zookeeper said:I was lucky enough to meet Shelby at an autograph session at Monterey last year, and came away pleasantly surprised. He is a very nice, decent person. He is polite to everone and really seems to enjoy meeting people. He is also extremely sharp and has a very good memory. I also can't help that notice the folks who bitch about him have never actually gotten a chance to meet him. So what's the problem? Are they pissed because he made money doing something with cars? Don't see anyone whining about Bill Ford, Lee Iacocca, or Dan Gurney and they all did the same, and the truth of the matter is that if any of us had the opportunity, we would, too.
I respect your opinions and we are all entitled to share our viewpoints, but I feel the man is judged here on this forum by people who don't know the entire story behind this guy and are quick to pass judgement. What exactly did he do that's so bad? Did you know that he started a foundation to help give underpriveldged (sp?) children around the world get organ transplants that they would otherwise die without? Did you know that when he sued (and lost) Cobra replica companies that he first aproached them and asked for $1,000 per car? The proceeds were not to go to him, but rather to the foundation, and if they would do that then he would endorse the cars, which would put them in the registry, same as the ever more expensive Eleanor cars? I used to think the guy was a money-hungry old codger, but after doing a bit of research, I felt ashamed for thinking that way. Then when I met the guy (admittedly for a couple minutes at best), I was glad to see that he was indeed a nice guy. Without his involvement with Mustangs, you can bet that there would NOT be the same aura surrounding our cars, even though there were very few real Shelbys made, the reputation trickles down to every Mustang as does the price. Can't afford a 427 Cobra? Buy a Shelby Mustang. Can't afford a Shelby Mustang? Buy a regular Mustang and you still can be proud of the heritage that this "economy" car has earned. Remember, our cars were not built to be race cars and are far removed from any signs of performance without Shelby's influence. We should all be so lucky to have people remember (and argue over) our life's accomplishments some 40 years after the fact. By the way, as far as the remark about his church of choice, going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you a car. It's how we treat each other that makes a difference.Ozsum67 said:I don't feel one has to personally meet someone, for a brief time, to really know them. Personally, I don't know the man, so I can't comment on what church he may or may not attend. I don't know his brand of drinking liquer so I can't comment on that either. I do have my opinions on his latest escapades, and those are what I draw my conclusions on. Making money is a good thing, nothing wrong with it. Going out with some class is desirable as well.
zookeeper said:I respect your opinions and we are all entitled to share our viewpoints, but I feel the man is judged here on this forum by people who don't know the entire story behind this guy and are quick to pass judgement. What exactly did he do that's so bad? Did you know that he started a foundation to help give underpriveldged (sp?) children around the world get organ transplants that they would otherwise die without? Did you know that when he sued (and lost) Cobra replica companies that he first aproached them and asked for $1,000 per car? The proceeds were not to go to him, but rather to the foundation, and if they would do that then he would endorse the cars, which would put them in the registry, same as the ever more expensive Eleanor cars? I used to think the guy was a money-hungry old codger, but after doing a bit of research, I felt ashamed for thinking that way. Then when I met the guy (admittedly for a couple minutes at best), I was glad to see that he was indeed a nice guy. Without his involvement with Mustangs, you can bet that there would NOT be the same aura surrounding our cars, even though there were very few real Shelbys made, the reputation trickles down to every Mustang as does the price. Can't afford a 427 Cobra? Buy a Shelby Mustang. Can't afford a Shelby Mustang? Buy a regular Mustang and you still can be proud of the heritage that this "economy" car has earned. Remember, our cars were not built to be race cars and are far removed from any signs of performance without Shelby's influence. We should all be so lucky to have people remember (and argue over) our life's accomplishments some 40 years after the fact. By the way, as far as the remark about his church of choice, going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you a car. It's how we treat each other that makes a difference.
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