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| Joined: | Thu Mar 12th, 2009 |
| Location: | Fort Myers |
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GuitarAddict wrote:I may be way off on this, but if I remember the Shelby story correct, the reason he is making them again is because he had 16-20 chassis that were serial numbered from the original line. meaning they were registered and listed as cars from the original set he built, also allowing him to build them to the same (or as close as possible in todays world) specs as the first cobras. Not Kit cars mind you. (which are more true to the watch analogy than the new cobra sales) But original cobras that were NEVER built from back in the day.scottran wrote:
Say you were self employed and you created a product and called it a widgit. You spent thousands of dollars on research and development and use only the finest materials to make your product. You have built a reputation for having a quality product that is in demand. Then comes along some schmo that just goes out and buys one of your widgits. He just makes a copy of it,(no money spent on r&d). Uses inferior materials and calls it a widgedt. He sells it for a lower price and cuts into your earnings. Do you think you may be a little pissed off??
Do you think a company that makes and sells $6000 watches is really losing sales because I buy an inferior quality watch for a fraction of his price?
It's a different a story if the copy uses his branding and/or uses proprietary processes and/or designs.
As a collector of many things and a business man I am talking products in general. I also collect antique tractors, mainly John Deere. JD still holds the rights to many of their products, even ones 80 years old. Companies are only allowed to sell JD oficially licensed products. If not, Deere will have their lawyers on you so fast your head will spin. It protects JD's name and it also protects me as a collector.
I have no problems with homage watches as they arent completely replicating the original. I would be embarrassed to wear a Fauxlex.
The Cobra thing is a good question also. I dont know what to say about it. I am considering building one once the economy gets better. Up until recently I would have said no problem with the replicas because they werent building 65 Shelby Cobras anymore. But, now Shelby is making them again. One just sold at BJ in Vegas in oct. Not as valuable as an original but still a Shelby. I saw many "clones" of different cars sell at Barret Jackson and some brought decent money. I think it is becoming an acceptable practice to do this as long as you are on the up and up about the lineage of the car in the car hobby. ;)
Now as far as the "homage" argument goes, I stated my case the other day, and I own 2 real pams, and 3 homages/marina militares. (but listed as those, not parnis or Panerai. ) And I am ok with it.
on a side note , I also wore a fake sub to work once that I bought in New york for like 40 bucks. (wasted drunk, not that that makes it alright) The watch looks, feels and holds time and power reserve amazingly. Yet, no one questioned me on it since I am a "watch guy" But I also couldnt help myself and had to blurt out that it was fake every time I recieved a comment on it. I too felt dirty and wrong, and literally havent worn it since. However, (and I sort of mentioned this in my other post) I have no problem wearing a Marina Militaire, and will wear my Pam the very next day. Without guilt, my pams still love me.