Hello,
I was given some advise to become a SAAC member since I am on the hunt for a 1966 GT350. I was hoping someone can give me the pros of membership.
In addition, my ultimate goal is to find an original Gt350 with patina. I prefer the unrestored look similar to the photo.
Thanks everyone. The 65-66 GT350 is the sexiest car to come out of the 1960s.
Ultimately, you are helping to preserve the body of knowledge associated with the automobiles of Shelby American. That, and and the printed annual Shelby American is well worth the cost of membership. One of the finest pieces of automotive reading available.
Quote from: evantugby on March 31, 2020, 12:16:53 PM
Hello,
I was given some advise to become a SAAC member since I am on the hunt for a 1966 GT350. I was hoping someone can give me the pros of membership.
In addition, my ultimate goal is to find an original Gt350 with patina. I prefer the unrestored look similar to the photo.
Thanks everyone. The 65-66 GT350 is the sexiest car to come out of the 1960s.
Pro - I for one want to support a organization that protects the integrity of the cars that I love. Without all of the facets of the organization working together to keep track of the cars, individual history of the cars, the imposters, historic build details and spreading the little known positive attributes to the world the current perception of the cars I dare saw would be different in a negative way. The minimal dues help keep all of the effort intact. I automatically appreciate those that support the effort even if their views do not follow mine. Kind of like a family. My own personal perception is that if one wants to knowingly take for granted and advantage of the benefits but don't want support the effort is one choice to make . I automatically profile people who make those choices with suspicion. The fellowship and camaraderie that comes from being a member is also a added positive side effect that can be hard to measure IMHO.
Well said Bob!
I to want to point out that becoming a member opens you up to a whole new world of people.
Have met many Shelby guys (and gals) from around the world thru my participation in SAAC events.
Brent Alexander
Ditto replies 2 and 3
As a long time member of SAAC, it is hard to identify with someone new to the club. Trying to think back, the interest in the cars of Mr. Shelby came first, long before ownership. I still remember the '65 GT350 I saw in front of the elementary school I had previously attended. As a teenager I was not able to buy one. You have the ability to plan your purchase. Part of that plan is gathering information. Interacting with people who know and love these cars may help you decide. Do you buy a certain car? Ask for help, is a particular vehicle best for you? Will it break the bank (and your heart)? Will it be the one that got away? (and break your heart a little less).
I guess I'm asking more questions than you are.
Comes down to this: If you enjoy doing something with like-minded people, SAAC is the best you will find on a journey in the Shelby world.
John
I agree with Mr. Gaines and others. It's a benefit to all to support the common cause...our love for Shelbys.
And the annual publication is great too!
Cons:
Every annual vacation for the rest of your life will include a trip to a famous race track.
Your children will become disappointed when they get their drivers licenses because there's no interesting cars to buy.
The day after each annual convention you will go into a deep funk from which you will not recover until January or February of the following year.
You keep looking at pictures of yourself as you were standing next to a car 30 or 40 years ago and wonder why the car still looks great and you don't.
I copied/edited this statement about SAAC from member "557" (in a different thread):
"Best source...[for] accurate information on the original cars built by Shelby American inc. and Shelby Automotive between 1962 and 1969/70 .period"
that may not be a strong enough statement regarding accurate information, but it does give the general idea.
Seems to me that a person would be nuts to buy a '66 Shelby without a ton of this type info, and also that one would wish to support the club.
the list of other "Pros" can likely go on for pages...
IMHO, the only "Con" to joining is the $50 (a pretty low number considering the price of everything else).
Good luck, and welcome aboard.
Quote from: rkm on March 31, 2020, 02:14:44 PM
Cons:
Every annual vacation for the rest of your life will include a trip to a famous race track.
Your children will become disappointed when they get their drivers licenses because there's no interesting cars to buy.
The day after each annual convention you will go into a deep funk from which you will not recover until January or February of the following year.
You keep looking at pictures of yourself as you were standing next to a car 30 or 40 years ago and wonder why the car still looks great and you don't.
Perfect!
Please become a member. I was 29 years old when I became a member in 1977 and I am 72 now and still a
member. Over all these years I have never regretted my renewal and as long as I am alive will continue
to renew my membership. Everybody I know in the club have been very helpful and as the saying goes, treat others
the way you like to be treated and you will be happy.
Good luck with your hunt for a 66.
Texas Swede
Joining the SAAC before you purchase a '66 GT350 would be a very wise decision.
- Phillip
Pro. The end of the year Annual is WELL worth the cost of membership alone. Plus all GREAT assistance in learning about these beautiful automobiles.
Cheers,
Steve
Quote from: propayne on March 31, 2020, 04:03:50 PM
Joining the SAAC before you purchase a '66 GT350 would be a very wise decision.
- Phillip
Absolutely. I wish I had. Pro: joined back in the 1980s as soon as learned about SAAC to gather continuing knowledge, enjoy conventions and acquire long term friendships. Con: not joining soon enough. 8)
If you enjoy wrenching on and driving vintage historical cars, this club is the place to be. Attending the SAAC convention is a eye opener. If you have a specific questions We can do our best to answer them.
Best money spent to be part of a great community. I joined in 1981 as a 13 year old fan who grew up with my dads best friends '68KR (#4166) that he had purchased new at Tasca Ford. I was lucky enough to buy my own Shelby at age 23 and owned it for roughly 22 1/2 years before selling in 2014. Met lots of wonderful people from all walks of life.
First time I joined was back in 82 during high school. I let the membership expire for many years however have been a member for around 10 years now.
The people you meet and the annual are the two best reasons to join.
When you are ready to start looking the wisest thing you could do would be to join the local chapter.
Quote from: propayne on March 31, 2020, 04:03:50 PM
Joining the SAAC before you purchase a '66 GT350 would be a very wise decision.
- Phillip
+1
Quote from: BGlover67 on March 31, 2020, 12:44:56 PM
Ultimately, you are helping to preserve the body of knowledge associated with the automobiles of Shelby American. That, and and the printed annual Shelby American is well worth the cost of membership. One of the finest pieces of automotive reading available.
I've been a member for ten years but I didn't receive my 2019 copy of the annual Shelby American in January/ February this year. Is there somebody I can contact to see if I can get my copy?
QSS
If you're interested in buying a classic Shelby today, it's probably because of what SAAC has been doing for the last 40+ years. It is largely due to SAAC's efforts that these cars are known about and so widely appreciated today.
And through extensive research and documentation they have kept the bloodline pure. Because of SAAC it's practically impossible to create a believable fake. So if you do buy "one of X" number of cars ever built, you can be certain that the X will not keep getting larger as happens with some other marques.
If you're going to piggyback on their tireless work over the past decades it would seem only right to support that effort going forward.
In my mind, those are good enough reasons to be a member. The printed "Shelby American" annual, plus the conventions and other benefits are just icing on the cake.
Steve
Quote from: QuickSilverShelby on March 31, 2020, 09:35:03 PM
Quote from: BGlover67 on March 31, 2020, 12:44:56 PM
Ultimately, you are helping to preserve the body of knowledge associated with the automobiles of Shelby American. That, and and the printed annual Shelby American is well worth the cost of membership. One of the finest pieces of automotive reading available.
I've been a member for ten years but I didn't receive my 2019 copy of the annual Shelby American in January/ February this year. Is there somebody I can contact to see if I can get my copy?
QSS
I think Jay Talbot (the membership director) is in charge of that. You can contact him at membership@saac.com
If he's not the right person he should be able to direct you to that person.
Steve
I joined the club BEFORE i started to look for my car , to educate myself with all the particularity of shelbys , so many things can go wrong in buying one off those Legends if you don't know what to look for. And then i discoverered a lot of enthusiasts ready to answer questions , help to find parts, and even come with me to inspect cars ,and few friends too !
With out SAAC it would a lot worse out there with fakes, and all what other said before +1
Quote from: SFM6S087 on April 01, 2020, 04:58:47 AM
If you're interested in buying a classic Shelby today, it's probably because of what SAAC has been doing for the last 40+ years. It is largely due to SAAC's efforts that these cars are known about and so widely appreciated today.
And through extensive research and documentation they have kept the bloodline pure. Because of SAAC it's practically impossible to create a believable fake. So if you do buy "one of X" number of cars ever built, you can be certain that the X will not keep getting larger as happens with some other marques.
If you're going to piggyback on their tireless work over the past decades it would seem only right to support that effort going forward.
In my mind, those are good enough reasons to be a member. The printed "Shelby American" annual, plus the conventions and other benefits are just icing on the cake.
Steve
Agreed! SAAC is many things; this forum, annual conventions, Shelby publications, etc. but in my opinion the most important function it serves is to maintain the registries. Joining SAAC is the
only way to support the efforts of those dedicated registrars. So join already!
Some join for personal benefit, some join to support an organization that promotes/preserves the marque... and then some do it for both reasons.
From the outside looking in, it can be somewhat intimidating joining any club. Depending on one's involvement, any preconceived perceptions quickly diminish.
I joined before there were any magazines, before any conventions, before any registries.. Where did that 44 years go? its worth the small investment to keep the flame alive.
Remember the one universal axiom of any club, organization, or group:
"What you put into it will directly affect what you get out of it"
Many just join or get the car first, either order, do very little, don't attend conventions, growl at the tributes, keep the cars in airtight, bulletproof enclosures, and think that now they are the greatest. They are the ones you should avoid.
Look for those that drive the cars, enthusiastically share info, are active in regional groups, go to the national conventions, ask questions. Be an active member. When you are that, then membership is worth it.
If you just are going to buy and gloat, think twice.
(BTW - I have been a member 30+ years, NEVER owned a genuine Shelby vehicle, run my SAAC regional group for 25 years, have been a delirious convention staff worker since 1992, and more. Get involved. It's more fun)
Looking back on my 30 years, I view my membership experience as essential to being able to realize my dream in 2018, with our Thoroughbred/Div.I black '68 500 vert. So many facets of this club contributed to our success. Most importantly, are the people whom I've met and whom have shared their knowledge and experience. But beyond that, it is the true friendships that have developed and continue.
Join now, before you buy, You will probably make a better decision.
Raise a toast to SAAC.
Listen to Don, he has the best restored GT500 ever!
(http://www.saacforum.com/gallery/8-010420174947.jpeg)
Quote from: Coralsnake on April 01, 2020, 05:50:20 PM
Listen to Don, he has the best restored GT500 ever!
(http://www.saacforum.com/gallery/8-010420174947.jpeg)
+1
Quote from: Coralsnake on April 01, 2020, 05:50:20 PM
Listen to Don, he has the best restored GT500 ever!
Is Don's car an automatic or stick? AC or non AC?
QSS
That pic looks like it's in the lobby of the Tulsa Marriott?
Don - was your car at MCACN year before last? If so, I saw it there - VERY nice!
Yes, the picture was in the hotel lobby at Tulsa, 2019. It is A/C and auto.
Thank you Pete for your endorsement based upon our track record:
Heritage Elite Gold, 44th Mid-America Ford & Shelby Nationals, Tulsa, OK June 2018;
Thoroughbred Gold, MCA National Lincoln, NE July 2018;
Division I Premiere Award, SAAC-43 Sonoma, CA August 2018;
MCACN Pinnacle Gold Award-Division I, Chicago, IL November 2018;
Concours Gold, Indiana SAAC-42 May 2019
Judges Choice Award, Indiana SAAC-42 May 2019.
No other 1968 Shelby has achieved this level of recognition. Our SAAC-43 Premiere Award is the first time that has achieved in twenty-five years. Our gratitude to the gang at Billups Classic Cars, as well as ALL of you that helped us in so many ways!!
Thank you for allowing me this pride. Don
Quote from: 68blk500c on April 02, 2020, 10:34:57 AM
Yes, the picture was in the hotel lobby at Tulsa, 2019. It is A/C and auto.
Thank you Pete for your endorsement based upon our track record:
Heritage Elite Gold, 44th Mid-America Ford & Shelby Nationals, Tulsa, OK June 2018;
Thoroughbred Gold, MCA National Lincoln, NE July 2018;
Division I Premiere Award, SAAC-43 Sonoma, CA August 2018;
MCACN Pinnacle Gold Award-Division I, Chicago, IL November 2018;
Concours Gold, Indiana SAAC-42 May 2019
Judges Choice Award, Indiana SAAC-42 May 2019.
No other 1968 Shelby has achieved this level of recognition. Our SAAC-43 Premiere Award is the first time that has achieved in twenty-five years. Our gratitude to the gang at Billups Classic Cars, as well as ALL of you that helped us in so many ways!!
Thank you for allowing me this pride. Don
It gets no better! Hell of a car Don!
So, back to the topic---it is about these special cars, the people that enjoy them, plus the enormous body of knowledge, documentation, parts and events;
why wouldn't you join?
you probably spend the same amount for one night out for dinner and beverages for two, as for a year's membership.
I just wish we still got a yearly dash plaque... :'( LOL
Quote from: 68blk500c on April 02, 2020, 10:34:57 AM
Yes, the picture was in the hotel lobby at Tulsa, 2019. It is A/C and auto.
Thank you for allowing me this pride. Don
Thanks for the info Don. Wowza! You car is a unicorn! Just an amazing piece. Thanks for sharing it.
QSS
Yes!!!
Definitely become a member. Plenty of great people on the forum and great exchanges of information and light hearted moments.
I'm in Australia and have been a member since 2010 when I bought my first 66 Hertz and now having added a KR. The depth of knowledge has been great since little information is known here down under, and added to that it costs me more annually than you guys due to a crappy exchange rate it I still find it a great membership.
Go for it.
Quote from: 557 on April 02, 2020, 06:10:21 PM
I just wish we still got a yearly dash plaque... :'( LOL
+++++++++++1!
Quote from: QuickSilverShelby on April 02, 2020, 09:40:18 PM
Quote from: 68blk500c on April 02, 2020, 10:34:57 AM
Yes, the picture was in the hotel lobby at Tulsa, 2019. It is A/C and auto.
Thank you for allowing me this pride. Don
Thanks for the info Don. Wowza! You car is a unicorn! Just an amazing piece. Thanks for sharing it.
QSS
According to Marti Report, it is 1 of 4 identically equipped. Thanks.
Dons Shelby has eyeballs as they say that black with white stripes and white top awesome. So don now that u got your car done u can come to Indiana now and help me on some of my cars since I just turned 65 and want to work on my cars as we got room in our shop now after getting 4 customers cars out of shop in last year. Don u can stay upstairs now 2 finished bedrooms are no longer (stairway to heaven as some people called it) parts department since donna moved all my upstairs best parts in the basement garage when I was gone on some long trips.
+2
Quote from: Special Ed on April 03, 2020, 12:22:31 PM
Dons Shelby has eyeballs as they say that black with white stripes and white top awesome. So don now that u got your car done u can come to Indiana now and help me on some of my cars since I just turned 65 and want to work on my cars as we got room in our shop now after getting 4 customers cars out of shop in last year. Don u can stay upstairs now 2 finished bedrooms are no longer (stairway to heaven as some people called it) parts department since donna moved all my upstairs best parts in the basement garage when I was gone on some long trips.
I've been up that stairway to heaven; oh my! Congratulations on the BIG 65; join the club.
That, sir, is a tempting invitation; I did learn a tremendous amount during the black '69 prototype convertible project with Jason, but I'm not sure I learned that much. You get started and we'll see about it.