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

[cobraviper_99]

Why is the vibe here getting so hostile?


"In fact...just WTF are you talking about?""
"Is this some later stage of CSXR angst?"

Isn't this the forum that implores its users to show "Respect, respect, respect"? What was it which I posted that was at all disrespectful to anyone, and yet I get the "CSXR angst" slam?

Let the record show that strictly because my bio shows I own a CSX, that information somehow gets pulled into the conversation as if the mere ownership of that car makes me some kind of shill for Shelby. I've repeatedly stated he may be the inveterate scoundrel so many people accuse him of being, but his guilt or innocence wasn't the crux of my comments. I'll try to connect the dots for you one more time.

Post No. 499 from C5HM is an impassioned denouncement of not only Shelby but Ford as well. He states he'll never purchase another product from either entity and the responses from subsequent posters are generally supportive of his rage. I'm not going to tell him he's not entitled to feel that way and I'm certainly not going to protest his sentiments. What I'm questioning is why haven't we seen that same kind of disassociation with other automobiles which were conceived, built, manufactured, promoted, and/or connected to men of dubious business practices and allegedly unethical conduct? I offered examples which I'll adamantly stand by.

Also, Cobrabill, the book "Grand Delusions" by Hillel Levin is a remarkably detailed account of the John Delorean debacle. It documents clearly that the idea for the GTO was first discussed by Delorean, Pete Estes, and Bill Collins while visiting a GM proving ground to see the new-for-1964 Tempest. Delorean would play the pivotal role in the styling and engineering of the GTO, and it was his joint efforts with Jim Wangers that resulted in the spectacular advertising campaign which launched the car to immediate success. The fact that Delorean's folly with his own sports car occurred years later doesn't disqualify the reality that he is yet another automotive icon who fell from grace, was convicted of serious improprieties, and cars which he is most identified with remain popular without the odor of his malfeasance.

Finally, I have never said that the "values" of any Shelby vehicles have been placed in jeopardy. I stated clearly that there are people who have opted to abandon their deep enthusiasm for the Shelby nameplate because of their disapproval of the way he has been conducting his professional affairs. As I've already professed, the builder's character--or lack thereof--isn't a part of the pricing dynamic in the collector arena.

I didn't come here to start a fight, only to point out what I consider to be an intriguing phenomenon. If owning a CSX makes me fair game for a ***** slap, can someone tell me what happened to the "Respect, respect, respect" concept?
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