Arizona Shelby Cobras

[cobrakalas427]

Originally Posted by dcdoug

Since I am in DC, nothing was "local". Mostly, I enjoyed dealing with Stephen Becker and that was the clincher. He was very responsive and also had more flexibility than most of the others on a few issues important to me.

I've read articles about him...he seems to be one of the most loyal Shelby enthusiasts around. I'm glad all worked out for you.

[Al G]

Arizona Shelby Cobra is on my short list of dealers to buy from, hopefully soon. I visited them last week and they were very knowledgeable and professional. I spent almost 3 hours with Christal Creel and their lead builder Tom Blessin. Richard wasn't there but I didn't think much of it. I've been exchanging email with Christal for a few months and her signature block always identified her as "Owner". Christal is listed as the sole owner of their sister company RC Performance. I did notice this week that her name changed to Christal James. I don't care what goes on in her personal life and never thought about any affect on the business or their relationship with Shelby. I saw no red flags during my visit and am still keeping them in serious consideration for my business as soon as I am ready.

I also had some good exchanges with Tom at T&E Legendary Classics and they are also on my short list. But since they only do 4-speed transmissions they might drop off. I was undecided on 4-speed or 5-speed until I rode in the 5-speed in Arizona. I now understand the 5-speed argument about lower (and quieter) RPM at cruising speeds.

I had a couple of exchanges with Stephen Becker but his answers were very short. I got the feeling he didn't need my business.

Like dcdoug I don't have a local dealer so someone I feel comfortable with is more important than location.

[Al G]

Also, if you search this forum for "Wickenburg" you find lots of entries about gatherings there. I assume someone from Arizona knows of Arizona Shelby Cobra's reputation and can help the OP.

[csx4910]

Although I didnt buy my CSX from them I had some good conversations with Tom while researching the possibility of doing a 42 gallon tank in my CSX and found him to be nice, responsive to emails and very pleasant on the phone. Do you live up in Wickenberg or down here in the valley? Either way good luck and after my dealer went out of business, I wouldnt think about buying something like a cobra that wasnt local. I wouldnt want to have to try to be shipping a car back and forth if it had problems.
Ron

[dcdoug]

Originally Posted by csx4910

Either way good luck and after my dealer went out of business, I wouldnt think about buying something like a cobra that wasnt local.
Ron

If you trust the dealer, buying local would be a big plus, especially if you aren't doing work on the car yourself. My local cobra club fills the gap for me and I still call Stephen with questions from time to time.

[RC427s/c]

Originally Posted by Al G

Arizona Shelby Cobra is on my short list of dealers to buy from, hopefully soon. I visited them last week and they were very knowledgeable and professional. I spent almost 3 hours with Christal Creel and their lead builder Tom Blessin. Richard wasn't there but I didn't think much of it. I've been exchanging email with Christal for a few months and her signature block always identified her as "Owner". Christal is listed as the sole owner of their sister company RC Performance. I did notice this week that her name changed to Christal James. I don't care what goes on in her personal life and never thought about any affect on the business or their relationship with Shelby. I saw no red flags during my visit and am still keeping them in serious consideration for my business as soon as I am ready.

I also had some good exchanges with Tom at T&E Legendary Classics and they are also on my short list. But since they only do 4-speed transmissions they might drop off. I was undecided on 4-speed or 5-speed until I rode in the 5-speed in Arizona. I now understand the 5-speed argument about lower (and quieter) RPM at cruising speeds.

I had a couple of exchanges with Stephen Becker but his answers were very short. I got the feeling he didn't need my business.

Like dcdoug I don't have a local dealer so someone I feel comfortable with is more important than location.

To correct the record about Az Shelby Cobra and RC Performance.
I ( Richard Creel ) started both companies and was the driving force behind them until I could no longer stand to be in the marriage. I agreed to sell ASCO to Christal ( my X) and her boyfriend Tom, who defrauded me as they did to MANY others and were later forced out of Shelby dealership net work by Shelby. They are being sought by several "injured parties" seeking to recoup some fairly large sums of money.

[Al G]

Originally Posted by RC427s/c

To correct the record about Az Shelby Cobra and RC Performance.
I ( Richard Creel ) started both companies and was the driving force behind them until I could no longer stand to be in the marriage. I agreed to sell ASCO to Christal ( my X) and her boyfriend Tom, who defrauded me as they did to MANY others and were later forced out of Shelby dealership net work by Shelby. They are being sought by several "injured parties" seeking to recoup some fairly large sums of money.

I wish I had more information 3 years ago. It would have saved a lot of time, heartache and lost money.

Richard - if you want some interesting reading, there are lots of thread here about Christal and Tom.