Now that is a very well thought out, personal opinion on the matter, for
sure. Thanks for taking the time to put it out there. :-)
I'm still, with my friendships in SAAC and other clubs, firmly in the camp
that Shelby's more recent business activities have done irreparable damage to
his name, reputation and legacy, most visibly in this whole disowning of SAAC
and the formation of "Team Shelby". But, that's an outsiders opinion,
looking in with my own prejudices.
The question I have is why they would include the Tiger in their "registry",
if not to promote additional membership for Team Shelby? I don't think the
link between Shelby and Sunbeam can be seen as strong enough to support it
being done purely for historic reasons. There are any number of significant
names (Lotus, Cosworth, Abarth etc.) that have done similar
feasibility/engineering/prototype work for more mainstream manufacturers, but
the end product is
seldom associated with a registry of the "significant" name...but, then,
those registries typically are maintained by not-for-profit clubs.
Anyhow, it is very cool that the Shelby's are simpatico with the Tiger and
I'm sure they would be amazing people to hang out with, just to hear the
stories!
In a message dated 5/21/2008 8:36:34 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time,
BuckTrippel@Verizon.net writes:
Carroll Shelby happens to love hanging around Tiger owners. He's told that
to a number of people who have passed it on to me. One of those was his
wife, Cleo. Another was Cobra restorer and CAT member Mike McCluskey.
Carroll has told people that Tiger owners "aren't stuck-up like the Cobra
owners". As you probably know, there's an award that the STOA is not bashful
about handing out, their "Dumb___" Certificate. They've made sure to include
Carroll as a recipient several times and he's always roared with laughter.
He likes laughing and I get the idea that he'd rather laugh at himself in a
"Roast" type situation than be fawned over.
Don't get me wrong. I've heard Shelby stories from all sides. I'm just
adding that the Shelby's happen to like us. In fact I spoke with Cleo
earlier this week & she's planning on driving a Tiger up to Big Bear for TU.
I'm sure she'll be happy to answer any questions Tiger owners have about
"Team Shelby".
As far as "growing a member base for Team Shelby", neither the Shelby's nor
any of their employees have ever broached the subject of Tiger participation
in Team Shelby with me and they know of my association with Tigers and
membership in seveal Tiger clubs. "Team Shelby" personnel have approached
local chapters of SAAC but, to my knowledge, not Tiger clubs. I assume
Tigers are just off their radar, probably a nice place to be.
BTW, I haven't registered any of our Tigers.
**************Get trade secrets for amazing burgers. Watch "Cooking with
Tyler Florence" on AOL Food.
(http://food.aol.com/tyler-florence?video=4&?NCID=aolfod00030000000002)
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