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

[Durt]

"Since I was at Peterson's covering the event for the Norcal Shelby Club. I saw Shelby sign FOR FREE autograph for anyone who wanted one on anything. I have proof of that all over my office. I guess you really are a leper or a liar.

Your diatribe is filled with inaccuracies and you place blame on Carroll for events in which he had no control or involvement in many of the situations, which you state. Here accuracies and facts are not important when most peoples goals are to slam an individual who is not here to defend himself.

Now you can go back to having fun."


As I stated in my post, all of the opinions and experiences I wrote about are mine. I am, indeed, not an investigator - so when I read that Shelby did this or Shelby did that, I have no idea who "Shelby" might be, that is absolutely true. But when I read in the LA Times an article on "Shelby" versus Superformance that specifically detailed "his" desire to confiscate all SPF replicas, you're damned right I'm going to "slam" him.
The fact that he brushed me aside at the Peterson was a momentary disappointment in a decade of "Shelby" related unpleasantness - none of which I pulled out of thin air to "have fun." I did not see any signage, because at that point, I didn't feel compelled to stand in line for an autograph free or otherwise - and if he does in fact not charge money for autographs, then you may call me a liar.

http://www.shelbychildrensfoundation.org/autograph.asp

I am not involved in the small print regarding "Shelby's" current attempt to shut down SAAC, but I can tell you this - I forwarded my "diatribe" to Rick Kopec whose main comment was: "You've pretty much hit the nail on the head except you didn't go far enough."

So, I'm sorry if my personal accounts rub you the wrong way, but if "Shelby" doesn't enjoy being vilified, perhaps "he" should spend more time projecting a positive image to guys like me who simply want to be an enthusiast and less time in the courtroom - both real and of public opinion.

[cobraviper_99]

After making the simple supposition that Shelby's reputation, image, and hero status within the Cobra community has skidded so far down the slippery slope of moral tolerance that enthusiasm for cars bearing his name or service mark have also suffered an equal amount of disrepute, I was told my examples were overdrawn or irrelevant. I observed that other automobile revolutionaries in the past who begged, borrowed, or stole their way to their ill-gotten goals never saw widespread villification of their cars based on how immoral or unethical their behavior. Ferrari was a cold-blooded super-ego who prized winning over the lives of his own drivers. Delorean began his quest with honorable intentions but eventually became a bunko artist to keep his visions viable. Bricklin was more interested in turning a buck than performing due diligence within his financial infrastructure and went down the tubes--with a ton of OPM. Mercedes and the the Nazi braintrust broke bread.

In none of the above examples did enthusiasts of those automobiles remove the emblems from them as a display of their unmitigated outrage at the misdeeds, atrocities, or self-serving shell games of the people who produced them. As I read the previous posts, my point has been made much better than I might have been able to.

Please keep in mind, I am casting no aspersions at anyone on either side of the argument. My motives weren't to pass judgment on the guilty or the innocent. There's a dynamic in the Shelby/Enthusiast relationship that appears to be unlike anything I've seen before. Right or wrong, good or bad, justified or unjust, something is definitely there.

[turnpike boy]

Viper, I can't help but observe that you equate the revulsion with Shelby the man with a measurable decline in interest in Cobras. I confess I'm thoroughly confused by that analysis.

Where in any of these posts did anyone say they're willing to abandon their Cobra because of him?

I haven't read that into any of these posts. What I HAVE read is that his officious attitudes have turned people off to supporting his current, ongoing outrages ala' this "club" of his. Will it affect purchses of KR500's? - doubtful, because just like a Cobra, one can revel in what it does rather than who it represents.

I've got no Ford badges on my Cobra either.....and if they were to make a car that fascinated me the way a Cobra has, I would freely buy one on that basis, despite the bigoted, arrogant, fascist pig that ol' Henry was.

[computerworks]

Originally Posted by cobraviper_99

In none of the above examples did enthusiasts of those automobiles remove the emblems from them as a display of their unmitigated outrage at the misdeeds, atrocities, or self-serving shell games of the people who produced them. As I read the previous posts, my point has been made much better than I might have been able to.

not really... in none of the other examples....are there owners of replicas.

It's the replica guys that are de-badging (or at least talking about it).

I'm not concerned about any of this as it relates to my GT-350. I know what is and where it came from...and I'm comfy with that.

[RACER X #99]

Originally Posted by computerworks

I'm not concerned about any of this as it relates to my GT-350. I know what is and where it came from...and I'm comfy with that.

In all fairness you 350 is a REAL Shelby

[computerworks]

Originally Posted by RACER X #99

In all fairness your 350 is a REAL Shelby

yes sir....and I don't find myself compelled to mention that, either.

[Durt]

'...write a book.'

Oh dear - voted off the island again. You kids have fun.

[Jamo]

Originally Posted by Durt

'...write a book.'

Oh dear - voted off the island again. You kids have fun.

Not you! Hell, I'd take your rants into the throne room anytime.

[fsstnotch]

Originally Posted by RACER X #99

In all fairness you 350 is a REAL Shelby

And unfortunately will probably depreciate 25-40% over the next 5-10 yrs should CS gain full rights to the registry.

Durt, that was perfectly said!

As far as badges... My POS replica will be badgeless and for good reason. It will be what it is, a driveable replica of a car that I have dreamed about owning since I was probably 2 or 3 putting my hot wheels cobra and a strip of track and lettign it race down to teh wood floor. My uncle and I used to pick like 5 or 6 cars each and race them all down the track like a competition to see whos would go the farthest. My cobra with it's rubber tires always went the shortest but it was always my first car chosen because it was my favorite! Ahhh the memories! I would never, aside from the occasional joke I'm sure, lead anyone to believe that it is original or a real shelby. Sure the emblems complete the replication, but I want the car to be as much fun as possible with no turmoil. I don't want someone telling me several years down the road that I can't have badges on my cobra because some old grumpy man has too much money and wants to sue everyone for everything he can!

Hey, maybe for a $200 donation I can get a visor or a glove box door signed!

I love the car, not the man! I just hope for the owner/enthusiasts sake that SAAC is awarded to keep the registry.

[computerworks]

Originally Posted by fsstnotch

And unfortunately will probably depreciate 25-40% over the next 5-10 yrs should CS gain full rights to the registry.

You bring up a very important and subtle point in all of this flurry.

It is my understanding that the original records of SAAC and all the data they have compiled internally and published in the form of the Registry is NOT what is being asked for in the recent lawyer letters.

What has been asked for is the return of all physical documents and records from the "old days" that were given to SAAC by Shelby.

...and the documentation ( not the originals) of the data on all Shelby vehicles that have been registered since 1996...the year Shelby Autos began making replica Cobras under their own name.

My point is: SA will not nullify the SAAC Registry past, present or future.
The Team Shelby plan will call for their own registry of the newgen stuff...and the classic stuff, if the owners want to send in their data. If no one does...that volume will be a thin book.

B-U-T nowhere is there the legalese to abscond with SAAC's Registry or the right to continue it.

As the pitchfork and torch mob runs with this stuff... it is really important to point this fine distinction out.

..and my personal opinion is that none of this will really affect present or future values of the classics. SAAC's data on the classic cars is impeccable.

[Wayne Maybury]

[quote=computerworks]
the year Shelby Autos began making replica Cobras under their own name.
QUOTE]

Sorry Ron but I have to ask, did you mean replica Cobras or REAL Cobras? This is so confusing. Aren't the replica Cobras really REAL Cobras????

Wayne

[Joe Wicked]

I think the reference to Shelby controlling the registry is in reference to his trademark application to SAAC as it relates to publishing books on automotive, among everything else listed. This really does look like he is trying to completely take over the SAAC registry. If he gets the trademark, then he can publish his version as the SAAC registry and SAAC must come up with a different name. To anyone who does not know that this is what is going on, will think that they are buying the latest version of the registry from the club when in reality they are not.

[Durt]

Interesting observations. I think the main difference is that, unlike Shelby, Ferrari, DeLorean and Bricklin never elevated themselves to celebrity status. Along with laurels, celebrity also provides a gigantic bulls-eye.
I am personally not burning my picures of Shelby or sticking pins in his wax image. I'm just disappointed to find out that Santa Clause has whiskey breath.
As far as the badging goes - part of "Shelby's" settlement with Superformance included the cessation of accessorizing the cars with Cobra badges - so in theory, we should all be popping those badges off our cars regardless of our intent.
Thank God Mr. Smiths doesn't want his gauges back.