President and CEO of SGB LLC, Stephen Becker,  one of the most renowned Shelby authorities, announced the start of a new certified appraisal program for 1960s Shelby Cobras, GT350s and GT500s. Previously available only to a small group of companies, SGB’s expertise is now available to individuals contemplating the sale or purchase of a vintage Shelby car.

“For years, MOPAR, Corvette and Ford collectors have had access to detailed appraisals from experts in those cars, but enthusiasts have not been able to tap a form program when considering the purchase or sale of a Shelby,” said Becker. “With the expertise, records and access to details of Cobras, GT500s and GT350s available through SGB, collectors can now have the knowledge they need when making a decision on a Shelby they want to purchase or sell.”

Becker has performed appraisals for years. In late 2009, SGB provided an appraisal of 25 cars in the corporate and museum collection of Shelby American.

“Shelby cars are usually considered blue chip collectibles, but each must be carefully appraised to understand the true value,” noted Becker. “Not only is it important to ensure a car is a genuine Shelby, it’s critical to understand its history. The value difference between a survivor car with great provenance and a Shelby ‘rebuilt’ from a few major components left over from a wreck can be hundreds of thousands of dollars.”

Over the past decade, SGB has been retained by key automotive groups, collectors and industry leaders to authenticate and value Shelby vehicles. This led to the creation of a program for individual collectors and enthusiasts. When completed, a client received a detailed report with a history of the vehicle, if available, and documentation to validate the value.

Since 1979, SGB has been regarded as a leading authority on 1960s era Shelby Cobras, GT350s and GT500s. The company’s expertise and in-depth knowledge have been tapped by clients to purchase, consign and restore original Shelbys. SGB has represented clients around the world on stage when their Shelbys crossed the block.

SGB’s knowledge and extensive library led to the creation of the Becker Certified Shelby Certification program. SGB founder Stephen Becker was one of the youngest people to ever be selected as a finalist for the Ernst & Young/Inc Magazine “Entrepreneur of the Year” in the early 1990s. More information is available at www.genuineshelby.com