Could you say that Shelby borrowed the idea from Max? I don't think so, the recipe was a well known "hot rodding" trick that want WAY back in time. You could also say Max borrowed the idea!
Shelbys thought process' would of course be influenced by those around him, so WHO were these people and WHAT were THEY doing?
1952, it was an MG-TC that Shelby first raced, I don't know what motor. Shortly after that it was an Allard with a Caddillac engine, a popluar "swap" by many "back in the day".
In 1954 Shelby went to Europe to BUY an Aston Martin, while there he was talked into driving for the Aston "team". Thus becoming one of the worlds FIRST proffessional drivers! He also observed first hand how various speciallty race cars were produced there.
America didn't HAVE a light weight car on the order of the European "sports cars". Romor has it he told Ferrari he would be back with an American powered car to "whip his a$$". By 1956 Shelby opened his "sports car" dealership in Texas.
So WHO were these people? Around 1959 he opened a Goodyear tire store in the back of (the now famous) Dean Moons shop. Shelby was hanging with the movers and shakers of the automotive scene, both in Europe and the States. Indeed HE was a mover and shaker himself.
It was the "Shelby Performance Driving School" that really opened the doors (with money) to begin development of his race car.
When Scarab closed down Shelby rented the facilities, Venice, Calif. It was HERE he met Phil Remington, who had designed the last Scarab, a rear engine Olds powered car. Perhaps THIS is where Shelby got the Oldsmobile connection?
Did Shelby KNOW it would be an AC sports car with a Ford V8 when he opened the Venice facility? Or was the idea still developing at that time? I have no doubt the car WAS going to be European.
The Austin Healey perhaps? I think it would have been a bad choice myself. Cars such as Aston and Masseratti had more potential. Healey DID have an excellent reputation at the time however.
Former owner 1962 Austin Healey Mark II (with original engine).
I could have EASILY missed some important details or have some facts confused, it IS difficult nailing down Shelbys history. Feel free to correct where needed, or where views differ!