28th Shelby America Auto Club
Written by Keith Fudge

Last Memorial Day, Dennis Gage and the My Classic Car crew headed south to Nashville , Tennessee , for the 28 th annual meeting of the Shelby American Automobile Club (SAAC). This event features some of the most fabulous Fords that ever rolled off the assembly line, cars that were designed and inspired by the legendary Carroll Shelby. Vintage AC Cobra racers were everywhere and Shelby GT 350 and GT 500 Mustangs literally made one's mouth water in anticipation of seeing these powerful snakes and ponies hit the streets and the track.

According to the SAAC website ( www.saac.com ) the club has approximately 5,000 members in the U.S. and another 500 around the world. Their mission is “dedicated to the preservation, care, history, and enjoyment of the World Championship Cars built by Carroll Shelby.” While he was there, Dennis spoke with Rick Kopec, National Director of the Event. Rick explained just what was going on during this three-day extravaganza! Rick told Dennis that there were a variety of things to experience such as a vintage race, a ladies performance driving school, a swap meet, and a concours show. Rick mentioned that there were approximately 750 cars on hand for the event, and that the event wasn't exclusively for Shelby owners. In fact, anyone with a performance Ford was eligible for registration and participation. Last year's show was the first held in Music City , U.S.A. , and Rick emphasized how the organization tried to find different venues for the show so that owners from all across the country could participate without having to travel unreasonable distances. When Dennis asked Rick about his Shelby, Rick responded with a smile and told him that he owned a 1965 factory race car. Immediately, Dennis's wheels started turning and he told Rick that he had packed his helmet and was ready for a ride!

Dennis made his way through the crowd of what must have been an overwhelming display of Mustangs and Cobras, but perhaps the greatest thing Dennis experienced was the chance to talk to the man himself: Carroll Shelby! Carroll Shelby has to be one of the most humble men that anyone could ever meet! He bragged on the SAAC as a “wonderful organization,” and when Dennis asked him if he ever dreamed that there would be this type of following concerning the cars that he built, he simply stated that he couldn't believe it. In his words, “I was trying to build 100 cars just trying to “blow-off” Corvettes.” Now 80 years young, Mr. Shelby is going strong and is still a definite presence and influence in the automotive industry.

After speaking with the legend, Dennis made his way around the grounds to see some of the greatest cars ever manufactured. First he found Joe Angeleri, and his stunning 1964 Cobra. Painted in a rare Highlander Green, he told the story about the unique color. Joe told Dennis that the car was originally painted blue from the factory, but the owner had special ordered it in this color; however, the guy didn't pick up the car after it was delivered. So, Joe bought it brand new! Joe said that the car is documented as correct in the Shelby registry and there are records of all the paperwork signifying its originality and factory correct status. Joe has totally restored the car and there is no doubt that it is truly a special vehicle. Next, Dennis found Gary Dunn and his awesome 1966 Shelby GT 350 Mustang. This bad boy was a bit unusual because it was an “H” Code car. That meant that this Shelby was a Hertz-Rent-A-Racer! Yep, you heard right! In 1966 you could actually rent a Shelby Mustang from Hertz! This Mustang was a four-year restoration project and was completed in Green Bay , Wisconsin . Even more unusual is the fact that this car is painted red with gold stripes. Most of these cars were painted black and Gary said that this car was one of only 53 red Mustangs that were designated for the program. This car featured a Hypo 289 with solid lifters. Don't you wish that you could rent one today? Great car, Gary !

The 28 th annual meeting of the SAAC was a great time! This year's event will be held on July 2-4, 2004 , at the Michigan International Speedway. If you would like more information on this year's show, you can visit them on the web at www.saac.com . So, until our next road trip, remember, “Honor the timeless classics. Happy Motoring!”