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

[amy B]

Hi Buff, I think your right on some points, but miss a few for us, although from a marketing strategy your probably right.

When I was at Mattel I realized they were thousands of clubs that supported the brand. Now I am not saying that hot wheel collectors are the same as guys who own shelby's, but the passion is the same.

Well, I knew that we could support those guys and get them close and help them get what they want and build what they want, and in return I would make better product, I could make them happy and support the years they supported us. We had conventions for them, we made them special product only they can buy, yes, we made money, but many thought we spent way to much time and effort for what we got. I still hear from those guys, I think we made a difference then, I think we can do the same now. This is not for just the new owners, I would love for all the cobra and vintage Mustang owners to join us. I think that is is what should have been done 40 years ago.

This brand is my responsibily to keep the legacy going, Saac did that for last 30 years, we want to keep it going and take it another step. I am hoping that all of those who have written to me, offerred help and want more will join us. noboday has too. On some level this probably sounds corny, but we all love these cars, we love to drive them and we have so little time to enjoy them, I am just trying to make that time better, and make the brand better


Amy

[wcampbell]

While I do believe that SAAC has been dominated by too much of the same faces and needs "new blood" at the helm in some areas, the closeness of SAAC was in the individual cars built as shall we say "first generation" (62-70). Thing is there is/was exclusivity there...let's admit it alot of us "original" owners really don't consider a new thing 100% "shelby" as we see it historically. Now with the new club EVERYONE and I mean EVERYONE - include the little Shelby Dodge OMNIs will be in the fold. Yep - they're built by SHelby with his name and they'll be parked next to an original R model. Kinda cool that it could be that opened...then again for us "original" 60's fans - might make you want to vomit the hotdog you pick up from the concession stand at the next AAC meet.

[mrmustang]

Originally Posted by amy B

This brand is my responsibily to keep the legacy going, Saac did that for last 30 years, we want to keep it going and take it another step.
Amy

Amy,

I'll start off by saying that I admire you, and do respect Carroll Shelby and this is not an attack on either of you, just my personal opinion based on far more years involved with Shelbys and SAAC (among others) than you and most likely 90% of the people currently involved with SAI.

If you want to unite the products as you say is "Carrol's goal", then why bother to charge a $49.95 fee? THis only smells like just another way to exploit what is out there and attempt to make a buck by someone elses enthusiasm.


As for Carroll Shelby reading and responding on any forum on a regular basis so "he" can have instant responses to his questions and/or concerns, let's just say that in itself seems a bit too hard to believe as he dislikes the online communities (his words overheard several times over the course of the last 10 years) as a whole.

As for Carroll Shelby reading the press releases before they are submitted, yes, I do believe that he does, but that does not makie them based in 100% reality.


A Snakes post at 12:10 AM quoting Carroll Shelby directly from the 97 SAAC Registry (also seen in several prominant magazines articles in the 80-90's time period in one way shape or form) hits the nail on the head. Without SAAC and the MCA (Mustang Club of America), the Shelby Marque would most likely not have the same type of following it has today. For you to make a "corporate decision" to abolish the ties with SAAC at this time in hopes of "making a profit" is a slap in the face to any and all Shelby enthusiasts around the world. No matter what else you could post, no matter what Carroll can say through you and his corporate PR dept (let's face it, you and I know that Carroll has never been "politically correct", so everything being attributed to him has been "washed" before being allowed out of SAI), this is now a way to try to turn a profit and you and the corporate officers at SAI will grasp at whatever straws that you can to make that almighty buck, no matter who or what you have to run rampart over.

Again, I admire you and Carroll for what you have done with the company since taking the helm, but in my heart (and as a shareholder) I truly believe that your current course will be the undoing of the business in the long run.


Bill S.
Proud SAAC member since late 1981

[lineslinger]

Originally Posted by mrmustang

Amy,

I'll start off by saying that I admire you, and do respect Carroll Shelby and this is not an attack on either of you, just my personal opinion based on far more years involved with Shelbys and SAAC (among others) than you and most likely 90% of the people currently involved with SAI.

If you want to unite the products as you say is "Carrol's goal", then why bother to charge a $49.95 fee? THis only smells like just another way to exploit what is out there and attempt to make a buck by someone elses enthusiasm.


As for Carroll Shelby reading and responding on any forum on a regular basis so "he" can have instant responses to his questions and/or concerns, let's just say that in itself seems a bit too hard to believe as he dislikes the online communities (his words overheard several times over the course of the last 10 years) as a whole.

As for Carroll Shelby reading the press releases before they are submitted, yes, I do believe that he does, but that does not makie them based in 100% reality.


A Snakes post at 12:10 AM quoting Carroll Shelby directly from the 97 SAAC Registry (also seen in several prominant magazines articles in the 80-90's time period in one way shape or form) hits the nail on the head. Without SAAC and the MCA (Mustang Club of America), the Shelby Marque would most likely not have the same type of following it has today. For you to make a "corporate decision" to abolish the ties with SAAC at this time in hopes of "making a profit" is a slap in the face to any and all Shelby enthusiasts around the world. No matter what else you could post, no matter what Carroll can say through you and his corporate PR dept (let's face it, you and I know that Carroll has never been "politically correct", so everything being attributed to him has been "washed" before being allowed out of SAI), this is now a way to try to turn a profit and you and the corporate officers at SAI will grasp at whatever straws that you can to make that almighty buck, no matter who or what you have to run rampart over.

Again, I admire you and Carroll for what you have done with the company since taking the helm, but in my heart (and as a shareholder) I truly believe that your current course will be the undoing of the business in the long run.


Bill S.
Proud SAAC member since late 1981

Bill,
Great job of penetrating the corporate verbal fog and allowing some clarity in.

[John McMahon]

How do you ruin a car club? Let it become a corporate entity.

While Mr. Kopec and company have been able to quit their day jobs and treat the SAAC organization as a business enterprise, over the years I was not a fan of how the SAAC events were run. While all were invited, there was always some favoritism.

That being said, they still owned it and built the club up over the decades and documented all the cars (not an easy feat in my eyes). You have to respect them as an organization for that. The tenacity of each of the SAAC Registrars to get the information into the Registry was amazing.. Yes, I spent $125 for the Shelby American World Registry. The SAAC events are horrible for track time, but wonderful to see, hear and talk to the folks that own the orignals built 'back in the day', as they carry and share the history of these cars. Only place in the world to see the marque, undiluted, in all its glory.

Then, there are those folks, who wanted nothing more than to get their name / car in the Registry. Where does this leave them? Will the SAAC Registry be worthless now? The horror!

As Mr Mustang said, without this club, Shelby would just be a footnote in car history, not the icon he is today.

So, to now 'bite the hand that has fed him' all these years and to put the cart before the horse by celebrating ALL THAT IS SHELBY and not allowing SAAC to celebrate THE VINTAGE SHELBY, to me, smacks of just another money making scheme.

It seems that once something Shelby related starts making money and establishes a foothold in the industry, here come the lawyers.

If SAAC will now be called AAC and they can no longer use the Cobra emblem, may I recommend this'un...



ugh.

[lineslinger]

Originally Posted by John McMahon

It seems that once something Shelby related starts making money and establishes a foothold in the industry, here come the lawyers.

John, I thinks they already be present.

[Historybuff]

There was a reference to Modena and how Ferrari cracked down on
those clubs (fan clubs) that were using the Ferrari flag, etc. There was much anguish at the time on how could they stomp on those who were their fans? But you have to look at it from Ferrari's viewpoint. Ferrari executives would go to events and see thousands of cheap and sleazy Ferrari flags, far below Ferrari quality, as well as T-shirts and god knows what else. Meanwhile here they are trying to make deals to license chromometric Ferrari watches, and high quality model cars as well as quality clothing. The potential licensee buyers were understandably wary--saying "How can we make a $5000 watch when you allow these ten cent flags?" So Ferrari had to clean up its act, make sure only quality products carry the Ferrari image. This even extended to who they choose as dealers. I know one car dealership with lots of money in one of the premier rich folks' towns that couldn't get a Ferrari dealership because there were rumors (unproven) of where their original grubstake money came from.Ferrari wanted to protect their reputation above all, more than they wanted a dealership in a town where every house is worth $1 million plus. So in protecting the brand, what Shelby's marketing effort is aimed at now is trying to become more professional so that there are no tacky affiliations to bring down the brand image. Ferrari even went to the extent of creating a special car, I think it's called the FXX, basically a modified Enzo, and started a program involving wealthy Ferrari owners being part of the development team, inviting them over to Modena to test the cars they sell them for over a million bucks. You can't do stuff like that if what consumers see is too tacky. If you present a quality image, you can have programs like that. I think Shelby is a long way from having as sterling an image as Ferrari but basically that's why the changeover, to try to professionalize the image so they can have higher quality licensees. It all benefits Shelby owners in the long run if the image is upgraded and professional.

PS I am not on Amy's payroll, just an observer of marketing tactics. My idol as far as a successful businessman is Ralph Lauren.

[Historybuff]

For example here is a piece of news that just crossed by desk.
How long would it take SAAC to get this out in the magazine? A year from now? Would they post it on their website?
The new SHELBY organization wants the news of their new products and affiliations to travel fast , for the benefit of those businessmen who are investing in product and for the benefit of their consumers. So in a nutshell, there you are--you either can run with the big dogs or sit on the sidelines and do things in your own time....

News Release (produced exactly as received)





SHELBY AUTOmobileS Signs AGREEMENT WITH Stephen becker TO OPEN cobra dealership



LAS VEGAS – November 2, 2007 – Shelby Automobiles, Inc., and Stephen Becker Automotive Group have signed an agreement that will allow Planet Cobra, a Georgia new car Shelby dealership based in Suwanee, Ga., to open in November 2007. The dealership will sell authentic new and collector Shelby Cobras, as well as support Shelby parts and restoration programs and merchandise sales for enthusiasts and collectors across the nation.



“Stephen is both an entrepreneur and recognized Shelby expert,” said Amy Boylan, President of Shelby Automobiles, Inc. “He understands our philosophy of building high performance vehicles and has worked closely with Carroll over the years. As a result, Stephen has developed a solid understanding of what it takes to run a successful dealership in this competitive world of collectible performance vehicles.”



Becker opened his first Shelby parts business in 1978 at just 11-years-old. Since that time, he has become well known for his expertise and knowledge of vintage and collector Shelby vehicles. His new store, Planet Cobra, will become the first authorized Shelby dealership in the Southeast to offer new Shelby Cobras and Shelby-licensed merchandise including apparel and parts. The Planet Cobra online store will also serve as a resource for Shelby collectors and enthusiasts to trade or find rare or collectible Shelby Cobras and Mustangs.



“I look forward to working with the group at Shelby Autos,” noted Becker. “I have a great deal of respect for what they have accomplished and am proud to be part of their team. Our goal at Planet Cobra is to offer the latest performance vehicles rolling out of Vegas and be a trusted resource for collectors who want a vintage Shelby car. I have several Cobras on order and am excited to open our doors. With the enormous demand for authentic Shelby vehicles, the opening of Plant Cobra couldn’t have come at a better time.”





The agreement for Planet Cobra was finalized in July 2007. Construction on the dealership will begin in the first quarter of 2008 with the facility expected to open in the third quarter of 2008.

[Don]

Amy:

*** Can you clarify and summarize , what are the current and future web links for any endeavor associated with Caroll Shelby that are within his organizations ?

*** Any tie in to the Motor Trend announcement on a publication " The Editors of Mustang Monthly present Shelby ", available on the newstand Nov 16th

........thanks

[amy B]

Originally Posted by Don

Amy:

*** Can you clarify and summarize , what are the current and future web links for any endeavor associated with Caroll Shelby that are within his organizations ?

*** Any tie in to the Motor Trend announcement on a publication " The Editors of Mustang Monthly present Shelby ", available on the newstand Nov 16th

........thanks

Hi Don, I am sorry I am not completely understanding the question. Could you restate, sorry.
The mustang monthly presents Shelby is the new magazine we just finished up, it has historical pieces on Carroll, Shelby and terlingua, and new updates as well.


Amy

[SFM5S159]

Wow, what a thread....Not getting any work done today!!
SAAC member and Shelby owner since 1992. Hey, for you old guys, I was only 22 when I bought my first Shelby, I could not start much sooner!

I'm just crazy about the original Shelby cars of the '60's; pure and simple.
So far, SAAC has been the best fit for me as far as clubs go. Maybe a little elitist, but I guess once you are in the "circle of trust", you kind of like it.
SAAC preserved the Shelby marque and made a few bucks on the way. So what?

I am very skeptical of a club started by a corporation where the primary purpose is not the operation of the club. We'll see how that works. For now, SAAC is where I'll be. I already registered for the 2008 convention and will participate in the vintage race with my '65 GT350.

Maybe a little competition is what they needed after 30 years. Things may have gotten a little stale and maybe the guys got a little lazy.

So far I am not impressed by the method and form of the communication from SAI. Can you say "spelling and grammar check?"...

[amy B]

Originally Posted by SFM5S159

So far I am not impressed by the method and form of the communication from SAI. Can you say "spelling and grammar check?"...

My apologies for not spell checking , my priority was to get the response in.
But for the record, I would take my short comings over your lack of basic respect for someone else.


Amy

[Tout]

I hope the new club does better than the stock has.
http://finance.yahoo.com/q?s=CSBI.PK

When the run of new Shelby mustangs is done , so will be the new club, it has no history, or passion of people that will do the things SAAC has done for the last 30 years or so, good , bad and bending to the wishes of some at Shelby.
John T

[DougD]

It's a shame. Once the almighty dollar is the reason decisions are made, it's the beginning of their downfall. It's not about the cars anymore. I see blame to be shared on both sides.

In my opinion, Kopec and crew have done it to themselves. They have provided themselves with a lifestyle bought and paid for by the "members" of SAAC, most of which are totally clueless as to how the "club" is run. While you can't take away from them what they have accomplished in the distant past, I feel they have squandered their current positions with their elitist attitudes and general complacency toward their "members". To say that Shelby is the only one doing this "just for the money" is only half of the story.

Mr. Shelby came late to this party. Seems to be a recurring theme lately. While I personally feel that he's entitled to claim and protect his name and the products he produces/ed, it sure seems like he let it ride for way too long to show up now and elicit any compassion from us for his position.

I have been a SAAC member for over 25 years. I'm not sure whether I will re-up with SAAC for another year or not. I definitely won't be attending the next convention in NJ.

As an owner of a current Shelby product, my csx4000, I find it a little confusing why Team Shelby has not recruited me directly - I am the original owner since 1998, same email address, same mailing address. What method are they using to drum up members? I have to find out about this on a site for REPLICAS?

[amy B]

guys,

Thanks for all the posts. I am sure it looks a lot like we are not or won't support all original members, quite the contrary, the problem was that I spoke to Bob Gaines at SEMA, out of turn before we were ready to announce and release all info. This was my fault, it made us look hap hazzard and not sensitive to the situation and for that I am sorry.


This is without a doubt my screw up. Sometime things have to be done in the right way to stop misunderstandings and hurt feeling. The good news is We will be contacting all the local clubs and memebres that we have contact info for and will be asking members for help and input. We can not do this all alone nor do we want to or can. We also do not expect to relace favorite sites suh as this. All fan sites have great value and information that is unique. Our site I hope will enhance that and help that.

I have been working on this a while, I have spent hundreds of thousands for a technology package robust enough to suppot all of this online. I have hired people to support this, but it is all for nothing if it doesn't fit the needs of the members. That is all the members.

We have spent time with track owners for use of tracks in Vegas and else where for future events. There is much we really want to accomplish.
We published the first new Shelby magazine this week. It's a huge edition with new and vintage info. Money is not the main motivation, branding is. Are we charging $$$, yes, but we will we give you more for the fee, we hope so, if not, you will tell us.

The site will go live on Carroll's birthday, what's up there now is a temporary site and compilation of 2 other sites. This will be different when the new site launches. Between then and now I would love to talk to those of you who want to be a part of this and who have ideas on how to make it better. communication is key.

We have the same passion, we might not have carried it as long, but we have it.Thanks


Amy

[mrmustang]

Originally Posted by amy B

guys,

The good news is We will be contacting all the local clubs and memebres that we have contact info for and will be asking members for help and input.

Amy

How much will you be paying us for our services? OR, do you expect us to give you our knowledge base for free so that you can exploit it in the name of shareholder profit?


Bill S.

[amy B]

Originally Posted by mrmustang

How much will you be paying us for our services? OR, do you expect us to give you our knowledge base for free so that you can exploit it in the name of shareholder profit?


Bill S.

Bill, I would expect to pay for services that help our company, our community and our site, but I also want people with the right attitude and outlook, you are obviously not it......

On another question, we are not in litigation with kirkham. On the topic of local chapters,This is not in the plan now. We are focusing on getting the core up and running and stable first

Amy

[70GT350]

Originally Posted by DougD

It's a shame. Once the almighty dollar is the reason decisions are made, it's the beginning of their downfall. It's not about the cars anymore. I see blame to be shared on both sides.

In my opinion, Kopec and crew have done it to themselves. They have provided themselves with a lifestyle bought and paid for by the "members" of SAAC, most of which are totally clueless as to how the "club" is run. While you can't take away from them what they have accomplished in the distant past, I feel they have squandered their current positions with their elitist attitudes and general complacency toward their "members". To say that Shelby is the only one doing this "just for the money" is only half of the story.

I would bet that a majority of club members KNOW how the club is run and I knew from when I joined in 1990. After seeing some clubs ruined by new leaders I am happy that the way SAAC has been diligent with these cars and the stability of the club has been there. Sure its not perfect but I feel that they have been great gatekeepers of the Shelby car documents. Could you imagine down the road the new club getting all those documents on our cars and then if this club goes away then what would happen to the documents? I hope SAAC wins the right(its in proceedings I hear) to keep the docs. A gift is a gift. Gary
1970 Gt350 convertible export car
1968 GT350 fastback

[Naumoff]

Some American Automobile Club

I hope it all works out. I Love cars and especially old Fords. Grew up working on them and will always love them.

If Shelby wants to start a Club that is great. I don't see any reason why SAAC can't continue on. they just can't display his logo.
I don't know what the big deal is about displaying his logo as far as I can see it that is free advertisement. And we all know how expensive advertisement is.
I run my business on my reputation. Word of mouth. A bad reputation is hard to pull out of. Shelby is in this situation and not knowing his game plan but it looks like this could be a move to shake off the replica owners, as SAAC lets us participate at there events. I hope this is not true.
With the Cobras there, as we all know, not that many of them. And chances of owning one even if you have the money are slim.
Shelby could start a Cobra Club as Power Surge said and unite all brand of Cobra replica owner.And I think someone else mentioned 10,000 happy fake Cobra owners makes good business sense to me.
The fake Cobras are really what has kept the fires burning for the Shelby Name. Cobras are Shelby, Mustangs are Ford.

[kayakjack]

It is a bit confusing to me why I should care one way or another about SAAC or any other "club" Shelby wants to stand behind at this time.

I have been a Cobra fan since I wanted a "real" one in 1965. Dad wouldn't buy it for me. Go figure. The values went up faster than my bank account.

Companies appeared making "fake" ones better than originals. I bought one. I love it.

These clubs look down on my car and me. Why should I desire to be a member. Why should I give them a nickel? I go where I am wanted. Period.

I have what I wanted since 1965. I choose to associate with other folks like me.

Jack