This is Big: Carroll Shelby has announced the formation of a new organization to bring all generations of Shelby owners and enthusiasts under one group, named “Team Shelby.” This essentially disenfranchises the venerable Shelby American Automobile Club, a move that is sure to shock many.
Amy Boylan, president of Shelby Automobiles and formerly the marketing head of Mattel’s “Hot Wheels” division, says Team Shelby is founded on a partnership with the recently formed S197 Shelby Owners Association. “We're experts at creating winning teams by combining our strengths with those of others who have unique talents and skills, so we took the same approach to create Team Shelby. It didn't make sense for us to form and operate a club on our own, so we looked for a partner who was a true enthusiast and capable of creating an organization that would give all its members real value. That led us to the S197 Shelby Owners Association.” From there, it was a short leap for S197 founders Robert Lane and Sharon Elliot to see their brainchild transformed into the new group.
Headquartered in Dearborn, Michigan and set to launch on January 11, 2008, Shelby’s 85th birthday, the new club appears to herald a new era of interaction and community amongst Shelby enthusiasts, Shelby American and Ford, taking full advantage of web-based technologies. Organizers emphasize that “Team Shelby” is far more than just a new “virtual club” however; there will also be a full calendar of events nationwide, a regular quarterly publication, first news on new products and cars, club discounts and lots of Shelby gear.
“Team Shelby” will surely take the car club experience to unforeseen new levels, probably establishing a new template for such ventures. It may also demonstrate what happens to SAAC and other “old world” organizations who fail to embrace the new way of doing business in that realm.
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