rumor control--has SAAC lost its use of Shelby name?

[CSX 4027]

So, it's a wax job? What's next, Pledge?

Originally Posted by dynoroom

Oh ya, Zmax. Shelby's engine shop sent it out for lab testing and evaluation. It's mainly parafin, no problem with that it's just been used for years before in other products of this nature.

[amy B]

Originally Posted by dynoroom

A couple other side notes about Zmax. One of the owners of the company (Zmax) is none other than Bruton Smith (one of the Fortune 400 richest men) who also owns Speedway Motorsports. Las Vegas Motor Speedway (see where this is going) is owned by Speedway Motorsports. The industrial complex in Las Vegas housing SAI is also owned by Mr. Smith.
So free commercials maybe, just adding a bit of information.
Oh ya, Zmax. Shelby's engine shop sent it out for lab testing and evaluation. It's mainly parafin, no problem with that it's just been used for years before in other products of this nature.

Actually that statment is not completely true. Carroll has been friends with Bruton for many years, he is friends with many people, he doesn't support all their products. He does happen to like zmax , Also Bruton does not own the complex that we are in. It is owned and managed by harsh properties


Amy

[Excaliber]

While were at it, I wonder how much A. J. Foyt gets? In fact, what was your salary last year CSX700? come on, some questions are just rude.

... but thanks for that interesting footnote on zMax Amy.

[csx700?]

[csx700?]

Excaliber

As for your question about my salary, i would have to say it must be more than yours...............i'll leave it at that

I would have to agree with Real 1 & Paul F, it would be a excellent idea to do a comparison of the before and after (original & continuation) cobras !!

[Jamo]

Steve...wouldn't that be "snake oil"?

...harmless though it may be.

[csx700?]

DAMN, I wanted to say that !!!!

dynoroom, thank you for the insight !

[jmimac351]

Source: http://www.saac.com/press_release_112507.htm

++++++++++++++++++++

SAAC Press Release

November 25, 2007 - Sharon, CT.

SAAC is very proud of its numerous accomplishments over the past 33 years and is looking forward to a bright future for the many years ahead.


The strength of the club is its 5,000 loyal members and the dedicated staff of volunteers who share a passion for the exciting cars built by Shelby American. They all understand the value of an independent car club run by enthusiasts for enthusiasts, as opposed to a club managed by a company whose objective is to sell automobiles, parts, automotive services and merchandise to its members. The company- run club is always vulnerable to the inevitable changes in corporate personnel, budgets and marketing strategies. On the other hand, the independent enthusiast club is financed by its members’ dues and is only accountable to them. It always has their best interests in mind.

One of SAAC’s most important missions is to protect the integrity of the marque against the dishonest, the revisionists and the counterfeiters. Over the decades, as a result of tens of thousands of volunteer man- hours, SAAC has amassed a comprehensive data base of information on each Shelby vehicle. SAAC has assisted countless owners verifying the authenticity and history of their cars. The club has protected many Shelby enthusiasts non-members from being victimized by dishonorable and deceitful individuals and will continue to do so. The data is the basis of the club’s registry which is published every ten years and contains information gathered since the previous edition was printed. This ongoing effort is greatly responsible for the high values of the cars because current and future owners have confidence in the integrity of the history and authenticity of the cars.

Regrettably, Carroll Shelby has announced that he will not be renewing SAAC’s licensing agreement to use his name in conjunction with the operation of the club. SAAC has never been given a reason for this termination. Among other things, Shelby has demanded the handing over of all documents regarding the registry of all Shelby vehicles by SAAC since January 1, 1996. Please see the attached letter from Mr. Shelby's lawyers, M. Neil Cummings & Associates: http://www.saac.com/cummings.htm

Initial indications from SAAC’s legal counsel are that Shelby’s many demands are without legal merit. As a result, SAAC has no choice other than to vigorously defend the clubs’ and its members’ proprietary information, property and rights.

In order to properly respond to Mr. Shelby's demands, SAAC has established a legal defense fund. Make no mistake: the body of information on these cars that SAAC members have contributed and its registrars have compiled is all that separates the originals from the fakes. Without tight control of this information, it would be impossible for anyone to ascertain which cars were legitimate and which were not. Rather than causing all cars to continue to increase in desirability and value, they would all plummet. We have not worked for 33 years to suddenly allow this to happen. Likewise, for all SAAC members, this is not a tennis match where you can afford to sit on the sidelines and dispassionately watch the match. The club needs each member to assist in its defense by donating to the defense fund.

We know we are on the right side of this. Unfortunately, it takes more than just knowing you are right. You have to have solid counsel appear with you in court. And in our legal system that has a price. If you believe in what the club is doing SAAC needs your support by way of a donation to the legal defense fund. There is no minimum amount. Donations can be made by check (payable to "SAAC Legal Defense Fund") or by Visa or MasterCard (click here to contribute online): http://www.saac.com/LDF.htm

"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is when good men do nothing." - Edmund Burke

SAAC will continue to serve its members through its national award winning publications, regions, member services, on-line forum and national convention. The club is greatly appreciative of the steadfast support and dedication of its members, volunteers and sponsors.

Ken Eber, Rick Kopec, Howard Pardee

SAAC National Directors

[dynoroom]

WOW! Who'd a thought...

This sure brings it back on topic.

[Excaliber]

While some have been in denial about this law suit, and it has been brought to our attention several times in this thread, with this latest post, there can now be no doubt.

I have always been a Shelby supporter, but forced to take a stand, and that clearly seems to be the case here, I will support SAAC. To wit, there is no way in hell I would join the 'new' Shelby Club.

Amy, with great respect I must say, I hope you are blushing over this dastardly deed of greed.

[Power Surge]

Wow.

[mrmustang]

Originally Posted by Power Surge

Wow.

DITTO

[CSX 4027]

CSX 4027 is on auto reply while on vacation.

....................In Switzerland

[Power Surge]

I haven't really commented on this subject as of yet, but I would like to comment now....

I do not belong to SAAC, and I have not joined Team Shelby. I never joined SAAC solely out of laziness, because you can't join online. I was planning to do so in the near future. I was also planning to join Team Shelby. I really did not feel any alliance to either one. I am an enthusiast for the cars. I want to be part of something that joins other enthusiasts together.

After reading that legal letter from Shelby to SAAC, I must say that I am very dissapointed to see it. Honestly, it sends the message to people that Shelby really does not care about the owners/enthusiasts. If Shelby really cared about the people, they would work WITH SAAC to keep everything going, rather than to try to kill SAAC off for Shelby's own benefit.

And I can understand that this may be a business decision, but I think this decision is going to backfire on Shelby. I would gaurantee that you'll have WAY more people NOT join Team Shelby because of what they are doing to SAAC, than you will have members join.

I would have supported both entities no problem. Now, I am not so sure.

[amy B]

Originally Posted by Excaliber

While some have been in denial about this law suit, and it has been brought to our attention several times in this thread, with this latest post, there can now be no doubt.

I have always been a Shelby supporter, but forced to take a stand, and that clearly seems to be the case here, I will support SAAC. To wit, there is no way in hell I would join the 'new' Shelby Club.

Amy, with great respect I must say, I hope you are blushing over this dastardly deed of greed.

Ex, it has nothing to do with greed, I have spent a lot of $$ starting and building team shelby, it has nothing to do with any of this. Where do you see greed? Carroll gets his brand back and we move on. Also, for the record, I think the public statements were out of line. There are issues and hurt feelings and partnership problems, but the evil line was wrong he deserves more respect, even at a basic respect level, that was uncalled for. I was also surprised that Neils second formal letter was posted, but not the first, Nor has saac ever responded to Carroll or Neil his lawyer on any letter, including ones from CS licensing. but they post a call to action. . The fact is, all facts are not here. And many will not be put here untill resolved.

Carroll wants his brand run by people he feels will do it the way he wants with his input, he has that right. It will be what it will be and all will be judged accordingly.


Amy


Amy

[lineslinger]

Looks like SAI's corporate power play turned out to be the proverbial turd in the punch bowl.
Let the thread continue. WOW.

[What'saCobra?]

With respect to both parties:

It is more than regrettable for SAAC to use the Burke quote in this context. It is a sign of an amateurish lack of negotiating skills. It hands CS all he needs to reach into the ever-deep coffers of FORD skills and funds to get all the legal and financial assistance he needs to "win".

It also makes wise men blanche when trying to decide which party is the more wise, honest or fair. SAAC ought not descend to the mud and name-slinging that will naturally flow from this disagreement if left to hot-heads.

Eventually, the parties must enjoin each other and find mutual satisfaction, or mutual suffering. It will happen. Money will flow from FORD to SAAC ownership to make this happen positively. It will not be larger if insult is added to the “injury”; it will likely be smaller.

The purchase price might hover between 3 and 5 million USD. Perhaps more, if insult isn’t a deductible.

It isn’t sensible to tempt FORD to spend one or two million on legal fees, by driving them to the pisoir. Recall that FORD’s lawyers are perhaps already on retainer. BIG retainer.

Let the “other” drive their audience away with ignorant slams and incompetent internal communications. Keep it clean. Never pick up a tar-baby.

It’s more profitable. It is also more honorable.

When we claim the other party is “evil” for perhaps not following the terms of a verbal or less than perfectly documented long past agreement about “materials”, precisely the same as we have preferred to remember it, honor is implied as valuable.

Resolve to act accordingly and with more common sense.

Perhaps SAAC have not spent 5 or more years in very expensive litigation during which it consumed much of their waking hours, just to lose due to simple and initial error.

[dynoroom]

Originally Posted by What'saCobra?

It isn’t sensible to tempt FORD to spend one or two million on legal fees, by driving them to the pisoir. Recall that FORD’s lawyers are perhaps already on retainer. BIG retainer.

How much time and money did Shelby cost Ford in the fight for the Cobra name a decade ago? My how times change....

[daltondavid]

Originally Posted by What'saCobra?

With respect to both parties:

It is more than regrettable for SAAC to use the Burke quote in this context. It is a sign of an amateurish lack of negotiating skills.

Who are you to Quote Samuel Adams at the end of every one of your posts and then fail to apply his message to this very situation?? You are reading too deeply into the wrong part of SAAC's Reply.

[RedCSX1]

Ouch! Looks like a fairly tight contract. SAAC is certainly the underdog in this. I will say that I am almost certain that very few here know the whole story. With respect to both parties this is where I will make my exit.