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Challenging Economy takes its toll on the other big 3

In the world of remanufactured cars of those built by the Ford Motor Company, one can easily recognize the "big three" to be Shelby American, Roush and Saleen. One is announcing it's beginning to scale back, one went into receivership and the other continues to dominate racetracks, but not so much the showroom floors of Ford dealerships these days.

At Shelby American, speculation is running rampant that the 2011 Shelby GT350 may be the last offering from the famous shop of Carroll Shelby. Reportedly, Shelby is looking to slow things down a bit and focus on the parts side of the business, which he claims is far more profitable than modifying whole
cars.

Work at the Las Vegas facility has fallen flat and that is reflected by a reduction in their workforce by up to 40%. There are now just 75 employees working at the facility, which during its height was struggling to keep up with car building demand with scads more workers.

What's interesting is the existence and hinted at expansion of the Shelby "Mod Shops" that currently exist at several locations across the country like Tasca Ford in Rhode Island. By moving any heavy work to those facilities, the core business in Las Vegas can further trim down and also benefit by supplying the parts for the modification jobs, while not being burdened by the labor of running a car factory.

Shelby has both vehement supporters and seething detractors but his legacy in the American automotive industry is undeniable. The guy is 87 years old and no one can blame him if he wants to kick things into
neutral and slow down some.

Those of us in Metro Detroit who normally drive by Jack Roush's production facility on Plymouth Road in Livonia will tell you' it's been a long time since Mustangs from the factory have been sitting on their lot, waiting for conversion into Roush 'Stangs. Further proof that Shelby isn't the only player in the game feeling the economic downturn on their bottom line.

The last of the three has seen its fate and is trying to resurface.

Founded in 1983 by Steve Saleen, Saleen was a manufacturer of high performance sports cars and parts. Sadly in 2009, Saleen literally fell by the wayside. At the end of 2008, Saleen's corporate operations went up for auction. Saleen and Saleen Racecraft were aquired by MJ Acquisitions. Saleen, Inc. was not a part
of that acquisition.

Saleen, Inc. no longer exists. The S7 and S5S Raptor supercars remain with Saleen, Inc. This pretty much means the S7 and S5S, a car which never made it to production, are done for good. Saleen still produces high performance Mustangs, as well as Chevy Camaros and Dodge Challengers. More on Saleen at the end of this article.

Saleen S5S Raptor prototype as introduced at 2009 New York Auto Show.

Shelby American is taking a new tack in offering customers performance solutions.

Shelby American has opened a Motorsports Speed Shop, located within their Las Vegas facility. Shelby American is offering a 3 run Dyno session for $150. For this price you will receive all documentation from their Dynojet including horsepower, torque and air fuel ratio for your records.

Shelby American goes on to say that Ford or Shelby ownership is not a necessity. You name it, Shelby American Motorsports Speed Shop will be happy to guide you through the process and modify your ride.

As for Saleen -- A Saleen S7 finished 1st in the GT1 class at the 2010 running of Le Mans. Following a close second was a Corvette. The winning car is from a company that is trying to rebuild itself and the second place car is from a company in bankruptcy. Now, how often does that happen in Motorsports?