Announcing the SAAC Foundation

[computerworks]

Today, we officially announced the formation of the SAAC Foundation, a concerted effort to provide safety and continuity to the valuable data that we have collected over the decades.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Shelby American Automobile Club announces the formation of the SAAC Foundation Inc.

WALLINGFORD, CT - September 13th 2024 - The Shelby American Automobile Club Inc, ("SAAC") the long established keeper of the history of the cars produced by Shelby American between 1963 and 1970, today announced the formation of the Shelby American Automobile Club Foundation Inc. a new 501c3 charitable entity. The purpose of this Foundation is to assure the continuation of the Shelby Registry into the future. The present Registrars have been compiling records on the 1965-1970 Shelbys for 50 years. The establishment of the SAAC Foundation, which is independent of the club, will create a separate entity to compile and digitize the records of all Shelbys and maintain them into the future with continuity. In addition to the Board of Directors the Foundation will have an Advisory Board chaired by Peter Brock and Rick Kopec.

The Shelby American Automobile Club will continue its mission as a member-focused club centered on activities which include publication of SAAC's quarterly magazine, maintaining its member forum, organizing and running national and regional conventions and support for regional Shelby clubs and enthusiasts worldwide. The SAAC Foundation will now assume the responsibility of preserving, protecting and publishing the history of the vehiclesof Shelby American.

The Shelby American Automobile Club was founded in 1975 and has protected and preserved the records of Shelby American and the history of these important automobiles. Through the efforts of SAAC's individual Registrars, SAAC has maintained and published the historical records and provided individuals with access to authentication and detailed histories of individual cars. It is through the 50-year efforts of the Shelby American Automobile Club that these cars have attained a significant prominence in American collector cars as well as the documenting of their production and racing history.

The Shelby American Automobile Club Foundation Inc. will now be the sole source and official publisher of the history and authenticity of these cars. The original records are being digitized by the Foundation and will be preserved in original and digital form for future generations and will be adapted to evolving publication methods.

Carroll Shelby Licensing ("CSL") recently expanded its long term licensing agreement with SAAC and the SAAC Foundation to extend rights to use the Shelby name and logos.

SAAC 50 - the 2025 National Convention being held at Sonoma Raceway August 1-2-3 of 2025, will celebrate 50 years of the club's efforts. To commemorate this historical achievement Rick Kopec is presently authoring a special book detailing the 50-year history of the club, the conventions, the cars and the membership. It will be available in the summer of 2025.

ABOUT SAAC - The Shelby American Automobile Club is an international organization that was founded in 1975. It is dedicated to the preservation, care, history and enjoyment of the world championship cars from Shelby American and the cars they have inspired from 1962 to today. Those goals have not changed. Ownership is not required for membership—just enthusiasm.

[daltondavid]

This is a positive and intelligent move by the club. no one is or has been asleep at the wheel and this is just one more example of that!

[rkm]

Put me down for a signed coy, Rick.

[FL SAAC Team Leader]

Great news and sign me up for a copy of
Mr. Kopecs book !

[csheff]

sign me up for a copy (signed)

[Special Ed]

Can i get book #1 before  ned howard  dave or vinnie get it?  HAHA

[CelesteSparkle]

 congrats to SAAC on setting up the SAAC Foundation!! qwesome move to keep Shelby's history alive for future generations

[csheff]

I'll take a copy too Ron.
But isn't the date's for Saac 50 Aug 21, 22, 23 not 1,2,3?

[NC TRACKRAT]

Very smart move on the part of our leaders.  The BMW CCA did likewise a few years back with their BMW Foundation.  They initiated and sponsor "Street Survival" driving courses for teen drivers and their museum and exhibits have won national honors.

[Chad]

Great News