Clones
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So, exactly what is a "Clone"? The dictionary definition includes "One that copies or closely resembles another, as in appearance or function." The term has been rather loosely used in the automotive world to label a car that is built to imitate another "highly desirable" model. Very few "clones" are actually exact duplicates of the "real" car; they usually include personal "improvements".
Our Philosophy. While an original 65 Shelby would be nice to own, there were only 562 built. With such rarity, prices are high, and how many people would dare to drive it anywhere, anytime? After a previous concours "show" car, we wanted to be able to DRIVE this car anywhere, show it, "play" with it, and then DRIVE it home. We felt that building a "clone' was the best of both worlds - looks & performance all in a package that we don't have to worrying about all the "rare car" issues - value, modifications, theft, etc. The finished product is very unique. It was built to emulate the style
of a 65 Shelby, but with personal touches everywhere. Our plan was to
build a reasonable facsimile of a 65 Shelby Mustang with performance,
appearance, safety, and comfort exceeding those offered by a
"real" Shelby. It ended up being part "Clone", part
"Restoration", and part "Modified". We can claim to
have invented the word "Clonomod"©.
Why not just build a "real" Shelby instead of a clone? Limited supply means high prices. Almost all of the components that differentiate the "desirable" model from the base model are readily available or have "improved" components become available in the past 40 years. For maximum future value, it's usually best to leave a Shelby in stock condition, whereas with a clone, we can modify the car to our desires and tastes, without destroying any perceived value.
What are "The Rules of Cloning"? These are our own rules, but they fit pretty well...
What about "Eleanor"? For anyone who's been "living in a cave", Eleanor is the customized Shelby clone used in the "Gone in 60 Seconds" remake with Nicholas Cage. It's created quite a buzz in the Mustang world as clones of the movie "clone" are being mass-produced, including some with Carroll Shelby's "blessing", which are being assigned "real" Shelby serial numbers. I see good and bad about this. It's good that new people are being brought into the hobby, and a CAR is generating the interest to attract them. And, Eleanor is a beautiful, custom clone. Everyone won't agree 100% with the styling cues, but there's some neat ideas. Same with the "GT-350SR" clones coming out of Shelby's involvement - some neat ideas... and great mechanical updates. Plus, we've all gained access to some neat new parts and ideas to use on our own cars. However, I'm not at all in favor of calling these cars "real" Shelby's, even if Mr. Shelby "waved his magic wand" over them. Sorry, they are clones, just the same as mine. Time will tell how the "buying public" will regard these cars. I feel that these cars violate my "Rules of Cloning" stated above - especially putting "GT500" stickers on a 302-powered car! The thing I like best about having a clone is being able to personalize it to MY tastes. I don't see the "personalization" in a mass-produced "clone of a clone". I'd much rather see people build these cars with their own personal touches, in their own garage. Let's not all paint our cars Pepper Grey with Black stripes! A car is simply an extension of YOUR personality, and the whole Eleanor deal just smacks of "me-too" big-bucks commercialism. Hey, If you have the $80,000 - $150,000 it takes to buy someone else's vision, go for it! But, I'd much rather see someone spend 1/2 (or less), and BUILD a car that says something about YOU!
Ok, off the soapbox now!
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