions but time and time again my motives and intent was twisted into accusations of saying "mine is better than yours" or " I like other CSX owners have an elitest attitude/superiority complex." What BS. In actuality the guys who made those accusations had the complex, an inferiority complex.

Now what do I see? More and more guys "jumping on the SAI band wagon". More and more guys seem more willing to defend the CSX/SAI from degrading remarks and comments. More and more guys are willing to call the degrading remarks directed at the CSX and SAI for what they really are (in most cases) as sour grapes. Why? Because they now expect to be CSX owners. Why? Because Shelby decided to aggressively compete in the market place by offering a Shelby Cobra, still a genuine Cobra, for the price of a replica.

It is actually comical that now that Shelby has found a way to compete with SPF and ERA in price, the same people who were pissed beyond belief he sued FFR/SPF and felt he should have "just competed in market" are now arguing Shelby is all about greed because he is doing exactly that, aggressively competing in the market. The guy just can't win with a certain group. Who is that group? Mostly guys who don't have Shelbys but probably deep down would rather have one over what they have. Not all but many.

Many argue that Shelby is all about "greed" and thats why he sued FFR/SPF. Many also say that the Cobra wasn't his car which is BULL$HIT! As to the litigation, the court found, at least as to trade dress (body shape) was that he sat on his rights and that the car was not only associated with Shelby but Ford in the publics mind. There is no doubt that had he moved to protect his position years ago he very well may have won especially as to the 427. Others can legally replicate the shape now. But the name and logo are off limits. Only one car can legally be a genuine Cobra. The Shelby.

Originality in design, spec, craftsmanship and heritage and status as a genuine Cobra is what you get when you buy a Shelby. If guys don't like that because it makes it sound like I'm say the Shelby is "better" than your. TS. Then go buy a Shelby.

You want to talk about greed? Ok. Lets talk about companies that copy a car created by someone else, developed by someone else, raced by someone else with years of hard work, sweat, toil, and blood and made into a world champion and performance icon. Then lets say that those companies that copy the shape of the car sell thousands of copies of it and never pay the original creator a dime or from what we know even ask permission to copy the car. These companies who copy the car go on to make millions selling $10K kits and reasonably priced rollers advertising they come in just like the original ready for motor and transmission. Sounds like this could be called greed too. No?

Why is Shelby greedy because it is trying to make a glass CSX to compete in price with a SPF by manufacturing it SA? Is it because he is taking advantage of the cheaper labor rates in SA? If so then SPF is just as greedy since they are practically right next door.

While the replica industry did play a role in helping to keep the Cobra image alive in the public mind lets not give it too much credit either. Fact. The Cobra became a legend in its own time. It was an icon before the replica industry. The Cobra was replicated because it was an icon and a legend and the stuff of dreams. If you disagree then tell me why didn't the replica companies start replicating the Studabaker? Even today many young kids know what a Cobra is. Do you think this because SPF makes replica? Get real. Its because they have read about the Cobra and its history in some automotive journal or magizine. Why do old timers recognize the Cobra? Because FFR makes a replica of it? Yeah right. Because of the Cobras and Carroll Shelby automotive accomplishments. Not SPF or FFR.

For me, and obviously many others in increasing numbers, they have made it clear, that short of an original, owning a continuation series and driving a genuine Shelby Cobra is the "brass ring". If you like what you have and your happy with it fine. Shut the "F" up and don't knock the CSX or attack owners as being elitest because they refer to the car as a genuine or REAL Cobra. If your bitter because you'd really rather have a CSX than again, then shut the "F" up and go buy one.

Why do some question or imply SAI is again going to piss prospective owners off by not delivering cars and taking non refundable deposits. Where do you get such facts? You can't even compare the Series 1 to the Cobra. The Series one was a much more complicated affair. It had to meet DOT/EPA and all other safety regulations. It was far more complicated to build. Shelby has been delivering all other Cobra models on time.

CAV has been manufacturing GT40 replicas. They have been and are selling quite a few. HRE alway has at least two ore three in the shop each time I'm there in the process of being finished for delivery. Maybe the guys looking for CAV in SA aren't going to ther right address because these GT40s just didn't materialize out of thin air.

Quality of the new SA CSX? Billy Andrews from HRE said the car was terrific. He said he spent a long time going all through the car. HRE is top notch. HRE wouldn't sell something that wasn't up to standard.

Many of the "rabid" SPF owners (they have in many cases become worse than some of the FFR owners) have some misplaced allegiance to the "replica" manufacturers. They got their panties all in bunch because Shelby sued FFR/SPF. See above comments.

In the end the real reason alot of SPF guys are "pissed" or looking to raise questions regarding the new SA CSX is because they know when it comes time to sell the ol' SPF it won't bring what it used to. Not when guys can buy a brand new Shelby Cobra with a glass body for $40K. Ouch!

Oh yeah. I'm really a nice guy too. Just tired of the BS.

;)

Seems like Cabin Fever is coming on a little early this year!

Ciao,
Shawn C

PS Ernie(Excalibur) its a good thing we don't wear shoes here, huh?:LOL: