RUFDRAFT Posted May 21, 2006 Report Share Posted May 21, 2006 I thought it might be interesting to see our age range on this site. You don't have to be a prospective buyer to participate - just a member. The GT500 is a retro sort of car - perhaps targeted toward people in my age group (55!) - but may appeal to younger enthusiasts who have heard about the muscle cars of the '60s & '70s. I know the price of this car will probably exclude many younger fans who don't yet have the means to buy one - but this will still show they'd LIKE to have one - and that counts! (have patience - young grasshoppers) Bryan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest evilchris Posted May 21, 2006 Report Share Posted May 21, 2006 30. I don't see how the GT500 is for the older crowd. It is a small displacement ( for a V8 ), supercharged DOHC engine. NOTHING like the cars of the 60's. I have the means to buy a Z06 but won't pay over sticker for a GT500 because that's all it's worth. Tell me how the GT500 is targetted for the older crowd? Other than the SHELBY badging that Ford paid for, for their 07 SVT Cobra, wtf does it have in common with 60's musclecars? Nothing. It is a luxury car in comparison. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Five Oh B Posted May 21, 2006 Report Share Posted May 21, 2006 30. I don't see how the GT500 is for the older crowd. It is a small displacement ( for a V8 ), supercharged DOHC engine. NOTHING like the cars of the 60's. I have the means to buy a Z06 but won't pay over sticker for a GT500 because that's all it's worth. Tell me how the GT500 is targetted for the older crowd? Other than the SHELBY badging that Ford paid for, for their 07 SVT Cobra, wtf does it have in common with 60's musclecars? Nothing. It is a luxury car in comparison. Chris, Bryan didn't say that the GT500 is for the older crowd. He was simply musing that it is "perhaps targeted toward people in (his) age group (55!)" while also stating that it "may appeal to younger enthusiasts." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest evilchris Posted May 21, 2006 Report Share Posted May 21, 2006 I wager more of the 35 and under crowd will buy this car than the 36 and older crowd. Note I said BUY this car, not "be a member of this site and express interest." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Five Oh B Posted May 21, 2006 Report Share Posted May 21, 2006 I wager more of the 35 and under crowd will buy this car than the 36 and older crowd. Note I said BUY this car, not "be a member of this site and express interest." Well, let me ponder the 5 guys we accepted deposits from and actually placed orders for our GT500's. I don't know their actual ages, but can guesstimate pretty good as I've personally dealt with each of them quite a lot.... 1st guy is a local doctor. He and his wife are roughly 45-50. 2nd guy is a local real estate broker. Looks to be rougly 35-45. 3rd guy is a local business owner. I'm guessing him to be about 45. 4th guy is a mortgage broker. Youngest of the bunch; maybe 35-40. 5th guy works for a railroad (the only blue collar guy of our group). His grown kids buy from us, too. I'd bet he's 45-50. Me? I'm 40. All of uswere alive when the original Shelby's were built new, but too young to have owned one. The new GT500 is a 1st chance to buy a brand new Shelby Mustang after longing for one as kids. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KingCobra Posted May 22, 2006 Report Share Posted May 22, 2006 Is it even possible to have this jerkoff blocked from this site. You're sucking the love right out of it Junior. I don't call you Junior because of your age, but your inappropriate behavior and choice of verbal expression (f k). GROW UP or GO AWAY!!! KingCobra. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lawdude Posted May 22, 2006 Report Share Posted May 22, 2006 Evilchris. Boy has this thread gone off-topic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KingCobra Posted May 22, 2006 Report Share Posted May 22, 2006 Oh I see, I'm not grown up because I have a realistic understanding of Ford's marketing gimmick on this car? Perhaps YOU need to grow up. Tell you what "KingCobra" Please list what Carroll Shelby contributed to this car, followed by what SVT contributed to this car. When you're done, please comment on what the car should be called. Thanks. Is that a hard request? I was going to comment, but........... Why waste it??? Your name seams to reflect your demeanor. Perhaps your car should be called the GT666!!! From now on I shall refer to you as the Grim Reaper!!! If you decide you want to contribute to this site, instead of focussing of what you can take from it my response to you would be different. KingCobra. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kaylan1521 Posted May 22, 2006 Report Share Posted May 22, 2006 Man, what is going on here in the last few days. You guys are keeping me busy I tell ya. Once again I'm impressed with the core bunch that have taken what Chris has been saying while not turning this into a flamefest. Chris, here's my .02 This car was built by SVT, however, be it marketing or not they brought Shelby into it. Myself, I got interested in this car when I heard "at least 450hp". First off Shelby built the 64's, 65's, and so on, but I question how much input he had in the later GT500's with automatic tranny's and all that as you said is NOT Shelby. Now I ask, how much are they worth? Far more than initial prices. Lastly, I have to say though that I take offense to your comment about not being Mustang enthusiasts. What constitutes a enthusiast in your opinion? I have a Bullitt, I race the c p out of it, take off the slicks and drive it home listening to AC/DC with the air on. Just because I don't have a Fox body does that exclude me as a enthusiast? I almost bought one, a 8 second fox, but since it would've been a dedicated track car I decided to get the SHELBY instead. A little tweaking, slicks and I got a 10 second car that I can drive across the country; and it's a Shelby. Inspite of your opinion and you are entitled to it this is a Shelby, it says so and it's coming from Ford as such. 25 years from now will this car be known as a SVT or as a Shelby? IMO who cares I know what it was new. One more thing, I am 39 years old and my family were one vehicle blue collar working stiffs. I drooled over early Stangs. Camaros, and even Vettes. Unfortunately, I could not afford them so I dreamed, today thanks to hard work I can afford some of them, this Shelby falls into that catagory. Off Soapbox. Oh, if you feel the need to swear please use the icon as I read this stuff with my kids around. I would appreciate it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gonzo17 Posted May 22, 2006 Report Share Posted May 22, 2006 Oh I see, I'm not grown up because I have a realistic understanding of Ford's marketing gimmick on this car? Perhaps YOU need to grow up. Tell you what "KingCobra" Please list what Carroll Shelby contributed to this car, followed by what SVT contributed to this car. When you're done, please comment on what the car should be called. Thanks. Is that a hard request? Well, just for the sake of stirring the pot, I LOVE the car and I also LOVE the Shelby Badging that will grace this vehicle. I personnally have never had the chance to own a car that is completly impractical for most of my real life uses....BUT....I dont care....I have reached a point in life where I can have a car "just because I want it" and I dont really care what a sad, angry, pathetic, "rain on everyones parade" persons opinion is. I also agree with other comments above that I am not clear why you feel the need to use this string as a place to bitch. Why not pick another place on this "Big ol Internet" where other angry people gather. Have a nice day. Oh...BTW....I am 43 (had to add something that was on topic) :wacko: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShelbyWise Posted May 22, 2006 Report Share Posted May 22, 2006 Yes. Ford just built what Shelby conceptualized. Much different from this go around. This car has NOTHING Shelby in it. The 1968-69-70 Shelby's barely had so much as Carrol's fingerprint on them. You surely wouldn't know that based on todays prices. Nor did they have the hype or following of todays cars...Hell the 70's were re-VIN'd leftover 69's...that Ford struggled to rid themselves of. I understand the point evilchris has made...as much as I disagree with the manner in which he made it...IMO of course. This, I believe, will be the LAST era of factory built vehicles bearing the Shelby name...that in of itself speaks volumes for the future collectability of the 07-08 GT500 and whatever unknown 'R', 'KR' or Lightweight versions it spawns. I'm going to leave my SHELBY badging in place...Thank you very much! Oh, BTW, I'm 42 ShelbyWise Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RUFDRAFT Posted May 22, 2006 Author Report Share Posted May 22, 2006 Thanks for all the positive responses to this thread (and other's I've started). I've tried to show my loyalty to this car and Ford. I think that's been established. I'm no longer going to respond to any posts by this cancer on our boards. I suggest y'all do the same. People like him thrive on pushing buttons - without any fear of consequences. He - or others like him - will not spoil my passion for this car and those who contribute here. Bryan :happy feet: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Orf Posted May 22, 2006 Report Share Posted May 22, 2006 Evilchris. Boy has this thread gone off-topic. We have a winner! Give the man a cigar. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KingCobra Posted May 22, 2006 Report Share Posted May 22, 2006 There is history behind this car, and this car IS a part of that history. I am a FANBOY fanatic about the history of the Shelby GT500, and the man himself. I am buying this car for what it is and how it will perform, And the SHELBY name that associates it as part of the history of the greatest musclecar of all time. I'm 38 years old. KingCobra. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old guy Posted May 22, 2006 Report Share Posted May 22, 2006 Evilchris... I don't understand why you give a rat's ass. If you want to change your nameplate, have at it. I am going to keep "SHELBY" on mine. In fact, I think I might get a front plate that says "SHELBY BY FORD" on it, and maybe some of those huge letters on top of the windshield... and a car cover that says SHELBY on it with a big-ass snake embrodered on the hood... and a bunch of T-shirts, coats and hats with snakes on 'em... and a watch that says SHELBY... and GT500... and I'm gonna get the sun visor autographed by Carroll Shelby... Yeah! That's the ticket!! And I'M GONNA HAVE A GOOD TIME!! By the way, be sure to take the snake emblems off too. That was an original SHELBY logo. How about a skull & crossbone instead? And be sure to remove any reference to GT500. You know who coined that one, don't ya? And an SVT COBRA???? Better get rid of that COBRA reference once and for all! Don't want anyone mistaking your beloved SVT for anything to do with Carroll Shelby, now, do ya? To answer your question, what did Shelby contribute? HISTORY! NOSTALGIA! EXCITEMENT! He and Iacocca were the guys who owned Ford's high performance movement (you do know who Lee is, don't you?) along with a host of other names you probably never heard of long before SVT was created by some corporate executive. Shelby helped give Ford it's racing history. that's what the Shelby name is all about. That's what SVT was formed to resurrect, and that'swhat this car is all about. It's the culmination of Ford's efforts to get back to the glory days. I'll take any Ford hi performance vehicle that he endorses, whether or not he EVER spun a wrench on it. The man knows more about speed, performance and driving than just about anyone, and if Ford can get him to put his name on it, that's good enough for me. And, I would bet if you asked ANYONE at SVT if they want his name removed, they would answer with a resounding "NO!" So pardon me if us older fatrs want some of our youth back. It's our youth, our history, our nostalgia ans our excitement. Learn how to pick your battles wisely! In order to win any battle you have to be able to see the world from your opponents view. If you do that, you will see that nobody cares about your desire to change the name of the board to SVT Gathering Place, and the excitement that the history of the badge holds means a lot to those of us who lived it 35-40 years ago. Do what makes you happy. I have no earthly reason to try to talk you out of it, nor would I want to. Now do us all a huge favor and return the courtesy. (WHEW! now I feel better! - Hey Professor -- what stage do you think I'm in???) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JETSOLVER Posted May 22, 2006 Report Share Posted May 22, 2006 38 this year, bought my 97 new and worked my A__ off to pay for it. Thats why it has such low milage. Used to call my sister to go and start it then warm it and rev the thing so I could remember why I was working so darn hard to pay for it. As to the name thats not where my loyalty is. It is to the small crazy group of gasoline fueled CAR people buried at Ford who fanned a spark and made SVT the only serious factory backed group for a decade. "this is from my 97 SVT owners supplement... "Our Team: DEDICATED ENTHUSIASTS AT FORD WHO DESIGN, BUILD SELL AND SERVICE LIMITED -EDITION, HIGH-PERFORMANCE VEHICLES. FOR US, DRIVING IS A PASSION, SO WE TAKE SPECIAL PRIDE IN OUR WORK.SVT Welcome to the Ford Special Vehicle Team family, and thank you for purchasing the SVT Mustang COBRA. We trust that you will enjoy many years of safe and pleasurable driving in your new Cobra. SVT strives for balance between powertrain and chassis, cornering prowess and long-distance confort- to build cars in which no one system overwhelms or overshadows and other." Colletti and Scarpello fought tooth and nail to make these cars and trucks something other than sticker jobs and the "legend" that got this car engineered and built is thiers and SVT owners alone. Having said that if Ol' Shel wants to ADD to it he is welcome as his history was the same sort of da__ the torpedo's full speed ahead mentality. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
owenkelley Posted May 22, 2006 Report Share Posted May 22, 2006 Shelbywise hit the nail on the head when he said that Shelby really had nothing to do with any Mustang after the 1967 model year. The 1968's and later were built in Michigan while the previous cars were modified in California at Shelby's facility. I personally don't feel that the '65 through '67 Shelby's are anymore real than the '68, 69's and 70's. Maybe the personality of the car changed a little bit when Ford took over, with more luxury features and appointments, but the overall attitude of the car as a street racer never changed. Anyway you look at it, no matter what you call it, this is the most powerful factory built Mustang of all time, that's enough for me. Maybe this time next year the '07 GT500 will be the second most powerful Mustang of all time - who knows? Oh yeah, I'm 46 years old. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mustang Joe Posted May 22, 2006 Report Share Posted May 22, 2006 Yes. Ford just built what Shelby conceptualized. Much different from this go around. In 69, Shelby so disapproved of Ford's design for the Shelby that he asked them not to use his name on the car. Joe Scalzo, editor of Car Life magazine wrote in 1969: The Shelby, most enthusiasts agreed, had been dead, or close to death, for years. Each year since its 1965 inception it had become more of a compromised car: and even by Shelby's own admission it had lost its identity as a Supercar. As the stylists heaped on more chrome, they at the same time removed more and more of the car's performance features. This was when Shelby and Ford parted ways. This car has NOTHING Shelby in it. It's got Shelby's name AND his blessing. That's more than the 69/70 Shelbys got. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SVTpower Posted May 22, 2006 Report Share Posted May 22, 2006 30. I don't see how the GT500 is for the older crowd. It is a small displacement ( for a V8 ), supercharged DOHC engine. NOTHING like the cars of the 60's. I have the means to buy a Z06 but won't pay over sticker for a GT500 because that's all it's worth. Tell me how the GT500 is targetted for the older crowd? Other than the SHELBY badging that Ford paid for, for their 07 SVT Cobra, wtf does it have in common with 60's musclecars? Nothing. It is a luxury car in comparison. :wacko: You're 30 and you can buy the z06?? Wow, what do you do for a living, I want in, legal or not Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KingCobra Posted May 22, 2006 Report Share Posted May 22, 2006 Well, thank you Old Guy for taking the time to express the same thoughts that I had but felt to greedy to share with the likes of the Grim Reaper!!! This car is the spawn of pure driving/racing passion, and that's how we feel about it. It's not perfect, but then again neither is anything else. Thanks for the words. KingCobra. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jolly Roger Posted May 22, 2006 Report Share Posted May 22, 2006 I think this is a really good question, and I'll be interested to see the responses as time goes on. Now, I know that this statement is probably sacrilege on a site like this, but....: I'm 35 and I have never looked twice at any of the Mustangs built during my lifetime until the '05's came out. I think that the Mustangs produced during the last 25 years or so and before the '05 model year are uninspiring and uninteresting. They may have been fun to drive, but they aren't much to look at in my opinion, and I would never have purchased one. That said, allow me to add that I REALLY like the newer Mustangs. When I saw an '05 Mustang on the road for the first time, it really spoke to me. Part of the appeal was likely the retro nature of the styling, but regardless of the reason, I was hooked! Even though I had never purchased a sports car before, I bought a new '05 Mustang GT Premium (manual, of course) a year ago, and I have no regrets. I love the design, performance, and value. I didn't just go buy a Mustang - I purchased my car from a dealer about 800 miles away and paid to have it shipped to me (the 35 dealers I called in my state had loooooong waiting lists) even though I had never even touched one, let alone driven one. I wanted one that bad. Now, I have a deposit in on the 1st Shelby GT500 that a local dealer will get in (ordered to my specs), and I'll be paying $10K over MSRP for this car. Obviously, I want the Shelby pretty bad, too. I guess my point is that the new Mustang in its various forms is a winner and has made a convert out of at least one person who previously never had a sports car and who never would have even considered purchasing a Mustang. I realize that the retro styling and the Shelby name probably appeal to many of you guys out there in your 50's and 60's, but there is a whole new generation who has a love affair with the new Mustangs! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old guy Posted May 22, 2006 Report Share Posted May 22, 2006 I think this is a really good question, and I'll be interested to see the responses as time goes on. Now, I know that this statement is probably sacrilege on a site like this, but....: I'm 35 and I have never looked twice at any of the Mustangs built during my lifetime until the '05's came out. I think that the Mustangs produced during the last 25 years or so and before the '05 model year are uninspiring and uninteresting. They may have been fun to drive, but they aren't much to look at in my opinion, and I would never have purchased one. That said, allow me to add that I REALLY like the newer Mustangs. When I saw an '05 Mustang on the road for the first time, it really spoke to me. Part of the appeal was likely the retro nature of the styling, but regardless of the reason, I was hooked! Even though I had never purchased a sports car before, I bought a new '05 Mustang GT Premium (manual, of course) a year ago, and I have no regrets. I love the design, performance, and value. I didn't just go buy a Mustang - I purchased my car from a dealer about 800 miles away and paid to have it shipped to me (the 35 dealers I called in my state had loooooong waiting lists) even though I had never even touched one, let alone driven one. I wanted one that bad. Now, I have a deposit in on the 1st Shelby GT500 that a local dealer will get in (ordered to my specs), and I'll be paying $10K over MSRP for this car. Obviously, I want the Shelby pretty bad, too. I guess my point is that the new Mustang in its various forms is a winner and has made a convert out of at least one person who previously never had a sports car and who never would have even considered purchasing a Mustang. I realize that the retro styling and the Shelby name probably appeal to many of you guys out there in your 50's and 60's, but there is a whole new generation who has a love affair with the new Mustangs! Well said, JR. Welcome to the madness! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RUFDRAFT Posted May 22, 2006 Author Report Share Posted May 22, 2006 Welcome, Jolly Roger. We, here, understand. The Mustang Legend Lives - and we're why. Let's Ride. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shelbang Posted May 22, 2006 Report Share Posted May 22, 2006 I believe that some people have absolutely no possibility to purchase a new GT500. To make themselves feel better they must degrade this vehicle. I however do not bash say a twin engine Piper while bragging that I can afford a new Lear jet. I guess i just joined the disgruntled club. Now I hope Carol Shelby lives to a hundred, but you never know as to how many more projects with Ford will he invest his time and lend his name to. That said this car could very well be a collector whereas a 07 SVT straight up might not ever reach the same potential. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RUFDRAFT Posted May 22, 2006 Author Report Share Posted May 22, 2006 If we have any member who feels like they can't buy a GT500 and is within driving range of me - come visit. We'll go out and have some fun, you hear? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old guy Posted May 22, 2006 Report Share Posted May 22, 2006 I don't see how the GT500 is for the older crowd. It is a small displacement ( for a V8 ), supercharged DOHC engine. NOTHING like the cars of the 60's. Did I mention that I owned a '66 GT350 with a Paxton supercharger? 442 HP at 2800 lbs. 289 CI (about 4.7 litre) with a blower. hmmm..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Evil95GT Posted May 22, 2006 Report Share Posted May 22, 2006 I'm 28 years old, and I feel the need to contribute. I'm not sure why I feel so compelled at this point. My husband and I have collectively owned seven Mustangs over the course of our driving years. Three of those still remain in our stable. All three are low mileage street strip cars that are more pampered than Paris Hilton. We have three children and a modest income. Due to our situation (the fact that we have three toys) there's simply NO WAY we can afford to buy another garage ornament. What we *can* afford is something that will serve an actual purpose...........a vehicle that we can use daily, fit all three kids into comfortably, *and* not have a massive coronary should some damn bird decide to drop it's load on the hood. So we're making eyes with the Charger SRT-8 or Magnum SRT-8. Having said that, we'd both love to own the new Shelby (wow, did I just make that bold?), it's just not practical at this stage in our lives. Do I feel the car is an actual "Shelby"? Of course I do. Everything ON this car was met with his approval, and the result is a Mustang he's PROUD of (unlike the 60s brethren........read the history and you'll know exactly what I'm speaking of). Do I feel the car is an SVT? Maybe from an engineering standpoint, but that's the extent. The car is a Shelby GT500, love it or leave it.........and as you can see, 99% of us love it. As far as badging, what difference does it make? Debadging a car has been popular ever since folks learned that the 5.0 emblems come off real easy with a heat gun. Badges don't mean shit...........we own a '95 GT that has V6 emblems, a '89 LX that has SAAC emblems, and a '95 GT that's been bastardized with Cobra emblems. Emblems don't change a thing. It is what it is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JETSOLVER Posted May 22, 2006 Report Share Posted May 22, 2006 Michelle; that is why you are a part of this. If it was limited to a mere 9000 or so people it would be a lessor thing. Its the passion for the community that makes this fun, not the endless minutiae that has to occupy us on our off hours. Respectful disagreement, backed by thoughtful reason is the whole point of message boards such as this, not the other that is bound to happen on the ultimate expression of freedom of expression that is the 'Net. So stay close and you and yours will be a part of this, what ever it is?! :wacko: 'Sides; your family obviously likes the smell of roast dinosuar as much as the rest of us. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RUFDRAFT Posted May 22, 2006 Author Report Share Posted May 22, 2006 Old guy - you're my hero! I almost ordered White with Blue Stripes in honor of the 350GT. That - my friend - was the Car. I wish we could spend an evening on the front porch talking about that ride. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6707Shelby Posted May 22, 2006 Report Share Posted May 22, 2006 If you don't realize that this car is the SVT Cobra for the S197 body then you are a fool. I will buy one, and mark my words, I will remove the Shelby lettering on the back and replace with SVT. I Evil, you might want to go even one step further and relabel your car, SVO. Isnt the SVT actually Fords second effort on what SVO started? How did the Cobra name get on the SVT? Evil? I don't think Ford used that name before Shelbys involvement. On your point regarding Ford's handling of the GT and Thunderbird. You might have a point but their hands are tied when dealers have control of Market price, not Ford. The Dealers kept the price of the GT high for as long as they could , which may have ultimately turned away excited potential buyers. This gave false signals to Ford as far as demand. Ultimately the planned production for 2006 will fall short. I was too young to buy one of the original Shelbys back in 65-70 . I was 16 in 1970, I guess I could have been old enough but certainly did not have the means. Many of us old guys (51) have been waiting for the Ford/Shelby phenomenon to reappear and whether you agree or not it is something special. What this car does have in common with the early Shelbys is that it is a muscle car. 500 horses worth. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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