SEMA News—July 2012

Legislative AND Technical Affairs
By Steve McDonald

Law and Order

California Emissions Exemption:
SEMA-supported legislation to exempt all motor vehicles prior to the ’81 model year from the emissions inspection requirement will not be reconsidered by the California Senate after failing its initial vote. According to bill sponsor Senator Doug LaMalfa, “Although the bill was granted reconsideration, the opponents contend the exemption is intended as a means of ignoring the effects of pollution caused by older, high-emissions vehicles rather than a legitimate benefit for classic-car collectors whose vehicles are rarely driven. My efforts to convince my colleagues of the merits of the bill have been unsuccessful and, therefore, the bill has been dropped for this year and, of course, I am very disappointed.”

In 2004, legislation was enacted to repeal California’s rolling emissions-test exemption for vehicles 30 years old and older and replace it with a law requiring the lifetime testing of all ’76 and newer model-year vehicles. This year’s bill acknowledged that pre-’81 vehicles constitute a small and shrinking portion of the overall vehicle population, are a poor source from which to look for emissions reduction and are overwhelmingly well-maintained and infrequently driven.

Connecticut Antique/Rare/Special-Interest Motor Vehicles:
SEMA-opposed legislation that threatened to increase the age requirement for vehicles eligible for registration as “antique, rare or special-interest motor vehicles” died when the Connecticut Legislature adjourned for the year, suffering the same fate as an identical bill last year. The Joint Committee on Planning and Development had approved the bill by a narrow 10-9 vote. Under the measure, vehicles that owners were seeking to register as antique, rare or special-interest motor vehicles would have been required to be at least 30 years old. Currently, vehicles 20 years old or older are eligible for this status and special-license plates. For the purpose of property taxes, the bill also increased the maximum assessment of these vehicles to $2,500. Antique, rare or special-interest motor vehicles are currently assessed at a rate of $500, and owners pay personal property taxes on that amount.

Hawaii Collector Cars:
Two resolutions have been approved by the Hawaii State Legislature recognizing July 13, 2012, as Collector Car Appreciation Day. Earlier this year, SEMA designated this date to mark the third commemoration in what has become an annual event to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society. In the previous two years, thousands of Americans have gathered at car cruises, parades and other events to celebrate our nation’s automotive heritage. By taking part in these events around the country, these automotive enthusiasts and related businesses ensured that their passion was honored and recognized.

FEDERAL UPDATE

No Duties on Certain Steel Wheels from China:
The U.S. International Trade Commission voted 6-0 that American industry was not being threatened with injury from certain Chinese steel wheels that are being sold at less than fair value in the U.S. Therefore, no duties will be imposed despite the fact that another government agency had calculated dumping margins of 45% to 194% and unfair subsidies from 26% to 38%. The subject wheels range from 18 to 24.5 inches in diameter and are typically used in commercial vehicles (trucks, buses, trailers, etc.), but passenger car wheels within that size range fell within the scope of the investigation.

Brake-Throttle Override System:
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a proposed rule to update Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 124 by requiring the installation of a brake-throttle override system on all new light-duty vehicles. The system would be triggered when the gas pedal and brake were simultaneously applied or when the accelerator control system was disconnected. It would not address instances in which the driver accidentally pressed on the accelerator rather than applying the brakes. Once the rule is finalized, the automakers will have two or three years to install the equipment. 

“Employee Rights” Poster:
A U.S. District Court has temporarily postponed a rule issued by the National Labor Relations Board instructing employers to display an 11-x17-in. poster informing workers of their right to unionize and bargain collectively. The rule was scheduled to take effect on April 30 but is on hold while the court reviews its legality. The rule is widely opposed by business groups, including SEMA, over concerns that it unfairly promotes unionization.

Gas Pump Vapor-Recovery Nozzles:
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is phasing out a rule that certain gasoline stations install vapor-recovery nozzles on gas pumps. The pollution-control devices have been required since 1994 in about 40 ozone non-attainment areas across the country. Individual states will still have authority to mandate the nozzles. The EPA concluded that the controls are unnecessary, since about 70% of all U.S. vehicles are now equipped with onboard vapor-recovery systems, including all vehicles manufactured after 2006. According to the EPA, 31,000 affected gas stations in mostly urban areas will save $3,000 apiece once the ruling is implemented.

Identifying Counterfeit Products:
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is now authorized to share information with intellectual property right holders for the limited purpose of determining whether certain goods bear counterfeit marks. These changes provide a pre-seizure procedure for disclosing information to right holders who have recorded their trademarks with CBP and are now suspected of being counterfeiting victims. The right holder may be provided with photographs and/or a sample of merchandise or retail packaging for examination. The information will include serial numbers, universal product codes and stock keeping unit numbers appearing on the imported goods/packaging, whether in alphanumeric or other formats. Customs modified its disclosure rules to resolve a conflict with the Trade Secrets Act, which forbids a government official from sharing protected information.

SEMA News—July 2012

Legislative AND Technical Affairs
By Steve McDonald

Law and Order

California Emissions Exemption:
SEMA-supported legislation to exempt all motor vehicles prior to the ’81 model year from the emissions inspection requirement will not be reconsidered by the California Senate after failing its initial vote. According to bill sponsor Senator Doug LaMalfa, “Although the bill was granted reconsideration, the opponents contend the exemption is intended as a means of ignoring the effects of pollution caused by older, high-emissions vehicles rather than a legitimate benefit for classic-car collectors whose vehicles are rarely driven. My efforts to convince my colleagues of the merits of the bill have been unsuccessful and, therefore, the bill has been dropped for this year and, of course, I am very disappointed.”

In 2004, legislation was enacted to repeal California’s rolling emissions-test exemption for vehicles 30 years old and older and replace it with a law requiring the lifetime testing of all ’76 and newer model-year vehicles. This year’s bill acknowledged that pre-’81 vehicles constitute a small and shrinking portion of the overall vehicle population, are a poor source from which to look for emissions reduction and are overwhelmingly well-maintained and infrequently driven.

Connecticut Antique/Rare/Special-Interest Motor Vehicles:
SEMA-opposed legislation that threatened to increase the age requirement for vehicles eligible for registration as “antique, rare or special-interest motor vehicles” died when the Connecticut Legislature adjourned for the year, suffering the same fate as an identical bill last year. The Joint Committee on Planning and Development had approved the bill by a narrow 10-9 vote. Under the measure, vehicles that owners were seeking to register as antique, rare or special-interest motor vehicles would have been required to be at least 30 years old. Currently, vehicles 20 years old or older are eligible for this status and special-license plates. For the purpose of property taxes, the bill also increased the maximum assessment of these vehicles to $2,500. Antique, rare or special-interest motor vehicles are currently assessed at a rate of $500, and owners pay personal property taxes on that amount.

Hawaii Collector Cars:
Two resolutions have been approved by the Hawaii State Legislature recognizing July 13, 2012, as Collector Car Appreciation Day. Earlier this year, SEMA designated this date to mark the third commemoration in what has become an annual event to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society. In the previous two years, thousands of Americans have gathered at car cruises, parades and other events to celebrate our nation’s automotive heritage. By taking part in these events around the country, these automotive enthusiasts and related businesses ensured that their passion was honored and recognized.

FEDERAL UPDATE

No Duties on Certain Steel Wheels from China:
The U.S. International Trade Commission voted 6-0 that American industry was not being threatened with injury from certain Chinese steel wheels that are being sold at less than fair value in the U.S. Therefore, no duties will be imposed despite the fact that another government agency had calculated dumping margins of 45% to 194% and unfair subsidies from 26% to 38%. The subject wheels range from 18 to 24.5 inches in diameter and are typically used in commercial vehicles (trucks, buses, trailers, etc.), but passenger car wheels within that size range fell within the scope of the investigation.

Brake-Throttle Override System:
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a proposed rule to update Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 124 by requiring the installation of a brake-throttle override system on all new light-duty vehicles. The system would be triggered when the gas pedal and brake were simultaneously applied or when the accelerator control system was disconnected. It would not address instances in which the driver accidentally pressed on the accelerator rather than applying the brakes. Once the rule is finalized, the automakers will have two or three years to install the equipment. 

“Employee Rights” Poster:
A U.S. District Court has temporarily postponed a rule issued by the National Labor Relations Board instructing employers to display an 11-x17-in. poster informing workers of their right to unionize and bargain collectively. The rule was scheduled to take effect on April 30 but is on hold while the court reviews its legality. The rule is widely opposed by business groups, including SEMA, over concerns that it unfairly promotes unionization.

Gas Pump Vapor-Recovery Nozzles:
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is phasing out a rule that certain gasoline stations install vapor-recovery nozzles on gas pumps. The pollution-control devices have been required since 1994 in about 40 ozone non-attainment areas across the country. Individual states will still have authority to mandate the nozzles. The EPA concluded that the controls are unnecessary, since about 70% of all U.S. vehicles are now equipped with onboard vapor-recovery systems, including all vehicles manufactured after 2006. According to the EPA, 31,000 affected gas stations in mostly urban areas will save $3,000 apiece once the ruling is implemented.

Identifying Counterfeit Products:
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is now authorized to share information with intellectual property right holders for the limited purpose of determining whether certain goods bear counterfeit marks. These changes provide a pre-seizure procedure for disclosing information to right holders who have recorded their trademarks with CBP and are now suspected of being counterfeiting victims. The right holder may be provided with photographs and/or a sample of merchandise or retail packaging for examination. The information will include serial numbers, universal product codes and stock keeping unit numbers appearing on the imported goods/packaging, whether in alphanumeric or other formats. Customs modified its disclosure rules to resolve a conflict with the Trade Secrets Act, which forbids a government official from sharing protected information.

SEMA News—July 2012

Legislative AND Technical Affairs
By Steve McDonald

Law and Order

California Emissions Exemption:
SEMA-supported legislation to exempt all motor vehicles prior to the ’81 model year from the emissions inspection requirement will not be reconsidered by the California Senate after failing its initial vote. According to bill sponsor Senator Doug LaMalfa, “Although the bill was granted reconsideration, the opponents contend the exemption is intended as a means of ignoring the effects of pollution caused by older, high-emissions vehicles rather than a legitimate benefit for classic-car collectors whose vehicles are rarely driven. My efforts to convince my colleagues of the merits of the bill have been unsuccessful and, therefore, the bill has been dropped for this year and, of course, I am very disappointed.”

In 2004, legislation was enacted to repeal California’s rolling emissions-test exemption for vehicles 30 years old and older and replace it with a law requiring the lifetime testing of all ’76 and newer model-year vehicles. This year’s bill acknowledged that pre-’81 vehicles constitute a small and shrinking portion of the overall vehicle population, are a poor source from which to look for emissions reduction and are overwhelmingly well-maintained and infrequently driven.

Connecticut Antique/Rare/Special-Interest Motor Vehicles:
SEMA-opposed legislation that threatened to increase the age requirement for vehicles eligible for registration as “antique, rare or special-interest motor vehicles” died when the Connecticut Legislature adjourned for the year, suffering the same fate as an identical bill last year. The Joint Committee on Planning and Development had approved the bill by a narrow 10-9 vote. Under the measure, vehicles that owners were seeking to register as antique, rare or special-interest motor vehicles would have been required to be at least 30 years old. Currently, vehicles 20 years old or older are eligible for this status and special-license plates. For the purpose of property taxes, the bill also increased the maximum assessment of these vehicles to $2,500. Antique, rare or special-interest motor vehicles are currently assessed at a rate of $500, and owners pay personal property taxes on that amount.

Hawaii Collector Cars:
Two resolutions have been approved by the Hawaii State Legislature recognizing July 13, 2012, as Collector Car Appreciation Day. Earlier this year, SEMA designated this date to mark the third commemoration in what has become an annual event to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society. In the previous two years, thousands of Americans have gathered at car cruises, parades and other events to celebrate our nation’s automotive heritage. By taking part in these events around the country, these automotive enthusiasts and related businesses ensured that their passion was honored and recognized.

FEDERAL UPDATE

No Duties on Certain Steel Wheels from China:
The U.S. International Trade Commission voted 6-0 that American industry was not being threatened with injury from certain Chinese steel wheels that are being sold at less than fair value in the U.S. Therefore, no duties will be imposed despite the fact that another government agency had calculated dumping margins of 45% to 194% and unfair subsidies from 26% to 38%. The subject wheels range from 18 to 24.5 inches in diameter and are typically used in commercial vehicles (trucks, buses, trailers, etc.), but passenger car wheels within that size range fell within the scope of the investigation.

Brake-Throttle Override System:
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a proposed rule to update Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 124 by requiring the installation of a brake-throttle override system on all new light-duty vehicles. The system would be triggered when the gas pedal and brake were simultaneously applied or when the accelerator control system was disconnected. It would not address instances in which the driver accidentally pressed on the accelerator rather than applying the brakes. Once the rule is finalized, the automakers will have two or three years to install the equipment. 

“Employee Rights” Poster:
A U.S. District Court has temporarily postponed a rule issued by the National Labor Relations Board instructing employers to display an 11-x17-in. poster informing workers of their right to unionize and bargain collectively. The rule was scheduled to take effect on April 30 but is on hold while the court reviews its legality. The rule is widely opposed by business groups, including SEMA, over concerns that it unfairly promotes unionization.

Gas Pump Vapor-Recovery Nozzles:
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is phasing out a rule that certain gasoline stations install vapor-recovery nozzles on gas pumps. The pollution-control devices have been required since 1994 in about 40 ozone non-attainment areas across the country. Individual states will still have authority to mandate the nozzles. The EPA concluded that the controls are unnecessary, since about 70% of all U.S. vehicles are now equipped with onboard vapor-recovery systems, including all vehicles manufactured after 2006. According to the EPA, 31,000 affected gas stations in mostly urban areas will save $3,000 apiece once the ruling is implemented.

Identifying Counterfeit Products:
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is now authorized to share information with intellectual property right holders for the limited purpose of determining whether certain goods bear counterfeit marks. These changes provide a pre-seizure procedure for disclosing information to right holders who have recorded their trademarks with CBP and are now suspected of being counterfeiting victims. The right holder may be provided with photographs and/or a sample of merchandise or retail packaging for examination. The information will include serial numbers, universal product codes and stock keeping unit numbers appearing on the imported goods/packaging, whether in alphanumeric or other formats. Customs modified its disclosure rules to resolve a conflict with the Trade Secrets Act, which forbids a government official from sharing protected information.

SEMA News—July 2012

Legislative AND Technical Affairs
By Steve McDonald

Law and Order

California Emissions Exemption:
SEMA-supported legislation to exempt all motor vehicles prior to the ’81 model year from the emissions inspection requirement will not be reconsidered by the California Senate after failing its initial vote. According to bill sponsor Senator Doug LaMalfa, “Although the bill was granted reconsideration, the opponents contend the exemption is intended as a means of ignoring the effects of pollution caused by older, high-emissions vehicles rather than a legitimate benefit for classic-car collectors whose vehicles are rarely driven. My efforts to convince my colleagues of the merits of the bill have been unsuccessful and, therefore, the bill has been dropped for this year and, of course, I am very disappointed.”

In 2004, legislation was enacted to repeal California’s rolling emissions-test exemption for vehicles 30 years old and older and replace it with a law requiring the lifetime testing of all ’76 and newer model-year vehicles. This year’s bill acknowledged that pre-’81 vehicles constitute a small and shrinking portion of the overall vehicle population, are a poor source from which to look for emissions reduction and are overwhelmingly well-maintained and infrequently driven.

Connecticut Antique/Rare/Special-Interest Motor Vehicles:
SEMA-opposed legislation that threatened to increase the age requirement for vehicles eligible for registration as “antique, rare or special-interest motor vehicles” died when the Connecticut Legislature adjourned for the year, suffering the same fate as an identical bill last year. The Joint Committee on Planning and Development had approved the bill by a narrow 10-9 vote. Under the measure, vehicles that owners were seeking to register as antique, rare or special-interest motor vehicles would have been required to be at least 30 years old. Currently, vehicles 20 years old or older are eligible for this status and special-license plates. For the purpose of property taxes, the bill also increased the maximum assessment of these vehicles to $2,500. Antique, rare or special-interest motor vehicles are currently assessed at a rate of $500, and owners pay personal property taxes on that amount.

Hawaii Collector Cars:
Two resolutions have been approved by the Hawaii State Legislature recognizing July 13, 2012, as Collector Car Appreciation Day. Earlier this year, SEMA designated this date to mark the third commemoration in what has become an annual event to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society. In the previous two years, thousands of Americans have gathered at car cruises, parades and other events to celebrate our nation’s automotive heritage. By taking part in these events around the country, these automotive enthusiasts and related businesses ensured that their passion was honored and recognized.

FEDERAL UPDATE

No Duties on Certain Steel Wheels from China:
The U.S. International Trade Commission voted 6-0 that American industry was not being threatened with injury from certain Chinese steel wheels that are being sold at less than fair value in the U.S. Therefore, no duties will be imposed despite the fact that another government agency had calculated dumping margins of 45% to 194% and unfair subsidies from 26% to 38%. The subject wheels range from 18 to 24.5 inches in diameter and are typically used in commercial vehicles (trucks, buses, trailers, etc.), but passenger car wheels within that size range fell within the scope of the investigation.

Brake-Throttle Override System:
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a proposed rule to update Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 124 by requiring the installation of a brake-throttle override system on all new light-duty vehicles. The system would be triggered when the gas pedal and brake were simultaneously applied or when the accelerator control system was disconnected. It would not address instances in which the driver accidentally pressed on the accelerator rather than applying the brakes. Once the rule is finalized, the automakers will have two or three years to install the equipment. 

“Employee Rights” Poster:
A U.S. District Court has temporarily postponed a rule issued by the National Labor Relations Board instructing employers to display an 11-x17-in. poster informing workers of their right to unionize and bargain collectively. The rule was scheduled to take effect on April 30 but is on hold while the court reviews its legality. The rule is widely opposed by business groups, including SEMA, over concerns that it unfairly promotes unionization.

Gas Pump Vapor-Recovery Nozzles:
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is phasing out a rule that certain gasoline stations install vapor-recovery nozzles on gas pumps. The pollution-control devices have been required since 1994 in about 40 ozone non-attainment areas across the country. Individual states will still have authority to mandate the nozzles. The EPA concluded that the controls are unnecessary, since about 70% of all U.S. vehicles are now equipped with onboard vapor-recovery systems, including all vehicles manufactured after 2006. According to the EPA, 31,000 affected gas stations in mostly urban areas will save $3,000 apiece once the ruling is implemented.

Identifying Counterfeit Products:
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is now authorized to share information with intellectual property right holders for the limited purpose of determining whether certain goods bear counterfeit marks. These changes provide a pre-seizure procedure for disclosing information to right holders who have recorded their trademarks with CBP and are now suspected of being counterfeiting victims. The right holder may be provided with photographs and/or a sample of merchandise or retail packaging for examination. The information will include serial numbers, universal product codes and stock keeping unit numbers appearing on the imported goods/packaging, whether in alphanumeric or other formats. Customs modified its disclosure rules to resolve a conflict with the Trade Secrets Act, which forbids a government official from sharing protected information.

SEMA News—July 2012

Legislative AND Technical Affairs
By Steve McDonald

Law and Order

California Emissions Exemption:
SEMA-supported legislation to exempt all motor vehicles prior to the ’81 model year from the emissions inspection requirement will not be reconsidered by the California Senate after failing its initial vote. According to bill sponsor Senator Doug LaMalfa, “Although the bill was granted reconsideration, the opponents contend the exemption is intended as a means of ignoring the effects of pollution caused by older, high-emissions vehicles rather than a legitimate benefit for classic-car collectors whose vehicles are rarely driven. My efforts to convince my colleagues of the merits of the bill have been unsuccessful and, therefore, the bill has been dropped for this year and, of course, I am very disappointed.”

In 2004, legislation was enacted to repeal California’s rolling emissions-test exemption for vehicles 30 years old and older and replace it with a law requiring the lifetime testing of all ’76 and newer model-year vehicles. This year’s bill acknowledged that pre-’81 vehicles constitute a small and shrinking portion of the overall vehicle population, are a poor source from which to look for emissions reduction and are overwhelmingly well-maintained and infrequently driven.

Connecticut Antique/Rare/Special-Interest Motor Vehicles:
SEMA-opposed legislation that threatened to increase the age requirement for vehicles eligible for registration as “antique, rare or special-interest motor vehicles” died when the Connecticut Legislature adjourned for the year, suffering the same fate as an identical bill last year. The Joint Committee on Planning and Development had approved the bill by a narrow 10-9 vote. Under the measure, vehicles that owners were seeking to register as antique, rare or special-interest motor vehicles would have been required to be at least 30 years old. Currently, vehicles 20 years old or older are eligible for this status and special-license plates. For the purpose of property taxes, the bill also increased the maximum assessment of these vehicles to $2,500. Antique, rare or special-interest motor vehicles are currently assessed at a rate of $500, and owners pay personal property taxes on that amount.

Hawaii Collector Cars:
Two resolutions have been approved by the Hawaii State Legislature recognizing July 13, 2012, as Collector Car Appreciation Day. Earlier this year, SEMA designated this date to mark the third commemoration in what has become an annual event to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society. In the previous two years, thousands of Americans have gathered at car cruises, parades and other events to celebrate our nation’s automotive heritage. By taking part in these events around the country, these automotive enthusiasts and related businesses ensured that their passion was honored and recognized.

FEDERAL UPDATE

No Duties on Certain Steel Wheels from China:
The U.S. International Trade Commission voted 6-0 that American industry was not being threatened with injury from certain Chinese steel wheels that are being sold at less than fair value in the U.S. Therefore, no duties will be imposed despite the fact that another government agency had calculated dumping margins of 45% to 194% and unfair subsidies from 26% to 38%. The subject wheels range from 18 to 24.5 inches in diameter and are typically used in commercial vehicles (trucks, buses, trailers, etc.), but passenger car wheels within that size range fell within the scope of the investigation.

Brake-Throttle Override System:
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a proposed rule to update Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 124 by requiring the installation of a brake-throttle override system on all new light-duty vehicles. The system would be triggered when the gas pedal and brake were simultaneously applied or when the accelerator control system was disconnected. It would not address instances in which the driver accidentally pressed on the accelerator rather than applying the brakes. Once the rule is finalized, the automakers will have two or three years to install the equipment. 

“Employee Rights” Poster:
A U.S. District Court has temporarily postponed a rule issued by the National Labor Relations Board instructing employers to display an 11-x17-in. poster informing workers of their right to unionize and bargain collectively. The rule was scheduled to take effect on April 30 but is on hold while the court reviews its legality. The rule is widely opposed by business groups, including SEMA, over concerns that it unfairly promotes unionization.

Gas Pump Vapor-Recovery Nozzles:
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is phasing out a rule that certain gasoline stations install vapor-recovery nozzles on gas pumps. The pollution-control devices have been required since 1994 in about 40 ozone non-attainment areas across the country. Individual states will still have authority to mandate the nozzles. The EPA concluded that the controls are unnecessary, since about 70% of all U.S. vehicles are now equipped with onboard vapor-recovery systems, including all vehicles manufactured after 2006. According to the EPA, 31,000 affected gas stations in mostly urban areas will save $3,000 apiece once the ruling is implemented.

Identifying Counterfeit Products:
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is now authorized to share information with intellectual property right holders for the limited purpose of determining whether certain goods bear counterfeit marks. These changes provide a pre-seizure procedure for disclosing information to right holders who have recorded their trademarks with CBP and are now suspected of being counterfeiting victims. The right holder may be provided with photographs and/or a sample of merchandise or retail packaging for examination. The information will include serial numbers, universal product codes and stock keeping unit numbers appearing on the imported goods/packaging, whether in alphanumeric or other formats. Customs modified its disclosure rules to resolve a conflict with the Trade Secrets Act, which forbids a government official from sharing protected information.

SEMA News—July 2012

Carroll Shelby: Synonymous With Performance

Carroll Shelby, who passed away in May at the age of 89, was a true icon in the automotive world—someone whose name was literally synonymous with performance. Ask anyone to list their 10 favorite cars of all time, and chances are good that at least one will carry Shelby’s name or have been influenced by the flight instructor turned chicken farmer turned sports car racer turned car builder turned entrepreneur turned philanthropist.

Shelby made history 50 years ago when he married Ford’s new 260ci V8 with a lightweight British AC Ace sports car to create the Cobra. Five decades later, ol’ Shel made history again with the ’13 Shelby GT 500, home to the most powerful production V8 in the world, a supercharged 5.8L engine producing more than 650 hp. Between those bookend achievements, Shelby infused the ’65 Mustang with some much-needed juice and created the GT 350 (and later GT 500); helped Henry Ford II beat Enzo Ferrari at Le Mans in 1966; worked with Lee Iacocca to transform Chrysler front-wheel-drive compact cars into turbocharged hot rods; consulted on the design of the original Dodge Viper as well as a number of Shelby Mustangs and concept cars for Ford; and continued to build hopped-up Mustangs and continuation Cobras from his Shelby American facility in Las Vegas.

For all the automotive work he did, Shelby never considered himself much of an engineer. He was more the marketer, the man pushing his next big concept to whomever he thought should listen. He didn’t build that first Cobra in 1962, for instance; but when a single prototype car arrived from England, it was his idea to paint and repaint that car several times over so it would appear that production was in full swing—and so several competing car magazines would feature the sports car.

Likewise Shelby didn’t engineer the modifications that turned the Mustang into the road-racing GT 350, but it was he, not representatives from Ford, who primed the pump for that car by sitting down with the SCCA to find out just how they would equip a Mustang to make it eligible for sports car racing.

Yet what Shelby considered his proudest achievement had nothing to do with cars. He suffered from heart disease most of his life—it brought his race-driving career to an end in 1959—and while going through the process of a heart transplant in 1991, he founded the Carroll Shelby Foundation, which provides medical assistance to children in need of coronary and kidney care.

Carroll Shelby was named to the SEMA Hall of Fame in 1986. He may be best known as a car builder and racer, but his influence in the automotive specialty-equipment industry runs deep. That first Cobra was built in a corner of Dean Moon’s shop in Santa Fe Springs, California, and it was custom car painter Dean Jeffries who laid the first yellow paint job over its bare aluminum body.

Later, many of the components that went into the GT 350 were offered as specialty equipment through Shelby American. Who knows how many garden-variety Mustangs were modified with the signature rocker panel stripe and fiberglass hood to emulate the GT 350’s look? And how many thousands of replica Cobras are on the street (and under construction right now) using a variety of crate engines, wiring harnesses, gauges, racing seats, competition belts and more products, all sourced from the aftermarket?

Had it not been for Carroll Shelby and the legendary cars he created, the automotive landscape—and the specialty-equipment companies that help emulate those landmark cars—just wouldn’t be the same. 

SEMA News—July 2012

Carroll Shelby: Synonymous With Performance

Carroll Shelby, who passed away in May at the age of 89, was a true icon in the automotive world—someone whose name was literally synonymous with performance. Ask anyone to list their 10 favorite cars of all time, and chances are good that at least one will carry Shelby’s name or have been influenced by the flight instructor turned chicken farmer turned sports car racer turned car builder turned entrepreneur turned philanthropist.

Shelby made history 50 years ago when he married Ford’s new 260ci V8 with a lightweight British AC Ace sports car to create the Cobra. Five decades later, ol’ Shel made history again with the ’13 Shelby GT 500, home to the most powerful production V8 in the world, a supercharged 5.8L engine producing more than 650 hp. Between those bookend achievements, Shelby infused the ’65 Mustang with some much-needed juice and created the GT 350 (and later GT 500); helped Henry Ford II beat Enzo Ferrari at Le Mans in 1966; worked with Lee Iacocca to transform Chrysler front-wheel-drive compact cars into turbocharged hot rods; consulted on the design of the original Dodge Viper as well as a number of Shelby Mustangs and concept cars for Ford; and continued to build hopped-up Mustangs and continuation Cobras from his Shelby American facility in Las Vegas.

For all the automotive work he did, Shelby never considered himself much of an engineer. He was more the marketer, the man pushing his next big concept to whomever he thought should listen. He didn’t build that first Cobra in 1962, for instance; but when a single prototype car arrived from England, it was his idea to paint and repaint that car several times over so it would appear that production was in full swing—and so several competing car magazines would feature the sports car.

Likewise Shelby didn’t engineer the modifications that turned the Mustang into the road-racing GT 350, but it was he, not representatives from Ford, who primed the pump for that car by sitting down with the SCCA to find out just how they would equip a Mustang to make it eligible for sports car racing.

Yet what Shelby considered his proudest achievement had nothing to do with cars. He suffered from heart disease most of his life—it brought his race-driving career to an end in 1959—and while going through the process of a heart transplant in 1991, he founded the Carroll Shelby Foundation, which provides medical assistance to children in need of coronary and kidney care.

Carroll Shelby was named to the SEMA Hall of Fame in 1986. He may be best known as a car builder and racer, but his influence in the automotive specialty-equipment industry runs deep. That first Cobra was built in a corner of Dean Moon’s shop in Santa Fe Springs, California, and it was custom car painter Dean Jeffries who laid the first yellow paint job over its bare aluminum body.

Later, many of the components that went into the GT 350 were offered as specialty equipment through Shelby American. Who knows how many garden-variety Mustangs were modified with the signature rocker panel stripe and fiberglass hood to emulate the GT 350’s look? And how many thousands of replica Cobras are on the street (and under construction right now) using a variety of crate engines, wiring harnesses, gauges, racing seats, competition belts and more products, all sourced from the aftermarket?

Had it not been for Carroll Shelby and the legendary cars he created, the automotive landscape—and the specialty-equipment companies that help emulate those landmark cars—just wouldn’t be the same.