The Shelby American (Summer 2022)

The SHELBY AMERICAN Summer 2022 15 We know this is a magazine dedi- cated to automobiles and we try not to stray too far that subject. However, once in a while something rolls in that dictates we expand our periphery and we think this is such an example. Probably the only people unaware of what is presently taking place in Ukraine are in a coma. While global geopolitics is a bit outside of our lane, we never the less ignore it at our peril. When a larger, stronger country in- vades a smaller, weaker one and sub- jects them to the kind of violence we’re seeing on television, the talking heads are quick to sputter, “ our hearts go out to these people ” as if that will change anything. It’s all too easy to sit on the sidelines and watch what is transpir- ing when you are safe. Few step up to do something and when someone does, they should be recognized. Especially someone in our small universe. Anyone who knows what a Cobra is certainly aware of David Kirkham. He is a long time SAAC member in Provo, Utah and his company builds accurate Cobra replicas in a former MiG jet fighter factory in Poland. You’ve prob- ably seen polished aluminum exam- ples. They’ve been producing cars since 1995: small blocks, big blocks, FIA 289 bodies with 427 coil spring chassis and Daytona Coupes. Kirkham Cobras are singlehandedly responsible for the term “replica Cobra” becoming Kirkham Cobra Factory in Poland Welcomes Ukraine Refugees acceptable in the last twenty years. Prior to that the term “replica” was considered a pejorative. David sent out this open letter de- scribing how he was reacting to the in- vasion of Ukraine and the thousands of refugees it is producing, most flee- ing to Poland. Many of you may not know, but I own a manufacturing facility in Mi- elec, Poland. I have been manufactur- ing our own replicas and replicas for Shelby for 27 years now at that fac- tory. It is part of an old MiG fighter aircraft factory with a long, and some- times quite sad, history. Mielec is less than 100 miles from the Ukrainian border. Today I received the following email from my manager in Poland, Greg Pawlik. “Would it be ok if we use part of the building to store supplies for the refugees? I had a meeting with the head of the [Mormon] Church Welfare Program over Europe. He said the Church is working closely with some Jesuit’s charity and they are looking for a place near the border. They were originally going to store their stuff in the Krakow chapel, but we are much closer to the border here in Mielec and we can use the forklift, etc.” I replied, “I have asked my bank to complete the wire transfer. It will leave tomorrow (we missed the cut-off time today) so you should have it on Friday. In addition, I have wired [extra funds] to you to buy fuel and whatever other supplies Kirkham Motorsports needs to support the evacuation of the Ukrainian refugees from the Poland/ Ukraine border. “Part – or even all – of KirkhamMo- torsports’ building, forklift, and other equipment is available to support the relief materials from the [Mormon] Church and the Jesuit charity in Poland. In addition, please prepare our buildings to house refugees, as I fear the time may come sooner rather than later when this is needed. “At your discretion, you may cease part – or even all – of Cobra produc- tion if you decide it is necessary to help the Ukranians. Our full manufac- turing facility is open to help support the evacuation and relief effort, in- cluding welding, fabrication, repairs, etc., as travelers always have prob- lems along their way that need atten- tion. Please assure our workers that even though Cobra production may slow (or even pause for now) they re- main ‘on the clock’ at full wages when helping, welding, fabricating, trans- porting, or working with you to help the Church and the Jesuit charity. “I leave the decisions of how to al- locate Kirkham Motorsports' equip- ment, buildings, and personnel between Cobra production and relief efforts in your capable hands. Thank you for your willingness to stand up and be counted. God bless you and all of Poland for standing up – once again – in these dark times.” David Kirkham. Kirkham factory in Mielec, Poland.