I don't recall any conflicts of that nature. Chrysler had several "partners" in Europe back then, as a minority-stakeholder who could possibly import USA products for sale in Europe, I believe. At that time, Shelby did not have any real notoriety other than as a race driver. Nothing near what he had in later years. MOTOR TREND did a road test of an early Cobra, with a 260 V-8 and some aluminum valve covers. A nicely-done car. No real performance pretense, other than "light car, USA small V-8 engine/4-speed", with some chassis upgrades in brakes and suspension. More of a nice touring car than racer (which came later, along with Ford 289HP engines).
The line of Shelby-ized Mustangs followed in about 1965 or so. By that time, he had enough credibility and backing (from the Cobra cars) to begin his rise to prominence and popularity.
Prior to the first Shelby Cobra, that little Sunbeam convertible was somewhat normal by Euro standards. Having a small 4-cyl and such in it. Shelby put it "on the map". Even used in the old "Get Smart" tv series, in the opening scenes where Agent Maxwell Smart made a which corner before sliding to a stop in front of the non-descript New York office building which housed the secret group he worked for (and used his shoe phone to communicate to). So secret were his activities that the hall in the building was full of "bank vault" doors which slammed shut behind him as he walked in. Cold War secret agent spoofs!
James Bond had his Aston-Martin. Maxwell Smart had his little Sunbeam V-8! Can't forget Agent 99 either!
CBODY67
