Researching any info re: Paul Cunningham, Competition Cobra privateer

[mrmustang]

Originally Posted by USC_COWBOY

Ned,

While you are at it may I have a copy of the Bill of Sale from the SAI sale of CSX2049 to Ann Abidin that has been published and spoken highly of to me and others on the forum?

I suspect the documents you are informally requesting "for your records", would need the permission of not only the SAAC board, registrar, but the current "owner of record" permission to divulge. As stated by Ned before, there are plenty of documents in the files that are not made public for privacy, along with keeping such items behind the scenes so others (not you per se) may not have such items available for nefarious purposes.

Bill S.

[peterpjb]

Originally Posted by mrmustang

I suspect the documents you are informally requesting "for your records", would need the permission of not only the SAAC board, registrar, but the current "owner of record" permission to divulge. As stated by Ned before, there are plenty of documents in the files that are not made public for privacy, along with keeping such items behind the scenes so others (not you per se) may not have such items available for nefarious purposes.

Bill S.

As a Member I would like to know what (official) function do you have in the SAAC ?

[mrmustang]

Originally Posted by peterpjb

As a Member I would like to know what (official) function do you have in the SAAC ?

No secret there, thought everyone knew, I am their current AdMaster and classified moderator on the saacforum, that is, until they find another SAAC member honest enough to take the position over from me. I have no other connection to SAAC other than that, I am not a board member, nor hold any other position, nor connections to the organization, other than my paid membership since 1981.


Bill S.

[Nedsel]

Originally Posted by USC_COWBOY

Ned,

While you are at it may I have a copy of the Bill of Sale from the SAI sale of CSX2049 to Ann Abidin that has been published and spoken highly of to me and others on the forum?

Sorry, do not have a Bill of Sale. But I do have a 1964 CA registration document showing Ann Abiden as the legal owner, as well as another CA document from 4/67 - the same date as on the photos from Lanse Haselrig that show the wrecked 2049 as well as Lanse himself - showing he had applied for a registration document even though the legal owner is still shown as Ann Abiden, as Lanse had yet to pay off the full balance.

I submit these willingly as I have no doubts as to their legitimacy.

[CompClassics]

Deleted

[Nedsel]

Memo to Comp Classics: You appear to be going out of your way to diminish the validity of a car that, last I knew, you were restoring. Then I noted a fascinating comment that said something along the lines of, "I knew if I continued working on this project I would be perjuring myself." I'm not sure how that would occur, but I ask you bluntly: Are you a neutral party in this discussion, or might you have an axe to grind here?

[CompClassics]

Deleted

[CompClassics]

Deleted

[1ntCobra]

Here are just some thoughts and speculations:

1) Why would Shelby American want a mechanics lien against a wrecked car? Wouldn't a mechanics lien normally be for a car that a shop had done work on, but failed to collect payment on? It seems unlikely they did any work that they wanted to charge back to the owner of a wreck, right? Could it be the car was sitting around the shop from November of 1963 through April of 1964 and Shelby American wanted to simply get the car out of the shop because it was taking up space for months and the owner (whoever that was) simply did not bother to come to pick up the wreck? Unlike a wrecked Shelby team car that Shelby American owned and could simply cut up and throw in the dumpster, I am guessing that a car belonging to someone else would require a lien to get the car's title so that they could dispose of the car.

2) The owner of the car as of April 4, 1964 had paid it off in August of 1963.

2) We don't know whether Shelby American ever got the mechanics lien.

3) The wreck was intact in pictures from 1967, so obviously Shelby did not cut up the wreck and throw it in their dumpster to get rid of it.

4) If Shelby American never got the lien, is it possible that they eventually got a hold of the owner (whover the owner was) to pick up the car?

5) If Shelby American eventually got the lien and considering the wreck still existed, were they trying to sell the wreck to someone? Or sell it to a junk yard?

6) Who is Phil Curry? Maybe he could have been part of a car tags business involved in getting a title to the car in the case the lien came through? Maybe he was interested in buying the wreck for parts if the lien came though?

7) What is at Phil Curry's address? It does not look like a residence. You can lease the office building at that address now. https://www.loopnet.com/property/514...37-5544014010/

8) The 1964 and 1967 registrations show a license number (which I assume is a license plate number): JJB 499

9) Well in this historical picture, there is no license plate.



10) Even if the car had a license plate, maybe it would be removed from the car to save weight during racing.

11) The registrations from 1964 and 1967 just indicate the year that the car was sold, 1963. Presumably that is the year that the car was first sold.

12) Let's say that you are Ann Abidin and you purchased the car in 1963, and the car was wrecked in 1963 and you have a valid title for the car you purchased in 1963. Why would Ann pay to register the car wreck in 1964? It is not like she was planning on driving it, right? Why register the wreck in 1964, if you have the 1963 title showing you paid for it in full in August of 1963? Couldn't you just sell the car with the 1963 title and 1963 registration without renewing the registration for 1964?

13) In my experience in Pennsylvania (which is not the same as 1964 California), my family was able to sell my aunt's old Mustang that had been parked in the garage and last registered in 1981 a few years ago using the title from the 1960s. We did not have to get a current year registration to sell the car.

14) So getting back to Ann Abidin getting a registration in 1964 for a car wrecked in 1963, why do that? Wild speculation here: Is it possible that Ann got her first title and registration for CSX2049 in 1964, after she purchased the wreck from Shelby American after Shelby American finally got a mechanics lien on the car? Mundane speculation here: Ann was the owner of the car and paid it off in 1963; Shelby American never got the mechanics lien; Shelby American eventually got a hold of Ann, and she eventually picked up the wreck from Shelby American; for some unknow reason she registered the undrivable wreck in 1964, but apparently wised up on wasting money on unnecessary registration fees and did not bother to register it again in 1965, 1966 or 1967.

[1ntCobra]

Originally Posted by 1ntCobra

Here are just some thoughts and speculations:

1) Why would Shelby American want a mechanics lien against a wrecked car? Wouldn't a mechanics lien normally be for a car that a shop had done work on, but failed to collect payment on? It seems unlikely they did any work that they wanted to charge back to the owner of a wreck, right? Could it be the car was sitting around the shop from November of 1963 through April of 1964 and Shelby American wanted to simply get the car out of the shop because it was taking up space for months and the owner (whoever that was) simply did not bother to come to pick up the wreck? Unlike a wrecked Shelby team car that Shelby American owned and could simply cut up and throw in the dumpster, I am guessing that a car belonging to someone else would require a lien to get the car's title so that they could dispose of the car.

2) The owner of the car as of April 4, 1964 had paid it off in August of 1963.

2) We don't know whether Shelby American ever got the mechanics lien.

3) The wreck was intact in pictures from 1967, so obviously Shelby did not cut up the wreck and throw it in their dumpster to get rid of it.

4) If Shelby American never got the lien, is it possible that they eventually got a hold of the owner (whover the owner was) to pick up the car?

5) If Shelby American eventually got the lien and considering the wreck still existed, were they trying to sell the wreck to someone? Or sell it to a junk yard?

6) Who is Phil Curry? Maybe he could have been part of a car tags business involved in getting a title to the car in the case the lien came through? Maybe he was interested in buying the wreck for parts if the lien came though?

7) What is at Phil Curry's address? It does not look like a residence. You can lease the office building at that address now. https://www.loopnet.com/property/514...37-5544014010/

8) The 1964 and 1967 registrations show a license number (which I assume is a license plate number): JJB 499

9) Well in this historical picture, there is no license plate.



10) Even if the car had a license plate, maybe it would be removed from the car to save weight during racing.

11) The registrations from 1964 and 1967 just indicate the year that the car was sold, 1963. Presumably that is the year that the car was first sold.

12) Let's say that you are Ann Abidin and you purchased the car in 1963, and the car was wrecked in 1963 and you have a valid title for the car you purchased in 1963. Why would Ann pay to register the car wreck in 1964? It is not like she was planning on driving it, right? Why register the wreck in 1964, if you have the 1963 title showing you paid for it in full in August of 1963? Couldn't you just sell the car with the 1963 title and 1963 registration without renewing the registration for 1964?

13) In my experience in Pennsylvania (which is not the same as 1964 California), my family was able to sell my aunt's old Mustang that had been parked in the garage and last registered in 1981 a few years ago using the title from the 1960s. We did not have to get a current year registration to sell the car.

14) So getting back to Ann Abidin getting a registration in 1964 for a car wrecked in 1963, why do that? Wild speculation here: Is it possible that Ann got her first title and registration for CSX2049 in 1964, after she purchased the wreck from Shelby American after Shelby American finally got a mechanics lien on the car? Mundane speculation here: Ann was the owner of the car and paid it off in 1963; Shelby American never got the mechanics lien; Shelby American eventually got a hold of Ann, and she eventually picked up the wreck from Shelby American; for some unknow reason she registered the undrivable wreck in 1964, but apparently wised up on wasting money on unnecessary registration fees and did not bother to register it again in 1965, 1966 or 1967.

Oh, wait. I think I misunderstood something important here!

I don't think that is a 1964 registration for CSX2049. It is the application to get a 1964 registration that was never sent into the state because, why bother, the car is wrecked. In that case, having the application to renew the registration for 1964 would imply that Ann owned the car in 1963.

[1ntCobra]

Originally Posted by 1ntCobra

Oh, wait. I think I misunderstood something important here!

I don't think that is a 1964 registration for CSX2049. It is the application to get a 1964 registration that was never sent into the state because, why bother, the car is wrecked. In that case, having the application to renew the registration for 1964 would imply that Ann owned the car in 1963.

Thinking about this again... $88.00 in 1964 dollars sounds rather expensive for a vehicle registration renewal application fee. Maybe if the registration for a new vehicle purchase just for the first year of registration (as opposed to an annual renewal fee) includes some sort of fee based on a percentage of the purchase price of the vehicle in California back in 1964, that might make me think that the high fee could be indicative that Ann initially purchased the vehicle in 1964 and just never bothered to send in the 1964 registation application because she never planned on driving the wreck. Considering that Lanse's fee was $2.00 for 1967 if that was 1/44th of the fee that Ann paid in 1964, that might make sense of the rather expensive initial registration fee that Ann paid.

Does anyone know how registration fees worked in California back in the 1960s?

Still if the car was first titled in 1964 (and not bothered to be registered) by Ann, wouldn't the initial registation fee be much more reasonable for a wrecked Cobra than $88.00. Keep in mind that $88.00 in 1964 dollars sounds expensive.

Also it seems a bit strange that Lanse would pay a registration fee in 1967 for a wrecked car that cannot be driven. It seems like Lanse would just need to eventually get the car's title in his name and never bother to register it.

[CompClassics]

Deleted

[1ntCobra]

Originally Posted by CompClassics

CSX2049 was initially bought as an well optioned street car in 1963, it was turned into a race car some time thereafter.

Sure, the car was initially purchased in 1963 and paid for in full in August of 1963. It was converted to a race car prior to the crash in November 1963. And it seems that the owner of the car in April 1964 was still the person that paid off the bank loan in August of 1963 based on the letter about the mechanics lien shared by Ned.

We do not know who owned the car paid in full in August of 1963 based on what Ned has shown us.

There is what appears to be an application to register CSX 2049 for 1964 that was not sent into the state (as opposed to a 1964 registration). After all why bother to file the 1964 registration for a car wrecked in 1963.

Here are 2 possibilities that could explain Ann having a 1964 application to register CSX 2049 that she did not bother to send into California:

1) Ann could have been the owner of the car back in August 1963. She still had the application to register the car for 1964, but did not send in the application for the wrecked car because it was no longer drivable.

2) Ann purchased the wrecked car from Shelby American sometime after April 1964 if Shelby American eventually got the mechanics lien. She would have gotten a title for the car in 1964 when she first purchased the car as a wreck. She would also also have gotten the application to register the car in 1964, but would not have bothered to send in the registration application because she would never drive the car.

Possiblity number 2 allows for someone other than Ann to have owned the car when Paul Cunningham crashed it. And that owner could have been Paul Cunningham, but not necessarily.

[USC_COWBOY]

Thought a remembrance of Paul Cunningham would be of interest. Fred Yeakel is one of the brothers that owned several car dealerships in Southern California.

Fred Yeakel Remembers Paul Cunningham:
"I was very interested in the write-up on Paul Cunningham. I bought my first Corvette at the racetrack at Santa Barbara on Memorial Day weekend 1963. I had been watching sports car races since the first LA Times Grand Prix in 1958.
When I went to Riverside Raceway for my first CalClub driver’s school, I was assigned to the group Paul Cunningham was instructing. I was sure that I knew everything there was to know! I had owned an Austin Healey 100-4 and a Alfa Romeo Gullia previously. I had watched races all over Southern California for 5 years as well as working corners for CalClub. This did not include my extensive "Mulholland Drive" experience.
The first session of the school, we all just followed the lead car around as Paul showed everyone the correct line. The next session we were all allowed out on the track, while Paul drove one student’s car with the student in the passenger's seat. We would be called into the pits, he would then get into another student's car for a few laps of instruction.
At this point I still thought I was hot stuff. The first lap I thought that Paul was pretty quick. I did not realize that he was only checking the car out. The second lap when we went down that long back stretch (this was before they added the dog leg) I was positive that we would not be able to get slowed down enough to make Turn 9. We were going to hit that dirt backed Armco. WE WERE GOING TO DIE!!
Well, we made it without a problem. Paul taught me the difference between the spectator's and driver's view
Paul was a great instructor and helped this fledgling racer through driver's schools at both Riverside and San Luis Obispo. I was in the same A & B production race at Willow Springs that claimed his life. It was the last race of the day and as you would come around Turn 9 the sun was directly in your eyes. I was coming out of Turn 8, on I believe lap 1, when all of a sudden there was this huge cloud of dust at Turn 9. We all drove through Turn 9 not being able to see anything. I was very sad when told what had happened.
I missed Paul Cunningham then and I still miss him today, even though I never got to know him that well."
Fred Yeakel

[Buzz]

Out of curiosity, I decided to look up Ann Abidin to see if I could find anything online with the thought that the assumed sort of woman who would have the means and motivation to buy a new Cobra in 1963 and then give it to her son to go racing would be likely to have had at least something interesting or significant enough in her lifetime that it would remain on record.

Here's what I found in a casual search:

- No internet record of an Ann Abidin from that time period.

- Her listed address on the documents that Ned shared with us; 8041 Galena St. Riverside, Ca. shows no such person in the list of current and former owners. https://rehold.com/Riverside+CA/GALENA+ST/8041

- I did find an Albert N. Abidin (1941 - 2014) whose name and timeframe would match that of Ann's son who she reportedly gave the Cobra to listed as the early owner of 8025 Galena St. in Riverside. https://rehold.com/Riverside+CA/GALENA+ST/8025

- 8025 (along with the other houses in the area) is a relatively "humble" looking residence for a gentleman racer of a Shelby Cobra even for 1963.
https://www.google.com/maps/place/80...4d-117.4583688

- Note that Lanse Haselrig coincidentally shows 4640 Kansas Ave, Riverside, CA in Riverside as his address at the time of his purchase of the wreck from Ann..

Questions:

- Why is there no paper record of the original sale of 2049 in 1963?

- Why did Paul Cunningham's widow have an old AC Ace chassis chassis in her garage that also appears to have had the key identification sections cut out? Bearing in mind that family members testify she was given that chassis by an SAI employee. (It's also been noted here that Carol Connors had a wrecked Ace which may have ended up at SAI.)

- Could she have attempted to regain possession of her husband's Cobra chassis and been handed this fake by "someone at SAI", either in error or in order to appease her after the original chassis had already been sold/parted out?

- Why would anyone go to great lengths to buy a totalled wreck of a Cobra back in 1964 or 1967?

- Why is Cunningham repeatedly and overwhelmingly shown as both entrant and driver in all of the race records I have found online? No mention whatsoever of any Ann or Albert Abidin.

My own wild speculation :

Something is seriously missing/suspect about the currently accepted early ownership history of CSX2049 and based on USC_COWBOY's candid and sincere testimonials (including sharing the undoubtably disappointing reply from AC about the Ace chassis), I tend to believe that there may well be some real substance to his assertion that Paul Cunningham did indeed own the car. I could be wrong though, but I'm definitely not otherwise convinced.

[USC_COWBOY]

Originally Posted by Buzz

Out of curiosity, I decided to look up Ann Abidin to see if I could find anything online with the thought that the assumed sort of woman who would have the means and motivation to buy a new Cobra in 1963 and then give it to her son to go racing would be likely to have had at least something interesting or significant enough in her lifetime that it would remain on record.

Here's what I found in a casual search:

- No internet record of an Ann Abidin from that time period.

- Her listed address on the documents that Ned shared with us; 8041 Galena St. Riverside, Ca. shows no such person in the list of current and former owners. https://rehold.com/Riverside+CA/GALENA+ST/8041

- I did find an Albert N. Abidin (1941 - 2014) whose name and timeframe would match that of Ann's son who she reportedly gave the Cobra to listed as the early owner of 8025 Galena St. in Riverside. https://rehold.com/Riverside+CA/GALENA+ST/8025

- 8025 (along with the other houses in the area) is a relatively "humble" looking residence for a gentleman racer of a Shelby Cobra even for 1963.
https://www.google.com/maps/place/80...4d-117.4583688

- Note that Lanse Haselrig coincidentally shows 4640 Kansas Ave, Riverside, CA in Riverside as his address at the time of his purchase of the wreck from Ann..

Questions:

- Why is there no paper record of the original sale of 2049 in 1963?

- Why did Paul Cunningham's widow have an old AC Ace chassis chassis in her garage that also appears to have had the key identification sections cut out? Bearing in mind that family members testify she was given that chassis by an SAI employee. (It's also been noted here that Carol Connors had a wrecked Ace which may have ended up at SAI.)

- Could she have attempted to regain possession of her husband's Cobra chassis and been handed this fake by "someone at SAI", either in error or in order to appease her after the original chassis had already been sold/parted out?

- Why would anyone go to great lengths to buy a totalled wreck of a Cobra back in 1964 or 1967?

- Why is Cunningham repeatedly and overwhelmingly shown as both entrant and driver in all of the race records I have found online? No mention whatsoever of any Ann or Albert Abidin.

My own wild speculation :

Something is seriously missing/suspect about the currently accepted early ownership history of CSX2049 and based on USC_COWBOY's candid and sincere testimonials (including sharing the undoubtably disappointing reply from AC about the Ace chassis), I tend to believe that there may well be some real substance to his assertion that Paul Cunningham did indeed own the car. I could be wrong though, but I'm definitely not otherwise convinced.

This is exactly what I've been trying to get across to Ned and others. There is something very wrong with the history as presented in the Registry. Perhaps, this forum will finally expose the imposters.

[Nedsel]

As I have said previously, we rely on documentation to provide history on these cars, rather than memories. Which is not to say Michael's are incorrect; it's to say a Bill of Sale or other proof of Paul Cunningham's purchase of 2049 would be welcome.

I would also reiterate that photos don't generally lie. Lanse Haselrig provided photos of CSX 2049 after the fatal wreck with a date of 4/67 on them and has told us that is the point at which he bought the wreck from its original owner, Ann Abiden. He paid for the car for a period of several months, not years, and put it into storage when he was shipped off to Vietnam with the Army. He had no idea the chassis had been illegally sold out of the storage facility years later until a second title appeared in another state. At that time he partnered with a friend to reinforce his ownership with the state of CA. Whatever evidence they supplied was apparently solid, as they prevailed.

I note that CompClassics provided photos of what clearly appears to be the wrecked chassis of 2049 (see post #5) and would like to ask, who supplied these to you? It is obvious that someone had possession of the wrecked chassis after the shots that were taken in 4/67, and I would like to know who that was. I think those photos speak volumes.

[USC_COWBOY]

It has been stated previously that SAAC has the most complete history of the Cobras manufactured by SAI, having access to files, boxes of records and paperwork, invoices, factory work orders, rebuild documents. Registry Staff to have actually visited the shops wherein the Cobras were rebuilt/restored, etc.

In fact, anyone just perusing the Registry would believe the histories are true and to be believed by the numerous enthusiasts of the marque.

The wording is strong, inclusive, and at least insinuated to be backed up by documentation, proof that the histories are factual. The truth is just the opposite, the narratives are promotional in nature and surely meant to bolster histories and driver involvements with a specific chassis. For instance…

CSX2049 arrives at SAI November 13, 1962, sold to Downtown Ford on January 26, 1963, Sold to Ann Abidin in February 1963, Ann Abidin gifts the car to her son Albert Abidin, Albert Abidin sends the street Cobra to SAI for major conversion from street use to full competition status. Where is the invoicing from AC Cars to SAI? Where is the invoicing from SAI to Downtown Ford? Where is the invoicing from Downtown Ford to Ann Abidin? Where is the factory work orders for the conversion from street to full competition? This was a relatively expensive car in the early 60’s and the conversion work had to be documented as to what is to be done, how much is being charged, probably would have been subject to a substantial deposit before commencing the factory conversions. Isn’t this very convenient that all the documentation is missing?

When you look at the race history as it appears in the Leaf Spring Registry you will find 9 races listed. The first three races were Pomona 4/20-21/1963 #105 A/P driven by Ted Roberts; Cotati 5/12/1963 #300 A/P driven by Allan Grant and owned by Albert Abidin; Pomona 7/13-14/1963 #25 driven by Ted Roberts. The interesting point here is the obvious involvement with the car by Albert Abidin and shown to be the owner of CSX2049.

The next 6 races were Cotati 7/27-28/1963 #246 A/P driven by Paul Cunningham, entrant is Paul Cunningham; San Luis Obispo 8/17-18/1963 #37 A/P driven by Paul Cunningham, entrant is Paul Cunningham; Santa Barbara 9/1/1963 #37 A/P driven by Paul Cunningham, entrant is Paul Cunningham; Times GP Riverside 1 hour GT 10/13/1963 #37 driven by Paul Cunningham, entrant is Paul Cunningham, sponsor is Powerine Oil; Laguna Seca 10/19/1963 #37 driven by Paul Cunningham, entrant is Paul Cunningham, sponsored is Powerine Oil; Willow Springs 11/16/1963 #37 driven by Paul Cunningham, entrant is Paul Cunningham; sponsor is Powerine Oil. The interesting point here is that Ann Abidin nor Albert Abidin are identified or shown anywhere as owners or entrants of CSX2049. They didn’t exist as I have stated before, they were never at our house, not at the garage where the car was race prepped, not at the prerace tech inspections, not in the pits, not at the post race banquets/awards ceremonies. This is not the actions of an involved car owner and definitely not the involvement as demonstrated previously as in the first three races in which CSX2049 was entered.

In my opinion, this is the point in time wherein the Abidins were removed from the real history of CSX2049 and to be reinserted later in the history to bolster and increase value to the car being built by Hasselrig/Wesselink. The history had to be fleshed out and established as the saleable history in the most prestigious Cobra history basis, the SAAC Registry.

There is a definite break in the ownership after the first 3 races, the history gets very foggy here due to a lack of supporting documentation, but it is compelling that during the next 6 races Paul Cunningham is the only identifiable owner. The car was wrecked on 11/16/1963 and was taken to SAI for examination. Here is the point in time that someone interested in the CSX2049 chassis must fill in the missing history elements. SAI decides to obtain a lien on the wrecked chassis in April 1964 and Albert Abidin conveniently reappears taking possession of the car placing it in storage. Ann Abidin reappears and agrees to sell Hasselrig the wrecked car for $400 under some very unconventional terms and conditions. Has anyone ever used the AAA to make installment payments for the purchase of a vehicle? In 1967, Hasselrig completes the payment plan and becomes the owner of CSX2049.

In my past, I have had many friends, some of which have influenced me in my search for the truth and provided me with the fortitude to stay active in my quest to correct the history of CSX2049 and the driving and ownership of the privately campaigned Cunningham Cobra.

I asked a detective friend of mine how he goes about determining the truth when competing stories are at hand and there can be but one truth. His simple answer was to follow the money, who benefits from the narrative. Following his advice, we have the Abidins, we have the SAAC Registry, we have Hasselrig/Wesselink, all three are key players; however, the Abidins are deceased, the SAAC Registry exists and is an asset, the Hasselrig/Wesselink car exists and is a substantial asset. The most valuable asset is the car being built by Hasselrig/Wesselink once completed it would be one of very few factory competition prepared privateer Cobras that helped SAI to attain Manufacturer status. An estimate of value could be $2-$5 million based upon several similar Cobras selling at auction.

Hasselrig/Wesselink have been involved in this chassis for nearly 50 years, and they recognized the weakness in the CSX2049 history. I was personally approached by Wesselink on Friday, May 21, 2010 11:37 PM wherein he asked me to contact him leaving his phone number and email address. This was, in my opinion, a fishing expedition to gain additional information to bolster his history and involvement in CSX2049. I declined to participate in this history building effort by Wesselink.

We know that Hasselrig/Wesselink are capable of using legal action to further their efforts in legitimizing their CSX2049 reconstruction as they won their legal action against the State of California gaining title to the chassis CSX2049. In their efforts to gain title, it has been previously pointed out that they presented false evidence related to that chassis. It appears that the State was misled, and the title was awarded to Hasselrig/Wesselink for the wrecked CSX2049 chassis in error.

A question comes to mind, “Who actually pieced the history together as it is currently published”? In addition, Who benefits most from a clean and distinct title history? Is it possible that the history was written by those who will benefit the most? What pressure might be brought upon the Registry to back the sanitized title history? Legal actions are great motivators.

And here we are, everyone is protecting their turf, preserving their image, polishing and buffing the history, and ultimately enjoying yet another financially successful Air-Car.

[mrmustang]

Originally Posted by USC_COWBOY

It has been stated previously that SAAC has the most complete history of the Cobras manufactured by SAI, having access to files, boxes of records and paperwork, invoices, factory work orders, rebuild documents. Registry Staff to have actually visited the shops wherein the Cobras were rebuilt/restored, etc.

In fact, anyone just perusing the Registry would believe the histories are true and to be believed by the numerous enthusiasts of the marque.

The wording is strong, inclusive, and at least insinuated to be backed up by documentation, proof that the histories are factual. The truth is just the opposite, the narratives are promotional in nature and surely meant to bolster histories and driver involvements with a specific chassis. For instance…

CSX2049 arrives at SAI November 13, 1962, sold to Downtown Ford on January 26, 1963, Sold to Ann Abidin in February 1963, Ann Abidin gifts the car to her son Albert Abidin, Albert Abidin sends the street Cobra to SAI for major conversion from street use to full competition status. Where is the invoicing from AC Cars to SAI? Where is the invoicing from SAI to Downtown Ford? Where is the invoicing from Downtown Ford to Ann Abidin? Where is the factory work orders for the conversion from street to full competition? This was a relatively expensive car in the early 60’s and the conversion work had to be documented as to what is to be done, how much is being charged, probably would have been subject to a substantial deposit before commencing the factory conversions. Isn’t this very convenient that all the documentation is missing?

When you look at the race history as it appears in the Leaf Spring Registry you will find 9 races listed. The first three races were Pomona 4/20-21/1963 #105 A/P driven by Ted Roberts; Cotati 5/12/1963 #300 A/P driven by Allan Grant and owned by Albert Abidin; Pomona 7/13-14/1963 #25 driven by Ted Roberts. The interesting point here is the obvious involvement with the car by Albert Abidin and shown to be the owner of CSX2049.

The next 6 races were Cotati 7/27-28/1963 #246 A/P driven by Paul Cunningham, entrant is Paul Cunningham; San Luis Obispo 8/17-18/1963 #37 A/P driven by Paul Cunningham, entrant is Paul Cunningham; Santa Barbara 9/1/1963 #37 A/P driven by Paul Cunningham, entrant is Paul Cunningham; Times GP Riverside 1 hour GT 10/13/1963 #37 driven by Paul Cunningham, entrant is Paul Cunningham, sponsor is Powerine Oil; Laguna Seca 10/19/1963 #37 driven by Paul Cunningham, entrant is Paul Cunningham, sponsored is Powerine Oil; Willow Springs 11/16/1963 #37 driven by Paul Cunningham, entrant is Paul Cunningham; sponsor is Powerine Oil. The interesting point here is that Ann Abidin nor Albert Abidin are identified or shown anywhere as owners or entrants of CSX2049. They didn’t exist as I have stated before, they were never at our house, not at the garage where the car was race prepped, not at the prerace tech inspections, not in the pits, not at the post race banquets/awards ceremonies. This is not the actions of an involved car owner and definitely not the involvement as demonstrated previously as in the first three races in which CSX2049 was entered.

In my opinion, this is the point in time wherein the Abidins were removed from the real history of CSX2049 and to be reinserted later in the history to bolster and increase value to the car being built by Hasselrig/Wesselink. The history had to be fleshed out and established as the saleable history in the most prestigious Cobra history basis, the SAAC Registry.

There is a definite break in the ownership after the first 3 races, the history gets very foggy here due to a lack of supporting documentation, but it is compelling that during the next 6 races Paul Cunningham is the only identifiable owner. The car was wrecked on 11/16/1963 and was taken to SAI for examination. Here is the point in time that someone interested in the CSX2049 chassis must fill in the missing history elements. SAI decides to obtain a lien on the wrecked chassis in April 1964 and Albert Abidin conveniently reappears taking possession of the car placing it in storage. Ann Abidin reappears and agrees to sell Hasselrig the wrecked car for $400 under some very unconventional terms and conditions. Has anyone ever used the AAA to make installment payments for the purchase of a vehicle? In 1967, Hasselrig completes the payment plan and becomes the owner of CSX2049.

In my past, I have had many friends, some of which have influenced me in my search for the truth and provided me with the fortitude to stay active in my quest to correct the history of CSX2049 and the driving and ownership of the privately campaigned Cunningham Cobra.

I asked a detective friend of mine how he goes about determining the truth when competing stories are at hand and there can be but one truth. His simple answer was to follow the money, who benefits from the narrative. Following his advice, we have the Abidins, we have the SAAC Registry, we have Hasselrig/Wesselink, all three are key players; however, the Abidins are deceased, the SAAC Registry exists and is an asset, the Hasselrig/Wesselink car exists and is a substantial asset. The most valuable asset is the car being built by Hasselrig/Wesselink once completed it would be one of very few factory competition prepared privateer Cobras that helped SAI to attain Manufacturer status. An estimate of value could be $2-$5 million based upon several similar Cobras selling at auction.

Hasselrig/Wesselink have been involved in this chassis for nearly 50 years, and they recognized the weakness in the CSX2049 history. I was personally approached by Wesselink on Friday, May 21, 2010 11:37 PM wherein he asked me to contact him leaving his phone number and email address. This was, in my opinion, a fishing expedition to gain additional information to bolster his history and involvement in CSX2049. I declined to participate in this history building effort by Wesselink.

We know that Hasselrig/Wesselink are capable of using legal action to further their efforts in legitimizing their CSX2049 reconstruction as they won their legal action against the State of California gaining title to the chassis CSX2049. In their efforts to gain title, it has been previously pointed out that they presented false evidence related to that chassis. It appears that the State was misled, and the title was awarded to Hasselrig/Wesselink for the wrecked CSX2049 chassis in error.

A question comes to mind, “Who actually pieced the history together as it is currently published”? In addition, Who benefits most from a clean and distinct title history? Is it possible that the history was written by those who will benefit the most? What pressure might be brought upon the Registry to back the sanitized title history? Legal actions are great motivators.

And here we are, everyone is protecting their turf, preserving their image, polishing and buffing the history, and ultimately enjoying yet another financially successful Air-Car.

Your estimated valuation is on the exaggerated side given the cars storied history.

That you would even post such a thing in this thread goes back to an early post of mine from some time ago, not really pointed at you, or about you, where I state "Greed makes good people do bad things".

I'll wish you well and leave it at that

Bill S.

[Nedsel]

Michael, your allegations are certainly interesting. I note that you gloss over my request for any possible documentation showing Paul Cunningham owned CSX 2049 in favor of complaining that the SAAC Registry has not, in your opinion, provided sufficient evidence to show the car was owned by Abiden or Hasselrig. In spite of photos and paperwork. OK, we'll see what else might be out there. I have a copy of the invoice of 2049 to Downtown Ford, but it doesn't tell us anything relevant to your inquiries.

I disagree with your value guesstimates, as it has been discussed here thoroughly that the remains of 2049 are no longer attached to its legal paperwork, hence any car associated with it in the future will clearly be a reconstructed vehicle absent major original parts. That won't be worth $2-5 million. And I would point out that when Lance Hasselrig's quest to prove his ownership began, the value of these cars was nothing close to what it is today, and I dispute the idea that financial gain was the primary motivation for spending the kind of money an effort such as this would cost in legal fees, not to mention exposure via the CA court system.