Shelby's Ultimate Insult...
Thread Starter
V6 Member
Joined: October 14, 2004
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Shelby's Ultimate Insult...
Anyone who didn't see this coming when agreeing to enter into a licensing agreement with Shelby was blind. In many cases the licenses were entered into where Shelby's rights in the material licensed were gray at best given a couple of decades of the business and/or club using the names, selling the parts, etc. with apparently no objection from Shelby. When those efforts, as well as other economic factors lead to the cars, and all things related to them, becoming a huge potential source of revenue, the lawyers went to work. First step, establish your rights. Be firm, yet nice and tell folks that in order for their activites to be legitimate they need an agreement in place with Shelby (even though there is a good legal argument that the agreement isn't needed at all and Shelby lost any rights it did have a long time ago). Folks enter into the agreement after winks, handshakes, and vague legally uneforceable assurances that you can trust Ol' Shel' - he knows everything you've done for him over the years and just wants to make things legal here. Step two, let everyone get comfortable with that relationship and continue to let the popularity of the cars grow.
Step three... swing the axe...
http://saacforum.com/index.php?topic=3.msg0;boardseen#new
This club is the largest, arguably most successful, car club in the country - and it has played an enormous role in preserving the cars and all records regarding their production. Shelby didn't care - he was on to the next big thing. Now he (or whatever wormtongue has his ear) is trying to seize the club. It is ridiculous.
I'm sure the myoptic Shelby apologizers will have all sorts of excuses, but the bottom line is that this man, so highly revered in the car crowd, is not deserving of reverence. He is deserving of loud boos and angry stares.
Step three... swing the axe...
http://saacforum.com/index.php?topic=3.msg0;boardseen#new
November 25, 2007 - Sharon, CT.
SAAC is very proud of its numerous accomplishments over the past 33 years and is looking forward to a bright future for the many years ahead.
The strength of the club is its 5,000 loyal members and the dedicated staff of volunteers who share a passion for the exciting cars built by Shelby American. They all understand the value of an independent car club run by enthusiasts for enthusiasts, as opposed to a club managed by a company whose objective is to sell automobiles, parts, automotive services and merchandise to its members. The company- run club is always vulnerable to the inevitable changes in corporate personnel, budgets and marketing strategies. On the other hand, the independent enthusiast club is financed by its members’ dues and is only accountable to them. It always has their best interests in mind.
One of SAAC’s most important missions is to protect the integrity of the marque against the dishonest, the revisionists and the counterfeiters. Over the decades, as a result of tens of thousands of volunteer man- hours, SAAC has amassed a comprehensive data base of information on each Shelby vehicle. SAAC has assisted countless owners verifying the authenticity and history of their cars. The club has protected many Shelby enthusiasts non-members from being victimized by dishonorable and deceitful individuals and will continue to do so. The data is the basis of the club’s registry which is published every ten years and contains information gathered since the previous edition was printed. This ongoing effort is greatly responsible for the high values of the cars because current and future owners have confidence in the integrity of the history and authenticity of the cars.
Regrettably, Carroll Shelby has announced that he will not be renewing SAAC’s licensing agreement to use his name in conjunction with the operation of the club. SAAC has never been given a reason for this termination. Among other things, Shelby has demanded the handing over of all documents regarding the registry of all Shelby vehicles by SAAC since January 1, 1996. Please see the attached letter from Mr. Shelby's lawyers, M. Neil Cummings & Associates.
Initial indications from SAAC’s legal counsel are that Shelby’s many demands are without legal merit. As a result, SAAC has no choice other than to vigorously defend the clubs’ and its members’ proprietary information, property and rights.
In order to properly respond to Mr. Shelby's demands, SAAC has established a legal defense fund. Make no mistake: the body of information on these cars that SAAC members have contributed and its registrars have compiled is all that separates the originals from the fakes. Without tight control of this information, it would be impossible for anyone to ascertain which cars were legitimate and which were not. Rather than causing all cars to continue to increase in desirability and value, they would all plummet. We have not worked for 33 years to suddenly allow this to happen. Likewise, for all SAAC members, this is not a tennis match where you can afford to sit on the sidelines and dispassionately watch the match. The club needs each member to assist in its defense by donating to the defense fund.
We know we are on the right side of this. Unfortunately, it takes more than just knowing you are right. You have to have solid counsel appear with you in court. And in our legal system that has a price. If you believe in what the club is doing SAAC needs your support by way of a donation to the legal defense fund. There is no minimum amount. Donations can be made by check (payable to "SAAC Legal Defense Fund") or by Visa or MasterCard (click here to contribute online).
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is when good men do nothing." - Edmund Burke
SAAC will continue to serve its members through its national award winning publications, regions, member services, on-line forum and national convention. The club is greatly appreciative of the steadfast support and dedication of its members, volunteers and sponsors.
Ken Eber, Rick Kopec, Howard Pardee
SAAC National Directors
SAAC is very proud of its numerous accomplishments over the past 33 years and is looking forward to a bright future for the many years ahead.
The strength of the club is its 5,000 loyal members and the dedicated staff of volunteers who share a passion for the exciting cars built by Shelby American. They all understand the value of an independent car club run by enthusiasts for enthusiasts, as opposed to a club managed by a company whose objective is to sell automobiles, parts, automotive services and merchandise to its members. The company- run club is always vulnerable to the inevitable changes in corporate personnel, budgets and marketing strategies. On the other hand, the independent enthusiast club is financed by its members’ dues and is only accountable to them. It always has their best interests in mind.
One of SAAC’s most important missions is to protect the integrity of the marque against the dishonest, the revisionists and the counterfeiters. Over the decades, as a result of tens of thousands of volunteer man- hours, SAAC has amassed a comprehensive data base of information on each Shelby vehicle. SAAC has assisted countless owners verifying the authenticity and history of their cars. The club has protected many Shelby enthusiasts non-members from being victimized by dishonorable and deceitful individuals and will continue to do so. The data is the basis of the club’s registry which is published every ten years and contains information gathered since the previous edition was printed. This ongoing effort is greatly responsible for the high values of the cars because current and future owners have confidence in the integrity of the history and authenticity of the cars.
Regrettably, Carroll Shelby has announced that he will not be renewing SAAC’s licensing agreement to use his name in conjunction with the operation of the club. SAAC has never been given a reason for this termination. Among other things, Shelby has demanded the handing over of all documents regarding the registry of all Shelby vehicles by SAAC since January 1, 1996. Please see the attached letter from Mr. Shelby's lawyers, M. Neil Cummings & Associates.
Initial indications from SAAC’s legal counsel are that Shelby’s many demands are without legal merit. As a result, SAAC has no choice other than to vigorously defend the clubs’ and its members’ proprietary information, property and rights.
In order to properly respond to Mr. Shelby's demands, SAAC has established a legal defense fund. Make no mistake: the body of information on these cars that SAAC members have contributed and its registrars have compiled is all that separates the originals from the fakes. Without tight control of this information, it would be impossible for anyone to ascertain which cars were legitimate and which were not. Rather than causing all cars to continue to increase in desirability and value, they would all plummet. We have not worked for 33 years to suddenly allow this to happen. Likewise, for all SAAC members, this is not a tennis match where you can afford to sit on the sidelines and dispassionately watch the match. The club needs each member to assist in its defense by donating to the defense fund.
We know we are on the right side of this. Unfortunately, it takes more than just knowing you are right. You have to have solid counsel appear with you in court. And in our legal system that has a price. If you believe in what the club is doing SAAC needs your support by way of a donation to the legal defense fund. There is no minimum amount. Donations can be made by check (payable to "SAAC Legal Defense Fund") or by Visa or MasterCard (click here to contribute online).
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is when good men do nothing." - Edmund Burke
SAAC will continue to serve its members through its national award winning publications, regions, member services, on-line forum and national convention. The club is greatly appreciative of the steadfast support and dedication of its members, volunteers and sponsors.
Ken Eber, Rick Kopec, Howard Pardee
SAAC National Directors
I'm sure the myoptic Shelby apologizers will have all sorts of excuses, but the bottom line is that this man, so highly revered in the car crowd, is not deserving of reverence. He is deserving of loud boos and angry stares.
Bullitt Member
Joined: July 29, 2005
Posts: 405
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I have lost all respect for Shelby, both working with them in the parts business and having to deal with their crap by opening their own performance parts site, and now them doing this to mustang clubs because they opened up their own shelby car club website. Seems to be they have a pretty childish "if we can't have it no one can" attitude.
Legacy TMS Member
Joined: February 8, 2004
Posts: 3,399
Likes: 7
From: Cincinnati, OH
When I read a few posts on the SAAC forum, there was mention of SAAC being "for profit" and not as welcoming toward the people owning the newer Shelby Mustangs.
I hope that issues get resolved, since both parties have a dependency on each other.
I hope that issues get resolved, since both parties have a dependency on each other.
Thread Starter
V6 Member
Joined: October 14, 2004
Posts: 80
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Like any club, the general attitude reflected at any given event will depend on the persons there.
I have definitely detected, on occassion, a wine and cheese attitude at SAAC regarding the older cars in a hierarchy that goes something like:
Original racing Cobras, Daytona Prototypes, GT40s
Original Street Cobras
Original Racing 65-66 Shelbys
Original Street 65-66 Shelbys
Original 67 Shelbys (remember this is the last year Shelby American actually made them)
Original 68-70 Shelbys
Somewhere in there (toward the end) you throw original Panteras, Boss 429s, Boss 302s, Mach1s, GT Mustangs, etc.
After that comes the late model stuff.
That is what happens when the cars become worth so much. People gravitate toward others that have the same type of cars. Many of them have been in the club for decades and have had their cars since new or since they bought their now $100,000 car for $5000 from a used car lot. Others have left, sold their cars, and been replaced with people that are a different sort of owner - more wealthy, less middle class, etc. I doubt much of that is intentional, it just happens.
This can result in newcomers feeling a bit intimidated or possibly unwelcome. Some of that is probably real. Much is it is likely imagined.
So anyway... yes I know what that commenter was alluding to, however, I wouldn't blame the club as a whole, just (both good and bad) aspects of human nature in general. Now that I think of it, there probably aren't many car clubs that span such a diverse range of owner demographic, car vintage, and car value, and none that are as successful.
Now, if any of that bothers you, rent a stock Mustang GT for a SAAC track event and see how legendary their 65 GT350 (or gasp a 67-70 GT500) really is (unless heavily modfied for racing the old cars are rolling chicanes at best or blast down the straights and form a road block in the turns at worst).
I have definitely detected, on occassion, a wine and cheese attitude at SAAC regarding the older cars in a hierarchy that goes something like:
Original racing Cobras, Daytona Prototypes, GT40s
Original Street Cobras
Original Racing 65-66 Shelbys
Original Street 65-66 Shelbys
Original 67 Shelbys (remember this is the last year Shelby American actually made them)
Original 68-70 Shelbys
Somewhere in there (toward the end) you throw original Panteras, Boss 429s, Boss 302s, Mach1s, GT Mustangs, etc.
After that comes the late model stuff.
That is what happens when the cars become worth so much. People gravitate toward others that have the same type of cars. Many of them have been in the club for decades and have had their cars since new or since they bought their now $100,000 car for $5000 from a used car lot. Others have left, sold their cars, and been replaced with people that are a different sort of owner - more wealthy, less middle class, etc. I doubt much of that is intentional, it just happens.
This can result in newcomers feeling a bit intimidated or possibly unwelcome. Some of that is probably real. Much is it is likely imagined.
So anyway... yes I know what that commenter was alluding to, however, I wouldn't blame the club as a whole, just (both good and bad) aspects of human nature in general. Now that I think of it, there probably aren't many car clubs that span such a diverse range of owner demographic, car vintage, and car value, and none that are as successful.
Now, if any of that bothers you, rent a stock Mustang GT for a SAAC track event and see how legendary their 65 GT350 (or gasp a 67-70 GT500) really is (unless heavily modfied for racing the old cars are rolling chicanes at best or blast down the straights and form a road block in the turns at worst).
Administrator clevparts@aol.com
Joined: November 27, 2004
Posts: 12,560
Likes: 4,310
From: Visalia Ca.
Power Corrupts! Absolute Power Corrupts Absolutely! It's Like Nascar They went Mainstream and Something was lost in the translation. You remember the Song I was country when it was not cool! I have been Driving Muscle Cars since they were Cheap Used cars that used too much gas. Times Have Changed. Now the Old Cars are for the Rich and The New Cars are for the middle class. It has Flip Flopped. Lets Enjoy what we Have with the Late Model Stangs! More Comfortable and Practical than the Coveted Museum Pieces. They are Better Cars and a Heck o lot more Affordable than than Old Pieces at this point. Shelby has Chosen his Path for His reasons and He will Reap what he has sewn.
Can't we Just get Along! LOL!
{Rodney King}
Onward!
KC
Can't we Just get Along! LOL!
{Rodney King}
Onward!
KC
AKA 1 BULLITT------------ Legacy TMS Member
Joined: January 29, 2004
Posts: 7,738
Likes: 361
From: U S A
Shelby and his associates can't let things be but I am not surprised at all given the history.
This just adds to his long shyster list, perhaps now some TMS members and other Mustang fans will eventually accept the reality of what Carroll Shelby and his representatives are all about. Personally I curse the day and the ignorant Ford SOBs who decided to rekindle the relationship without having a need to.
BTW Perry H, you should post this info over at Stangs Unleashed in one of their twenty four Shelby sub forums.
This just adds to his long shyster list, perhaps now some TMS members and other Mustang fans will eventually accept the reality of what Carroll Shelby and his representatives are all about. Personally I curse the day and the ignorant Ford SOBs who decided to rekindle the relationship without having a need to.
BTW Perry H, you should post this info over at Stangs Unleashed in one of their twenty four Shelby sub forums.
Legacy TMS Member
Joined: February 8, 2004
Posts: 3,399
Likes: 7
From: Cincinnati, OH
This just adds to his long shyster list, perhaps now some TMS members and other Mustang fans will eventually accept the reality of what Carroll Shelby and his representatives are all about. Personally I curse the day and the ignorant Ford SOBs who decided to rekindle the relationship without having a need to.
PS - I do think that SAAC is probably being strong armed but I suppose there are more nuances on both sides than is readily known.
AKA 1 BULLITT------------ Legacy TMS Member
Joined: January 29, 2004
Posts: 7,738
Likes: 361
From: U S A
Because I can afford them. I thought you were the clever one.
Unlike you and some your compadres I certainly don't buy a car because of its name or to give credence to my life, for that I'd get a pitbull or a Bullitt. Neither do I buy it because of what it's suppose to be, I buy it for what it is.
Next question.
Unlike you and some your compadres I certainly don't buy a car because of its name or to give credence to my life, for that I'd get a pitbull or a Bullitt. Neither do I buy it because of what it's suppose to be, I buy it for what it is.
Next question.
Legacy TMS Member
Joined: February 8, 2004
Posts: 3,399
Likes: 7
From: Cincinnati, OH
My question was rooted in understanding why you did not like Ford making a deal with Shelby, and yet you bought Ford products with Shelby's name. It was a sincere question, not meant to be sarcastic. Would you have preferred the cars to be named "SVT Cobra"?
Not sure what you mean by that because the cars I've bought were because a) I enjoyed their performance and styling, and b) I could afford them. 
Yes, I agree.
What '01 Bullitt number did you (or do you) have?
What '01 Bullitt number did you (or do you) have?
Dethroned Nascar Guru
Joined: January 30, 2004
Posts: 10,059
Likes: 2
It's being discussed there and on shelbyautos.com
http://www.stangsunleashed.com/forum...opic=13209&hl=
http://forum.shelbyautos.com/index.php?showtopic=3216
AKA 1 BULLITT------------ Legacy TMS Member
Joined: January 29, 2004
Posts: 7,738
Likes: 361
From: U S A
My position on the subject has been extensively stated. It is obvious and you don't seem to have any issues with your memory.
Is that for dine in or take out? Would you like my SS# to with that order?
What '01 Bullitt number did you (or do you) have?
Is that for dine in or take out? Would you like my SS# to with that order?
Dethroned Nascar Guru
Joined: January 30, 2004
Posts: 10,059
Likes: 2
Based on the origin of the name "Cobra", that may not be any more acceptable than "GT 500".
Stating the obvious to many of you, but there is quite a range of emotions/opinions on the name for the GT 500. Most of us are aware of George's thoughts on this; and on the other end of the spectrum, I've heard from many GT 500 owners that get upset at any suggestion that the GT 500 is not a "true Shelby". What ever that may be.
I guess the "SVT Shelby Cobra GT 500" was just too much of a mouth full.
Stating the obvious to many of you, but there is quite a range of emotions/opinions on the name for the GT 500. Most of us are aware of George's thoughts on this; and on the other end of the spectrum, I've heard from many GT 500 owners that get upset at any suggestion that the GT 500 is not a "true Shelby". What ever that may be.
I guess the "SVT Shelby Cobra GT 500" was just too much of a mouth full.
Post *****
Joined: February 3, 2004
Posts: 14,160
Likes: 73
Whereas, in my opinion, Shelby had become an afterthought with current FMC products. FMC had done just fine with SVO/SVT before Shelby was welcomed back into the fold . . . .
Bow Chica Bow Wow
TMS Staff
TMS Staff
Joined: January 29, 2004
Posts: 7,446
Likes: 12
From: Proudly in NJ...bite it FL
But at least the SVT Cobra has been around since 1993. It had built it's own identity in the past decade.
Whereas, in my opinion, Shelby had become an afterthought with current FMC products. FMC had done just fine with SVO/SVT before Shelby was welcomed back into the fold . . . .
Whereas, in my opinion, Shelby had become an afterthought with current FMC products. FMC had done just fine with SVO/SVT before Shelby was welcomed back into the fold . . . .
Team Mustang Source
Joined: August 12, 2005
Posts: 2,126
Likes: 1
From: CT
some of those posts at the Shelby forum were so "do you have any grey pupon?" lol
Legacy TMS Member
Joined: February 8, 2004
Posts: 3,399
Likes: 7
From: Cincinnati, OH
I don't get what you are saying. I thought you previously had an '01 Bullitt and was asking about the number, nothing more.
