Shelby and SAAC at Odds

[vernonestes]

Why dont we all just hold our tongues until both sides have made formal statements on the matter at hand.
There is no reason for speculation.
Lets just get the facts before making any judgements or starting any rumors.
Best Regards,
Vern

[Blazinsaddles]

I apologize for using the term self-serving but lets face it, all organizations have upper echelons (we here in the south call them cliques) and they tend to be the driving force behind an organization. The individuals that make these up are the ones that typically keep the masses moving in some direction.

That in it's self is not a bad thing but the membership cannot be forgotten. I will restate that I want SAAC to survive and I know they will but they will simply need to figure out how to co-exist with a new club present. Furthermore, while I do not agree with some of what they do, I continue to pay my dues and support the club by purchasing the Registry and such because there are other redeeming reasons for being a member. Just like there is no perfect person, there is no perfect club and in this case, the good far outweighs the negatives that I have mentioned.

I have no dog in this fight (no offense Mr. Vick) and I have no opinion on what others are accusing CS or SAAC of doing. All I would like to see come from this is a stronger and more cohesive group of enthusiasts that enjoy being involved with one of the coolest and most eye-catching line of muscle cars ever conceived here in the states. Heck, that statement can probably be broadened without much contest to include all the other car manufacturing countries in the world.

[66GT350PS]

Since this post has rightfully rolled over from the "Shelby News out of SEMA", I would like to mention a couple of things. Dalton's post #138 pretty well sums up my view. I would point out however that Shelby American did NOT cease to exist in 1970. It may have moved into the file bins in Gardena but it had moved from all over L.A. and to Detroit in the 1960's. Shelby American continued with "continuation" convertible GT350 Mustangs out of Beverly Hills in the 1980's , then became a new factory in Las Vegas in the early 1990's building "unfinished" chassis 427 Cobras, then the Series 1 and various Cobras: Series 3000, 4000, 7000, 8000 cars. It had an MSO in Nevada for the cars. This all ended in 2003 or 2004 with the culmination of the Ventures /Series 1 lawsuits and now we have the new improved Shelby Autos, Inc. I have seen cars that came out of the Vegas factory in the 1990's and early 2000's with Shelby American on the vin tag.

Also we have also had other Shelby clubs besides SAAC like the Shelby Owners Club SOA. All the clubs are fun and I look forward to seeing old friends and meeting new ones.

Don
66 GT350 with Paxton
23 year SAAC member and future Team Shelby member

[bcollins]

I heard about Team Shelby on November 2nd while attending the SEMA show in Las Vegas; in fact, Shelby had a booth there promoting the new club. I got some material and signed up for membership information. I was also among the first to join SAAC, and have continuously maintained my membership since 1975.

Shelby's decision to form a new club is, in my view, a business decision. He remains active in the car business and wants to promote his current product. I do not believe it to be the result of any "fallout" or ill will toward SAAC or any of its practices.

I discern from from the Team Shelby announcements and material that this organization will indeed principally support the newer cars. One look at the backgrounds of those selected to run it makes this obvious. Being primarily affectionate toward the original cars does not endear SAAC to those involved in the effort to sell current edition cars, parts and services. It would appear that we may have outlived our usefulness.

While every owner of a '60's vintage Cobra and Shelby Mustang should be eternally thankful to SAAC for preserving their car's legacy and integrity (thereby enhancing its value) through the registry and other efforts, the world moves on. There is now a large enough crop of newbies to support a group primarily aligned to the late model cars (Or so they hope - remember the Shelby Dodge Automobile Club?). Only time will tell if the fires of enthusiasm will burn long and steadily enough to carry this new group forward for over 30 years as SAAC has done.

Running a large enthusiast organization is usually a thankless task. Members frequently have their own ideas about how things should be done, and can be vocal about it. SAAC has an added dilemma in that it must also maintain cordiality with the man who started it all. The inclusion of the new cars into the forthcoming edition of the revered Shelby American World Registry was, I believe, a concession by SAAC toward Shelby's current business interests.

I agree with others on this thread that the two clubs can coexist. Frankly, I think SAAC was being stretched too far in being made to include the new cars. Let another organization handle that. Allow SAAC continued sanction for the original cars and custody of all related material. And while we're at it, let's divide registry responsibilities. Hand over the task and costs for reporting on the status of the newer vehicles to Team Shelby. In this way, each group can focus upon the cars it favors, so long as it isn't to the total exclusion of any particular Shelby automobile. Those fortunate to own both recent and original examples of the marque should certainly be able to afford two memberships.

It will be interesting to see how this plays out. Team Shelby's website opens on January 11, 2008 (Carroll's 85th birthday, in case the date sounds familiar). SAAC's sanction is reportedly to expire in February of 2008.

To quote the Yankee catcher Yogi Berra:
"It ain't over 'til it's over"

[66GT350PS]

Let us not forget SAAC's effort support the newer cars with the taking over of the SVTOA club at about the same time that Team Shelby was put forward earlier this year. The Shelby GT500 of course is a Ford SVT product. SAAC held its first joint convention of the two clubs that catter to the old and the new Shelby toys in Utah in July. It was a blast having both clubs there with every era of Ford and Shelby power.

[PonySnake]

bcollins..... Excellent post and my sentiments exactly.

I do hope that the "wrangling" over the vintage records and paperwork will not tear the two organizations and Mr. Shelby apart. The two clubs can work together, with each focusing on their core constituents, and each will benefit from the cross-pollination of members.

I've just read through the (very well done) new SHELBY magazine put out by Team Shelby and availabe at Barnse & Noble, and its clearly focused on selling the new product - as it should be. SAAC was mentioned only once - in an out of context way related to Jim Wickes and Hallet. The short shrift of SACC was very evident - but then of course it is a Team Shelby marketing piece.
Dennis

[mgreene]

Doesn't it seems just a little odd that whenever you hear anything about Shelby, it's always about him trying to screw someone else?

- Shelby vs SAAC
- Shelby vs Halicki and Eleanor
- Shelby vs Unique Performance
- Shelby vs Cobra replica manufacturers
- Shelby vs Ford for 1984 20th anniversary Mustang "GT-350" models
- Shelby using "leftover" 1964 427 SC frames

And then there's Shelby versus Brain Angliss, Shelby versus Stephen Becker, etc.

Why does he seem so intent on tarnishing his legacy? Greed seems to be the overriding factor. Which leads to another subject - the $200 autograph!

[67GT500#2100]

Originally Posted by mgreene

Doesn't it seems just a little odd that whenever you hear anything about Shelby, it's always about him trying to screw someone else?

- Shelby vs SAAC
- Shelby vs Halicki and Eleanor
- Shelby vs Unique Performance
- Shelby vs Cobra replica manufacturers
- Shelby vs Ford for 1984 20th anniversary Mustang "GT-350" models
- Shelby using "leftover" 1964 427 SC frames

And then there's Shelby versus Brain Angliss, Shelby versus Stephen Becker, etc.

Why does he seem so intent on tarnishing his legacy? Greed seems to be the overriding factor. Which leads to another subject - the $200 autograph!

Most of those sound like Shelby protecting his legacy not tarnishing it.

[zrayr]

The Shelby saga is a big, public story. He's a big target, and a lot of "sharpies" are trying to ride his coat tails to fame & wealth.

Is he pure & without blame, of course not, who is? But I give him credit for being a fighter. His trademarks & other intellectual property will become worthless if he doesn't stand up and try to protect what he has created.


Z. Ray

[eljimb0]

I am sorry to see this discussion focusing on what is wrong with CS. I don't know or care what his issues are with the "club". He is an icon. His legacy is made out of granite. I will give whatever he wants to do the benefit of doubt.

SAAC has always been a clicky little cabal. The idea that this information that they have kept to themselves all this time is "safe" is totally absurd. 40 years later cars being "discovered" in barns is just a small symptom of this absurdity. These cars weigh a ton apiece.. they cost thousands of dollars when they were new.. nobody has forgotten about any of them. Provenance is essential in all valuable old things. It is how authenticity is established. 30 years ago 95% of the original buyers were alive. DMV records were still fresh. Getting all these ducks lined up in a row would have been simple then. Now everything is cloudy. Secret hidden numbers hiding beneath magic numbers.. Give me a break.. dual cars with the same serial numbers. Half cars growing new other half's.... re-bodys.. Owners afraid to let other people see their cars because they are scared to death they might own a lie.. Everyone is suspicious of every car they see. Thank You SAAC this is their legacy.

[65gtfastback]

Watch out for SAAC's black helicopter. It has an infrared Shelby detector and left on a mission just a little while ago...

[daltondavid]

Originally Posted by eljimb0

I am sorry to see this discussion focusing on what is wrong with CS. I don't know or care what his issues are with the "club". He is an icon. His legacy is made out of granite. I will give whatever he wants to do the benefit of doubt.

SAAC has always been a clicky little cabal. The idea that this information that they have kept to themselves all this time is "safe" is totally absurd. 40 years later cars being "discovered" in barns is just a small symptom of this absurdity. These cars weigh a ton apiece.. they cost thousands of dollars when they were new.. nobody has forgotten about any of them. Provenance is essential in all valuable old things. It is how authenticity is established. 30 years ago 95% of the original buyers were alive. DMV records were still fresh. Getting all these ducks lined up in a row would have been simple then. Now everything is cloudy. Secret hidden numbers hiding beneath magic numbers.. Give me a break.. dual cars with the same serial numbers. Half cars growing new other half's.... re-bodys.. Owners afraid to let other people see their cars because they are scared to death they might own a lie.. Everyone is suspicious of every car they see. Thank You SAAC this is their legacy.

eLjimb0, this thread is not just directed at CS, do not take it so personal my friend. did SAAC uncover something you did not like at one time or another?? and what pray tell will Carroll do with all the records if he did get them back?? the Purpose of this thread is to get intelligent dialogue going to point out Real issues people have with both entities involved here. not to spread fear or paranoia as your post attempts to do. Fasten your seat belts Folks as this ride is about to get real Bumpy my sources tell me!

[bigbluesnake]

I am deeply saddened that SAAC my be NO MORE! I hope not, but if it is true ,will they finish the current registry which I have Pre-paid for. Anyone with some insider info????????????????? Thanks
Can SAAC give us any answers?

[highland green]

Hi Guys! my SAAC membership is up for renewal, no word on this suject from SAAC. I will likley renew, but, as a long distance member the benefits have gotten fewer over the years. The new Team Shelby club is of no interest to me. I get more from this site and Petes site than from SAAC. I have other vintage Shelby friends that droped SAAC years ago and dont seem to miss it. The world changes but still goes around. I bought my Shelby because it was a good looking high performance Ford. I expect when Im gone the next owner will want it because of the same pedigree.

[tesgt350]

Originally Posted by bigbluesnake

I am deeply saddened that SAAC my be NO MORE!

Where the heck did you get this from, I hope NOT by what you have been reading on this site. No where on here does it say that SAAC is going to go under. SAAC does NOT need the Original Papers to be in business. SAAC does NOT need Licensing from Shelby to be in Business. The only way SAAC would end would be if the people running it decide to retire and no one wants to step up or because people panic and drop them over comments like yours.
David.

[daltondavid]

We are all feeling like children stuck in the middle of a NASTY PUBLIC DIVORCE. everything is preliminary at this point and not carved in stone. One side has stated their feelings to the other via Attorney letters. the other side is having these letters reviewed before they respond. in the meantime, PANIC is not what anybody needs to do. they will work things out one way or another. most of us will remain in the Hobby although some may leave over this. looking for Fault and Blame inevitably takes away the Fun aspect we all seek when getting involved in this "Distraction from Reality" known as: The study of Carroll SHELBY

[mgreene]

What happened to the rest of the posts in this thread? Selective editing?

[daltondavid]

This thread was locked but is available for your viewing pleasure!! Unedited by the way!! Important Shelby News out of SEMA The current thread you inquire about has not had any posts edited off unless someone removed words themselves.- Dave