Guys - You can't sway me. I have always been on the other side of this argument.
To me it is very simple and clear cut: No Shelby - No Shelby image...
Like Ron says in the original GT40 section "You know when you belong"
Why has this simple statement been muddied down in the cobra world?
Mike
I respectfully disagree with virtually all of your statements. My FFR is NOT a Chinese knock-off that I am trying to pass off as an original. First off, my father and I built it, and it and the experience are priceless to us - and near to worthless otherwise. If you want to use that analogy, then the continuation cars which you can buy turnkey with VINs as if they are "real" are what you are on about. And that is essentially what Shelby is doing! It is more like Rolex marketing Chinese knockoffs of their own watches.
Ours is a 427 body, 'cause that's what the FFR is. No choice. Would it matter? By most accounts, the 427 (which was designed for a different motor) drives like crap. Our small block 331 FFR handles brilliantly, with more weight on the rear axle than the front. Even if I had the money, I would not own an original 427 for anything other than a museum piece.
So it's OK to allow Coupe and GT40 replicas because there are fewer of them so most people assume they are fake? Let me tell you, no one assumes my Cobra is real. Shelby is plenty happy to build a replica himself - the increased number of cars doesn't bother him a bit. He is only upset that he is not getting money. Tough. He has had the incredible good fortune to live a wonderful life making a good living doing what most of us dream about. I think I hear little violins playing.
I am always floored by the attitude that you must separate the "real" from the fake. No, I don't support someone passing off a replica as an original, that's lying if you are at a show, and fraud if you are selling. But I cannot stand it when people look down their nose at people who have built and enjoy a replica. Or feel they are superior because of the car they happen to own. So you have a <insert expensive exotic of choice> Big f'n deal. I am more impressed by guys here who build their own cars from scratch. Now THAT is some sheet.
It doesn't get worse than in the Ferrari world. Yes, there are some people trying to pass off some interesting things as "real" exotic cars. Many don't have a lot of money. I have been blessed with a (currently) decent financial position. Am I supposed to think that I am now better than another guy who doesn't have the same resources? When I do, then I will have undone all the good things that my parents brought me up to believe in. These are all just CARS, and this is just a HOBBY, nothing more.
And Shelby did not change the world. At the end of the day, racing is still a branch of the entertainment industry.
Sorry for the rant, but it is Christmas Eve, and everyone on this board is extremely blessed, lurking, building, driving, whatever. If you look out at the world around, you will see how truly lucky we all are to have the time and money to be involved in this hobby, whether attending a show as a dreamer or driving home in the best-in-show concours winner. And we should all stick together!!!
Now I have to go wrap some more presents. Merry Christmas to all!