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

[RodKnock]

The club formerly known as SAAC is only $39.95 per year. I guess the T-shirts that I've bought over the past 25 years are now collector's items just like Barbies.

[Naumoff]

I guess I might know the answer to this but "I gots to know"

Will the new Team Shelby have a place for replicas to join in on the fun?

[wcampbell]

See I told you. The GLHs will be parked next to the R-Models and FIA COBRAs for all to see. Gee - if you're one of those GLH owners I think the value of your car just went up 10K. On the other hand, if you own the R-Model you might feel kind like you just kissed your sister...

[A-Snake]

“When I walked away from racing and the car business in the early 1970s, never, in my wildest dreams, would I have thought those cars could develop the kind of following they have today. At first I was surprised that anyone cared about them at all. But as time went on, through the 1970s and into the 1980s, I began to realize how special they were. And I wasn’t alone. One of the reasons these cars are so exceptional is because of what they accomplished. Everyone who worked for Shelby American had a hand in that. But once we closed the company’s doors, we stepped out of the picture. If it wasn’t for a small handful of owners and enthusiasts who dedicated themselves to these cars, the Cobras and Shelby Mustangs would be just so many old, used cars today. That dedication is illustrated by this registry. When we were building the cars, our goal was to get them out the door and into the hands of dealers and owners. We never paid much attention to how many were four-speeds and how many were automatics, or how many were painted red, or to any of the small details that today’s owners find so interesting.
The Shelby American Automobile Club’s exceptional dedication is responsible for keeping the bloodline of these cars from being diluted by fakes and look-alikes. That translates into the continuing high level of interest in them as well as their high values. The publication of a book like this assures Cobras and Shelby Mustangs their rightful place in automotive history. An incredible amount of work has gone into gathering the information contained in this book, sorting through it, organizing it and then turning it into the printed page. It is truly a labor of love for everyone who was involved. I know what that’s all about because the Cobra was a labor of love for me.”

Carroll Shelby
Shelby American World Registry 1997

[70GT350]

Originally Posted by A-Snake

“When I walked away from racing and the car business in the early 1970s, never, in my wildest dreams, would I have thought those cars could develop the kind of following they have today. At first I was surprised that anyone cared about them at all. But as time went on, through the 1970s and into the 1980s, I began to realize how special they were. And I wasn’t alone. One of the reasons these cars are so exceptional is because of what they accomplished. Everyone who worked for Shelby American had a hand in that. But once we closed the company’s doors, we stepped out of the picture. If it wasn’t for a small handful of owners and enthusiasts who dedicated themselves to these cars, the Cobras and Shelby Mustangs would be just so many old, used cars today. That dedication is illustrated by this registry. When we were building the cars, our goal was to get them out the door and into the hands of dealers and owners. We never paid much attention to how many were four-speeds and how many were automatics, or how many were painted red, or to any of the small details that today’s owners find so interesting.
The Shelby American Automobile Club’s exceptional dedication is responsible for keeping the bloodline of these cars from being diluted by fakes and look-alikes. That translates into the continuing high level of interest in them as well as their high values. The publication of a book like this assures Cobras and Shelby Mustangs their rightful place in automotive history. An incredible amount of work has gone into gathering the information contained in this book, sorting through it, organizing it and then turning it into the printed page. It is truly a labor of love for everyone who was involved. I know what that’s all about because the Cobra was a labor of love for me.”

Carroll Shelby
Shelby American World Registry 1997

So what happened between then and now to the point Shelby wants the paperwork back that SAAC has and spent many, many hours getting by sifting through all the other docs that they were filed away with at Shelby's offices in California before SAAC spent the time and money to make them RELATIVE? Gary

[4pipes]

Boy Ron, isn't that a little unfair? Who wouldn't want to buy a Shelby now so they could feel like they really belong in the Team Shelby club?

[Excaliber]

It is sad that Shelby didn't find a way to incorporate SAAC into this new game plan in some way. They've been snubbed, for whatever reason. I'm not feeling all warm and fuzzy over this deal. Recognizing business decisions need to be made, looking to the future, perhaps better in the long run and all that, change is never easy. It does leave me feeling rather empty at the present time...

[amy B]

Guys, I posted this on the other forum as well, I hope it helps, If not I am sorry. I don't understand why threads always degrade into snide remarks, nasty comments, why can't it just be discussions?

The new club although it doesn't look like it yet, as it officially launches on Carroll's birthday will have a full vintage section. We want input and we don't profess to have all the answers either. I hope to build it to where it is what it needs to be for all.

so, Here is the only "why" I can give you, the why will come from Carroll directly as well this week. I didn't think the why was important because I don't do "he said /she said"

I explained to him tonight some of the backlash and he will make a statement. He has felt for along time that he is not part of SAAC he has told me he talked to Ken and Rick and had given input to events and other things over the years and he felt ignored. These are his words to me, not mine, please do not accuse me of anything other then what I am posting.. He said that he as Shelby wants a site that has instant information for all users and owners, a site where he can exchange info with the members, a site that he can ask for feedback immediately and have a dialog. Again his original idea. I told him about the club and shows I did before, we discussed building this club when the company was better able to handle it. That time is now.

I have also tried to talk to Ken 2 years ago at saac, about the relationship with Carroll and SAAC and Ken was adament in his anger at Carroll. This seems personal to both and maybe rightfully so for both. I warned him and rick at the dinner back then that this would reach a head. Nothing ever happened between the 3 to change the outcome.

I don't presume to know how to make it all happen, but I do know that the strength of SAAC is in it's members not just in its club owners. That is what we are trying to do. We have heard good and we have heard bad, Carroll specifically wanted to run his club where his thoughts mattered. I am not judging anyone, I think the registry for it's information is amazing, but maybe there is more needed.

Again, my appologies if I sounded arrogant, it was not my intent, this is a big under taking, it is a huge responsibility,its's a huge expense, believe me I really want this to succeed. I was trying to be careful, I was trying to be politically correct, maybe that was wrong.


Amy

[Anthony]

Originally Posted by wcampbell

See I told you. The GLHs will be parked next to the R-Models and FIA COBRAs for all to see. Gee - if you're one of those GLH owners I think the value of your car just went up 10K. On the other hand, if you own the R-Model you might feel kind like you just kissed your sister...

Which is why after I've been to one saac, there is no point in going to another. There is an elitest type of flavor to the club, from some of the members. I would not spend my time or money to bring my 4000 car there, most people there are not intereseted in seeing replica's, which is fine, as I didn't go there to look at replica's. The track time is also very expensive and limited for replica's.

Basically, been there, done that.

Originally Posted by Excaliber

It is sad that Shelby didn't find a way to incorporate SAAC into this new game plan in some way. They've been snubbed, for whatever reason. .

Maybe it's because SAAC is a business, not a non-profit organization, of which I don;t think many are aware of the financial benefits to the owners, who may want to keep it that way, and maybe it's basically a business decision between all parties concerned.

Originally Posted by amy B

Carroll --- has felt for along time that he is not part of SAAC he has told me he talked to Ken and Rick and had given input to events and other things over the years and he felt ignored.

I have also tried to talk to Ken 2 years ago at saac, about the relationship with Carroll and SAAC and Ken was adament in his anger at Carroll. This seems personal to both and maybe rightfully so for both. I warned him and rick at the dinner back then that this would reach a head. Nothing ever happened between the 3 to change the outcome.
Amy

obviously, there are some strong feelings about issues that we may never know that are having a decisive role in business decision making.

[lineslinger]

Originally Posted by Excaliber

It is sad that Shelby didn't find a way to incorporate SAAC into this new game plan in some way. They've been snubbed, for whatever reason.

Heres your reason
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

[BigRed427]

My SAAC membership is up for renewal in Jan 2008. I'm going to join both clubs in January and see which one I like better. Having only known SAAC for the last 7 years and attended two SAAC events, it will be interesting to see how the new club compares.
Having a genuine Shelby Cobra, I never experienced the elitist attitude Anthony mentions he and his replica received from SAAC.

[migge]

I hope all that does not interfere the finishing of the new World Registry I have prepaid many months ago!!

Cheers
Michael

[imagine2frolic]

I think Mr Mustang has hit it right on the spot. It is a corporate decision. A little vindictiveness added in possibly too? Business is business, and this is a business decision. As Ernie said it is a shame that SAAC could not have been worked in. Especially since they seem to be the ones that kept Shelbyism alive. Such is life......not much is forever.

[DAVID GAGNARD]

Damn, I just paid my SAAC dues last month.....

Which is why after I've been to one saac, there is no point in going to another. There is an elitest type of flavor to the club, from some of the members. I would not spend my time or money to bring my 4000 car there, most people there are not intereseted in seeing replica's, which is fine, as I didn't go there to look at replica's. The track time is also very expensive and limited for replica's.

Basically, been there, done that.

Anthony; it's like that in most all car clubs/brands, I've seen it first hand and know what you are talking about, good,bad,or ugly, that's just the way it is....heck I have not one but 2 "clones", I should know........

Maybe it's because SAAC is a business, not a non-profit organization, of which I don;t think many are aware of the financial benefits to the owners, who may want to keep it that way, and maybe it's basically a business decision between all parties concerned.

zacctly, my thoughts also.......

Originally Posted by amy B
Carroll --- has felt for along time that he is not part of SAAC he has told me he talked to Ken and Rick and had given input to events and other things over the years and he felt ignored.

I have also tried to talk to Ken 2 years ago at saac, about the relationship with Carroll and SAAC and Ken was adament in his anger at Carroll. This seems personal to both and maybe rightfully so for both. I warned him and rick at the dinner back then that this would reach a head. Nothing ever happened between the 3 to change the outcome.
Amy


obviously, there are some strong feelings about issues that we may never know that are having a decisive role in business decision making.

again, zacctly, but just maybe as a stockholder in Shelby, they could send me a copy of the minutes, board meetings and I would know what's going on with the company I partly own (very,very small part)!!!!!!!!!! Should I wait by the mailbox????????

David

[big-boss]

It is all about the money, "This is America Babe". I have been through all the marketing stuff in my own life as most people have on this forum- most of us have jobs and businesses and really do understand what is happening.
At the end of the day remember, It is still the hobby of a bunch of rich guys that can piss off buckets of money on something they really do not need. We can and will take our money and go put it in another hole, our names are not Shelby and he is not the second comming-loyalty can only be traded upon soo much. The boat and airplane industries have all learned this the very hard way and they will never recover to their potential.

Make your "little changes" but when it is no longer fun and the laysuits are flying most of us will be out of here-We all get enough of that crap in our day jobs.

[Uberpilot]

I think this is good news. I joined SAAC again a few years ago and recieved one magazine! Wow, great to read about stuff that happened a year ago. The club I belong to, I talked to the presidrnt and he told me to my face the only reason he become president was to find a car. Gee, do I want that guy in charge or Shelby, let me think..................

[RodKnock]

I've been a member of SAAC since 1979 and have purchased their $20 T-shirts virtually every year to support the club and defend against the fakes and forgeries out there, even though I have felt that the club at the national level had declined. In my opinion, the yearly magazine was awful and the Snakebite bulletins weren't all that special either. The local Northern Cal Region runs events at a superior level and the members are great. Maybe SAI asserting their rights is a good thing. Time will tell.

[RodKnock]

Not to beat the T-shirt thing into the ground, but I remember asking SAAC a couple of years ago to put a Tiger on one of their T-shirts on year in the future instead of seeing the usual Shelby Cobras and Shelby Mustangs each year. I got a note back from SAAC saying that very few members would buy a SAAC T-shirt with a Tiger on it, T-shirt sales would decline and they rely on that income to stay afloat. Additionally, the note from SAAC also said that the Tiger is NOT a Shelby-related product. Well, SAAC invites them to participate in the conventions, track events and concours, plus Shelby built one of the prototypes for Sunbeam. Not that the new and improved Shelby club will include Tigers, I don't really care, but maybe some new blood will help the breed.

[1ntCobra]

Amy,

I can understand you wanting a fast moving organization with a slick all color publication and online registry. An organization that you can control better. An organization that you can plug in different vendors behind the scenes as you see fit.

But does the new club have to be the "exclusively licensed" Shelby club?

I cannot imagine that SAAC is making a fortune off of their members, but they have promoted the Shelby name for over 30 years, and have contributed to a very large degree on making the Shelby name as strong a brand as it is today. They only seem to promote the positive Shelby stories. I don't think they ever mention negative stories like long delays for csx4000 cars before you came in to fix things. They have long time members like myself, who have drank SAAC's "Shelby cool-aide" and continue to renew our subscriptions for decades even though they are slow to publish their magazine and registry.

For all that SAAC has done for Shelby over the years, I not only believe it is wrong to not renew their Shelby license, I really think you should consider giving them a perpetual license at no cost, so that SAAC can continue to keep the older Shelby fanatics addicted to their cool-aide for decades to come.

Business decisions happen all the time, but who's to say what the Shelby organization will have to say a few years down the road about Team Shelby? Maybe it will get cut from the budget at some point. And if the "new school" club goes away, wouldn't you like to have the "old school" SAAC club still doing their thing and officially recognized by the Shelby organization?

I think you should really let Team Shelby and SAAC coexist as licensed Shelby clubs. And let the fans pick whichever of the two or both of them as they see fit.

Ken

[Excaliber]

Team Shelby makes sense on many levels and I think in the long run it's a good thing. I can understand the bad blood that forms between people and groups over time, a change is needed.

I do agree with 1ntCobra, it's a shame the SAAC endorsement cannot continue at the same time.