THE BENEFITS OF SAAC MEMBERSHIP
Some of these benefits are tangible and some are intangible and therefore, difficult to measure - especially in dollars and cents. Some are of value to members who have specific need for them (although they are always available to every member).
The club's publications rate highest on everyone's scale, but only because they are the most tangible. The Shelby American is a 64-page magazine usually published twice a year. We say "usually" because as a club publication it must rely on contributions of articles and photographs from members. Our standards are high, and we will not print anything which has been printed somewhere else. When we have enough quality material to fill an issue it gets printed and mailed.
The Snakebite Bulletin is printed and mailed First Class every other month (Airmail to members
outside of North America). It carries classified ads (which are free to members, with no word limit), a calendar of events, information on the club's annual national convention, information about counterfeit or fraudulent cars and a stolen car hotline.
A portion of each member's dues goes towards paying a premium for a $1,000,000 liability insurance policy which is automatically in effect for all regional (non-driving) events. This insurance permits local regions to hold car shows, picnics and get-togethers without those involved having to worry about legal liability. Without this insurance very few people would be willing to put on regional events.
SAAC was instrumental in finding and working with an insurance agency which provides low cost stated-value insurance not only for Shelbys and Cobras but for any special interest type cars members own (including Mustang and kit cars). The low rates are due to SAAC members' good record and because the club takes an active role in verifying that cars insured as Shelbys and Cobras are, in fact, realistically valued and legitimate - and not fakes (which invite insurance fraud and thus, adversely affect rates).
SAAC provides at no charge insurance appraisals for members. Professional
appraisers charge between $100 and $200 for the same service. SAAC's appraisals are recognized by every insurance company that provides special interest, collector, or stated value insurance.
SAAC offers a communications network which dispenses technical information to members at no cost. If you have a question, we can find the answer.
SAAC provides the best marque club annual national convention in this country. If you doubt that you have only to attend some other club's annual convention and compare it with what SAAC has been doing every year since 1976.
SAAC provides vehicle authentication for members at no charge. Imagine trying to buy a Shelby or Cobra without being able to find out if the serial numbers matched or if there was something questionable about its past history. Professional consultants charge $100 an hour or more, often with 3 hour minimums.
SAAC publishes the Shelby American World Registry. Whether a member purchases a copy or not, the effect is the same. The registry protects the authenticity of all Shelbys and Cobras and this directly reflects their overall values.
SAAC works with law enforcement agencies, legal counsel, and the courts on a daily basis regarding stolen and/or misrepresented and fraudulent vehicles. SAAC's work in this area helps to maintain the values of the genuine cars and also enables the insurance company that administers the club's special interest insurance to provide it at low rates.
SAAC assists aftermarket manufacturers in making out-of-production parts available. It often supplies information and/or specifications to insure that parts are accurately reproduced and then provides a communications network which puts the makers in touch with those who need the parts the most - owners, most of whom are SAAC members.
SAAC can and will institute legal actions if necessary to protect the authenticity of the marque. We take this very seriously and when presented with situations calling for legal action we will not back down. As a result these cars maintain their value by insuring that their bloodline is not diluted by fakes, counterfeits or frauds.
SAAC tracks down, organizes and maintains an extensive library of surviving documentation in order to authenticate cars for members and to research individual car histories. Such information is shared with members who request it, at no cost.
SAAC maintains extensive and ongoing relations with the national automotive press to continually promote the cars
Carroll Shelby created as well as attempting to insure the accuracy of anything printed with regards to these cars. SAAC is the accepted authority on these cars.
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