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Document: |
Memo |
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Date: |
November 8, 1967 |
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From: |
Shelby Automotive |
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To: |
A.O.
Smith Corporation |
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Subject: |
Release
of Vehicles from A.O. Smith |
This memorandum is effectively a
complaint from John E. Kerr, General Manager of Shelby Automotive
Company Inc. to George F.
MacFarlane, Manager-Sales and Engineering, A.O. Smith Corporation.
The
letter has been transcribed for easier reading. Our
analysis follows.
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M E M O R A N
D U M
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To:
Subject: |
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G.
MacFarlane, Manager - Sales and Engineering
Release of Vehicles from A.O. Smith |
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Several recent unfortunate
experiences with vehicles prepared by A.O. Smith have
resulted in this request to have all vehicles inspected
and the release of the vehicle signed by the Chief
Engineer of Shelby Automotive Inc., or his authorized
representative.
In the past, it has
become necessary for A.O. Smith to prepare several show
cars that were shipped to various parts of the country
for review by the press and various executives of Ford
Motor Company. Without exception the vehicles were
found deficient in such areas as decor, finish, and
operation of the mechanical components. When these
vehicles were show, malfunction and extremely poor
appearance resulted in considerable embarrassment to
myself and other officials of Shelby Automotive.
To prevent the re-occurrence of these difficulties, I
shall place the responsibility for the release of the
vehicles with Mr. Goodell, Chief Engineer. At my request
no vehicles are to be shipped without the express
approval of Mr. Goodell or his authorized
representative.
Thank you for your
cooperation. We hope to improve our public image
by these actions.
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John Kerr
General Manager
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ss
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cc: |
J. Kerr
R. Grimm
P. LaVoie
R. Brozel |
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Analysis
of this Document
It reveals that A.O. Smith's
preparation of the six 'show cars,' also referenced by item #8 of the
December 8, 1967 VanAkin letter, was less than satisfactory
(as far as Shelby Automotive was concerned). This memo is
indicative of the ongoing relationship problems and in-fighting
between Shelby Automotive and A.O. Smith during early 1968 Shelby
production.
Because of the November
8, 1967 date, we believe that the six 'show cars' were most likely 'pilot'
or the first early production cars built by Ford in September/October
1967.
This memo was
typed on plain paper -- not stationary or letterhead. Perhaps Shelby
Automotive still didn't have letterhead as of this date?
John Kerr was
located in Shelby Automotive Inc.'s Manufacturing & Development Office,
15670 West 10 Mile Road, Southfield, MI 48075.
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