Within the next two weeks, I'll be mailing another flier to the folks of the GT/CS Registry--with an update on the book, and about the 40th Anniversary GT/CS Event at Galpin Ford in Los Angeles (April 19th), and I'll be promoting the book for some more pre-orders to finance it's printing. I'll have to take a few days away from the book to get this update/flier in the mail--to about 800 people.

Before I continue, I wish to THANK ALL OF YOU that have ordered the book so far., and to those who have sent me copies of their Marti Report, photos, and related materials for the Registry.

There is a big hump that I'll need to get over do get the book printed. This is not to say that the book won't happen, it's just that getting there will take some "doing", and a lot of work and shuffling--hopefully without too much delay. So, here are the details....

This year's licence with Ford, and the required liability insurance for the license of the book has cost me to this point, about $8,000.

I have solicited several bids for the printing of this book (which will be a nice book, but not over-extravagant). The lowest bid was under $25,000 for 2,000 copies. I've applied for credit to pay for the book, which is in the works. I've also checked out digital printing--on demand for less cost, too, but the process is not feasable for what I'm trying to do....

At this point, I have received about 180 pre-orders for books. Some have sent in the full $100 book price, which I greatly appreciate. Two owners have sent in pre-orders for 10 or more books at one time--which is astounding!!

But, here is the crux of the situation. I may need to sell my personal "S" code maroon GT/CS to pay for the printing of the book (this is the cover car --"author's car"-- for my 1989 GT/CS book, photographed at the Golden Gate bridge).

As a shock as this may seem to some of you, I am at a crossroads where I need to do this to make this book happen. This has weighed heavily on my mind recently, but I am commited to doing this (fantastic!) book, especially with the license process started with Ford, and the number of pre-orders I've received. I have offered my GT/CS to an unnamed contact, and we'll see how this pans out. If they are not interested, I'll post the details about my GT/CS, and see who might be interested in buying it. So, we'll cross that bridge when I get to it. I've wrestled with what to do with my GT/CS for many years now, and although I've got 34 years of fond memories tied to this baby of mine, it may be time to look for another home to take good care of it.

I would like to entertain the idea of anyone who would like to invest in the publishing of the book. I won't hold up the book without the money to print it. As of this time, I have a late-April/May '08 release projected as my target date. It means a lot to me to follow through with this book project to you all, even if it means "sacrificing" by the sale of my GT/CS.

Thank you for your time and thanks for your orders and support!

Paul Newitt

Paul, ,whynot Have Every One Send You A Self Adressed Envelope With A 41 Cent Stamp On The One Enclosed. This Will Save You Alot
When You Send Your Fliers

Nates68

But, here is the crux of the situation. I may need to sell my personal "S" code maroon GT/CS to pay for the printing of the book (this is the cover car --"author's car"-- for my 1989 GT/CS book, photographed at the Golden Gate bridge).

As a shock as this may seem to some of you, I am at a crossroads where I need to do this to make this book happen. This has weighed heavily on my mind recently, but I am commited to doing this (fantastic!) book, especially with the license process started with Ford, and the number of pre-orders I've received. I have offered my GT/CS to an unnamed contact, and we'll see how this pans out. If they are not interested, I'll post the details about my GT/CS, and see who might be interested in buying it. So, we'll cross that bridge when I get to it. I've wrestled with what to do with my GT/CS for many years now, and although I've got 34 years of fond memories tied to this baby of mine, it may be time to look for another home to take good care of it.

I would like to entertain the idea of anyone who would like to invest in the publishing of the book. I won't hold up the book without the money to print it. As of this time, I have a late-April/May '08 release projected as my target date. It means a lot to me to follow through with this book project to you all, even if it means "sacrificing" by the sale of my GT/CS.

Paul Newitt

Wow. I have a hard time imagining you without that car, but sometimes it is time to move on. If you are not emotionally ready to sell, I'd advise you to continue looking into the loan aspect for financing as you will forever be sorry that you let your car go. As you know, a large part of what fuels the collector car market today is people reminiscing about the Mopar or Mustang or Camaro that had to be sold for a more practical car, the down payment on a house, or whatever... And you have one of the coolest CS/GTs that can be found, plus with all the history--irreplaceable.

Wow.....Wow...Wow My poor little pea brain can't comprehend what I just read here. If the book is the reason you are thinking of selling, I believe there must be a better out. I believe this book and your expertise mean way too much to this community to allow that to happen. I am willing to "invest"
$ 2.000. in this project and have to believe that at least 12 others here would do the same! That would at least help with the printing. So what does everyone else out there think? Let me know if this is a possibility.
Ralph

Paul

don't sell it!!! this car is the whole reason why you are writing the registry books.

I don't think it would be too much to ask for full payment on books from people that have pre-ordered. 180 x 100 = $18000 That's a good start!

My payment is on the way.

Paul,Once I receive the pre-order flyer, I will send $$ with it too.

How can i get on the pre-order list? I'l gladly pay in full.

I agree with the others, its just not right for you to sell your CS

Hold your horses Mr. Newitt!!!

This family isn't about selling our special cars, this family is about buying and keeping as many as possible.

I am willing to sell my Shelby stock to help you finance the book. I agree with the other comments about when a member orders the book they would pay in full to help with the costs involved. This book will set the standard for all other automotive books to follow.

As you know I have a personal involvement with the book and I know that there are things that can be done that will keep you from making a crazy decision like selling you car.

Let's set up a website that will allow the members to order online using PayPal like we did with the t-shirts and license plate frames.

Just my 2 cents.

Cheers!

Ron

Paul,

I don't think you should sell your car. There's got to be another solution.

If it's not too personal to talk finance (if it is, maybe we can talk off-line). What sort of cash do you need ($25K?) Is the licensing cost with Ford ongoing annually? Or is it a one-time $8K fee.

I think the potential to sell 1800-2000 books is not unrealistic. If 15% of the 68 owners (300 of 2000?) and 15% of the '07 and '08 owners (750 of ~5000 '07s and 750 of ~5000 08s). This all adds up to 1800 books. I think the trick is going to be getting the word out to those who are unaware of the existence of the book. Also, I hope there is a significant amount of data ('07-'08 production numbers, etc.) for the '07-'08 crowd to get them to buy a book.

-Jeff

Hello Mr. Newitt, this is Rick in Va..... Did you recieve my latest Marti report on the car I just purchased. Now another question, do you have to purchase 2000 copies of the new book or could you print less. Would that cut the cost. I just thought maybe 1200 copies, that would more than cover the amount of cars out there now. Then in a year or 3 do one for the new 07 and 08 cars that are out there. Just a thought. We would rather you not sell your car. This is part of the reason we are here. Thanks for your time.

Rick

I to will send my cash right away...for the 3 I've asked for...

I DON'T think we as a group can let paul sell his car.....Were talking about a relatively small amount of financing and I will kick in for a K ( canadian sorry) I'm trying to restore mine and don't know the costs yet. But will send it if it helps.

I've learned to like Kraft Dinner and Beefaroni and will continue that trend if it helps....beer is also cheaper in quebec so I have my basic needs coverd for abit..

DR





Hello Mr. Newitt, this is Rick in Va..... Did you recieve my latest Marti report on the car I just purchased. Now another question, do you have to purchase 2000 copies of the new book or could you print less. Would that cut the cost. I just thought maybe 1200 copies, that would more than cover the amount of cars out there now. Then in a year or 3 do one for the new 07 and 08 cars that are out there. Just a thought. We would rather you not sell your car. This is part of the reason we are here. Thanks for your time.

Rick

Jason and the Admin guy either have or can explain how to set up a paypal account....

If pauls sets one up, we can support this current project and his effort for the past, present and future of our cars....lets show why we are better than other registries....( saac, dodge, gm and buick)

Our commitment now will pay dividends in the future for us and our cars....Who wouldn't want to be part of this group.

Might just be the canuck in me, but everything has a cost in life. Now is our time to show we appriciate it......

Dale Rivington
Ottawa Ontario
CS owner and fan of Paul's and what he has done for us all since 1986







I to will send my cash right away...for the 3 I've asked for...

I DON'T think we as a group can let paul sell his car.....Were talking about a relatively small amount of financing and I will kick in for a K ( canadian sorry) I'm trying to restore mine and don't know the costs yet. But will send it if it helps.

I've learned to like Kraft Dinner and Beefaroni and will continue that trend if it helps....beer is also cheaper in quebec so I have my basic needs coverd for abit..

DR

Lets get this book off the ground. All in favor say:
Aye = $1K
Aye-Aye = $2K

I say Aye-Aye

Neil

How much money do you need to make the book happen?

Hold your horses Mr. Newitt!!!

This family isn't about selling our special cars, this family is about buying and keeping as many as possible.

I am willing to sell my Shelby stock to help you finance the book. I agree with the other comments about when a member orders the book they would pay in full to help with the costs involved. This book will set the standard for all other automotive books to follow.

As you know I have a personal involvement with the book and I know that there are things that can be done that will keep you from making a crazy decision like selling you car.

Let's set up a website that will allow the members to order online using PayPal like we did with the t-shirts and license plate frames.

Just my 2 cents.

Cheers!

Ron

Have to agree here with the idea of pay pal. I would be more than happy to part with the full ammount for the book.
So far I have not recieved any pre order forms so this would make it a lot easier to purchase a book. remember to include a qoute for postage world wide.
Don't sell that car!

I am overwhelmed by not only the support, but in the reaction to my actually parting with my GT/CS. Yes, it's an old car, and it has 430K miles on it...(third engine), but it's so full of history-- "public and private" LOL...

I will carefully read each post, and the PMs I've received--and respond ASAP. I'm pulling out every resource that I have, since I wouldn't want to burden anyone out of their money.... The flier is coming along, and it should help out a lot, too. Every single order is a great help!!

I am so lucky to have you here to support me. This book ended up costing a lot more than I expected. What has happened, is the licensing process has pretty much wiped out the independant writer/publisher for Mustang books; since it's so expensive... The GT/CS WILL have it's own book, instead of being lost in the pages of a coffee table book as a footnote (and probably innacurate, too).

We'll get through this....and I'll regroup, and with your help, to make this come together.

More to follow!
With great gratitude,
Paul.

Full amount when I get the flier. I should have already sent it. Paul, please post the address again so I can send the bucks.

Rob

CALIFORNIA MADE IT HAPPEN so can WE

How do I insure that I am on the list to get a flyer? I will take a book and pay in advance.

Dave

I vote no on Paypal because they charge a percentage and Paul needs every penny. Sending it straight to him will help more.

Steve

Been away for a few days and just catching up.... :icon_pani

PAUL, PLEASE DO NOT SELL YOUR GT/CS!

I had to do a double-take when I read your original post a few minutes ago, please don't sell her. You and your GT/CS are way too valuable and NONE of us want you to sell her. I wish that I could help you out with $ now but I am "in-between" jobs at the current time and have been for a while (IT field has become a tough one these days) but I will be receiving an income tax refund this year and will at the least send you payment for one book in full when I get it. I had an interview this afternoon and it went very well. I was told at the end of it that I am now one of four candidates/finalists who will be called this Friday for a 2nd interview this time with the company's COO so please wish me luck. Once I start working again I can send you (PaulN) some more $ to help out w/the book and also put some more $ into the next phase of my GT/CS's mild resto. I hope to have the paint and interior done by November of this year as my plans have been to present it to my Dad so he has a very cool pony to cruise around in before he can no longer drive as he will be 77 this year. He currently has a plain jane '66 289 coupe but the CS would be nicer :wink: to cruise. I've too thought of selling my GT/CS as things have gotten tougher lately but my Dad now realizes how "special" the California Special really is and has told me not to sell her, he says he'd rather sell his '66 to help me out if it comes to that. Let's hope not though.

Again, PLEASE DON'T SELL HER PAUL, PLEASE!!!

Oscar
obwan93001

Hey Paul,

Just forget about selling your wheels, we can figure something out.
In my 40 years of CS ownership there have been many a time I considered selling my CS. But I never did sell, and things just seemed to work out, as they will now.

John

Ditto Paul!

Don't even THINK about selling your personal CS, OK?

We will send full payment shortly for our copy of the upcoming book, as I'm sure most of the other members of this forum will do also now that they know of your current financial situation. We will all pull together to help make this eagerly anticipated book happen for you.

Sit back, take a deep breath, let it out slowly, and then RELAX ... it'll all come together without such drastic measures as selling your car!

Best regards,

Al & Laurie Page
aka
GT/CS S Code

Paul

Money is only a means to an end - A CS is far more than money, as you have pointed out so many memories.

Keep the Car - mate

we can work the rest out

shaun

I too as a shorttimer would like to express thanks to you Paul and the Forum for being so helpful for your insight, CS stories, and genuine love of the Cali Special. Its one of the main reasons I was able to research and find my California Special Paul so I would hope you take this opportunity for us to help you and feel like we had some sort of hand in getting this book launched.

I actually saw it as a privilege to be able to be buy this book and if paying up front for the books helps I would like to send in a check in full for my 2 ASAP.

No matter how I read your email to sell your CS its just not convincing me so I would also like to lend $$$ in a AYE (1K) or and AYE AYE (2K) offline after you have read through all the emails. (maybe we can get our name on a shout-out page?? or if not a gold star?). If your gonna sell your CS do it after the book is released on your own terms.

:smile:

RobKat
PS. And did someone from Oregon just call out Cali owners?? Nuff said...Im taking the hammer to Mr Piggybank! It on...

I vote no on Paypal because they charge a percentage and Paul needs every penny. Sending it straight to him will help more.

Steve

Doesn't that depend on how you set it up?

Credit Card vs Checking Account, Goods vs service, limits, etc...

How about a fundraiser............One thought comes to mind is having GT/CS shirts silk screened. Everybody wants t-shirts especially if they depict our GT/CS (old and new) and the High Country. I know I would buy a bunch. All profits or a percentage would assist Paul with the book. Any silk screeners out there?

CJ

PayPal charges an average of 3% per transaction. The more volume the lower the fees. I use them for the speed and convenience and factor the transaction fees into my cost of goods. It's a quick and easy way to send money as far as I'm concerned.

I would be willing to pay $105 for the book knowing that the $5 would cover the PayPal charges and the rest for shipping or whatever.

Cheers!

Ron

First of all, my heartfelt thanks to all of you willing to help, and have offered ideas, money, etc. I am truly lucky to have this kind of enthusiasm. I couldn't have done any part of this book without your participation on this website. This book will truly be a group effort, and I feel that it will be much better for that reason. The response here has been personally quite overwhelming...to say the least.

The good news today is that it looks like I won't have to sell my GT/CS. Even if I wanted to, you guys would stand in the way....LOL!! Thanks for your thoughts and support. In fact, your thoughts on this really speak a lot about just how well-loved this Mustang is to owners--and why we've had (now) three book editions about it (1989, 1996, 2008).

I counted the number of books ordered so far, and as of today, that number is 184. I have just under that number of books' advance orders (@ $50), since a few folks sent in the full amount (thank you). I wouldn't say "no" to anyone who wishes to send in the full amount at this time (the other $50 balance), but my original intent was to have an honor system with me, since not everyone these days can instantly plunk down $100 at a time (in today's economy).

For separate amounts of money offered to help out, such as $1,000 or more, let me get back to you, since I am going to try to go with "Plan B" first. The whole idea of that kind of help is astounding to me!

"Plan B" -- includes the sale of 180 more books, by :

1. Mailing out fliers to about 650 members of the Registry. My original 1996 mailing list was pared down due to address changes, cars sold, etc, since then. The flier will update the books' release, with the info and reservation info for the Galpin Ford ( GT/CS 40th Anniv. Party) event on April 19th.; and a promotion for book sales to those who may not have yet pre-ordered. What would help greatly is the sale of another 180 books (min.) to completely pay for the printing (and insurance). I crunched some numbers last night, and it comes to about $18K required to do this (which does not include the $8K I have yet to collect as a balance. In fact, I'm still looking for a liability insurance company that deals with licensing with books, to satisfy the requirements set by Ford Licensing. If anyone knows of such a specialized insurance company, please PM me (if my PM box is full--I'll get to it ASAP). I (we) have some time before the printing costs are due; about six to eight weeks for the first (down) payment, of about $13K. Hopefully, I'll receive some more orders to get closer to that amount.

2. I would like to spread the word about the book on other Mustang websites, in particular those that talk about the 2007-2008 GT/CS. There are many Mustang sites, with message boards, that if you belong to any of these sites, please post the following URL, so that folks can download the .pdf files of the mailer to order a book or two. The late model folks don't know much (yet) about this new book, which I'm devoting 14 pages to the late model GT/CS' history, production (with full prod. numbers), performance options,photos, etc. It will include an interview with the late model's project manager, with stories of how the new CS came into being.

Here is the site's URL that you can post (this will also promote this site as well, so it's a win-win for everyone:

http://californiaspecial.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5494

This will greatly promote the book, and will increase orders across the net. If, for some reason the URL isn't your first choice on another site, please grab the 'pdf files, and post them on that site. Be sure to include all the pages, and order form. I really appreciate anything you can do in posting this information.

3. On the other end, I am applying for credit with the printer, to pay the balance of the book's cost over time. There may be the need for help with the credit app, but I can PM with those interested in helping with that. I'll know more about that later this week.

4. Once the book is in print, it will sell itself in circulation, magazine reviews, and a couple of retail locations (incl. Tony Branda)... And--some people are more willing to pay for this book, once it's in their hands.

These things will greatly help with the publication of the book--and it means that I won't have to sell my GT/CS. I felt that the commitment to the book, and to those who pre-purchased it was important enough to take that kind of drastic measure. By pooling our resources, we can make this book happen.

I'll check out Pay Pal, and I appreciate CJ's T-shirt idea, too.

I really, really appreciate all your help, ideas and interest.

thank you again,

Paul Newitt

I haven't contributed much to this site in the past, due to the fact I don't own a GT/CS anymore, but I've enjoyed reading about everything everyday, until today. It made me extremely sad that Paul would have to consider selling his vehicle to finance the book. I know we have some smart people with good ideas of how to raise more money. I, also, like the idea of the t-shirts as I can recall seeing a design like the tape stripe in the past. I have about 2 dozen XL Hanes Beefy T whites leftover from a running race that I would donate to the cause. I would also be willing to assist in anyway to raise some money for the book. Thanks.

I posted the book info on the Vintage Mustang Forums site and the Team Shelby Forums

(Casey, I see you registered at Team Shelby as well :cool: )

Paul.... I will cry if you sell your car... you want to make a grown man cry?? do ya? I'm more than willing to contribute more. Let us knoW!

Give me an address and I'll have the rest of my payment on the way, Paul! and maybe a little more. :)

Paul.... I will cry if you sell your car... you want to make a grown man cry?? do ya?

I beat you to it...(Mon) last night. First the prospect of selling it, then the support from you guys.

Paul :-)

I posted the book info on the Vintage Mustang Forums site and the Team Shelby Forums

(Casey, I see you registered at Team Shelby as well :cool: )

Thanks, Rich!

Awesome!!

Paul.

Please don't sell your baby, I think we all can help in some way, this is what California Specials are all about. I have the address will send as soon as I can. ' Hotrodgrany' Here is the information to refresh those that need it.

(Casey, I see you registered at Team Shelby as well :cool: )

Yes, I became a member and joined that site recently just to get a flavor of that group of discussion. I have been a SAAC member for many years, and am now enjoying their new Forums site they have started. I saw Jeff Speegle on some of the forums over at SAAC - good to see him supporting them and us, along with MCA. (sorry for hijacking the thread - "now back to our regularly scheduled program") Casey

How about a fundraiser............One thought comes to mind is having GT/CS shirts silk screened. Everybody wants t-shirts especially if they depict our GT/CS (old and new) and the High Country. I know I would buy a bunch. All profits or a percentage would assist Paul with the book. Any silk screeners out there?

CJ

I have a connection to a silk screener. I would be more than happy to get a quote just PM me with all the specs!

I was just at a printer rep today, and I gotta tell you--this is going to be one absolutely beautiful book!

Full color text pages, and graphics, and a textured black cover that will look like a vinyl top, with a chrome GT/CS stripe on the cover (with the '07-'08 stripe on the back, also in chrome).

More to follow...

thanks for everything,

Paul N.

p.s. I have a quick story for you...last friday, when I was intending to sell my CS, I went to get gas in another car, at the Chevron in Davis, and a beautiful red-orange 1970 Challenger was parked in front of me, getting gas. I said to the guy--"hey--is that one of those million dollar Hemi "cudas?"..

He says--no, it's a 440 magnum, Challlenger...

We talked for a while, and I told him I did the GT/CS Registry...and he says, oh, I have a '68 GT/CS, too! I've never heard of your registry".

When I got over the surprise (!!)....I handed him a book flier.

When he left, I was still filling gas in my car, and he waved, and at the light, he did a little "launch", so the 440 could wind out (WAAAAaaaaa) for a second...

The moral of the story, is that are times when something kinda metaphysical happens as a signal to do--or not--to do something. Be it a guardian angel, or preminition, or event. This was all about telling me to keep the GT/CS..

..it happened when the 440 ramped the RPM to 3 grand...

WAAAAaaaaaa.....

Hi Paul, Chris here from NZ, I have to agree, do not sell your car.
I am happy to pay the balance of my order and order another book.

I think every one here will pitch in as best they can, please don't sell your car.

Paul, I posted this on Allmustangfords.com in hopes to help. and will post other place when I get a chance.

Thanks for posting the book information on those sites!! I really appreciate it!!

I want to make an impression on the late model GT/CS owners especially, since they are the next generation (and I've decided to get a red one as soon as the books sell well enough to do so).

Side note!! Big News. I found an Australian (Melbourne!) musician, and remix artist to make us a California Special song for the DVD. She's going to soundtrack the whole DVD (a little Bond-ish sounding). It will be very exciting!! You'll get to play this song in your GT/CS as you're on the road, too!!

Paul N.

Paul;
I have been out of the country for all of February, and was more than surprised when I started on this thread. I was going to tell you not to sell, you will never replace it etc. I was glad to see that as I read on you had indeed come to the same conclusion. The advice you have recieved is great, I wish I had more to add, but the folks here have come up with many fabulous ideas. I have already paid in full, and if the price has to go up I can accept that. For now I encourage members to pay the balance and help Paul out. After all; the book is nearing completion, does it really matter if you spend that extra $50 in February, or this spring.
Sending out fliers is expensive and you are an individual, not a corporation, charge for postage and printing, I'm sure every one will understand.
BoB