Carroll Shelby

[Mark IV]

Originally Posted by Dangerous Doug

"Carroll Shelby: The Authorized Biography" by Rinsey Mills.

"Authorized" should be the clue that perhaps some items may be left out or glossed over. When the "unauthorized bio" hits, then the fur will fly!

Not that this will affect the value of the three Ferrari 250 GTOs that I have. That were never registered. In my barn. Behind my house. Near the factory. Close to the auction block.........................

[DougD]

Originally Posted by mrmustang

So, specifically, what do you own?

As for the rest, some of us have been around the cars for 30+ years, since you are "new to this", you have already come across as someone with a chip on his shoulder and is not who he says he is.

So again, I'll ask, what Shelby product do you own?


Bill S.

PS: There was never any "VIN FRAUD", Ford engine production had issues producing the 427 sideoiler engines and substituted the 428CJ in it's place. All are well documented with their factory invoices. All are also extremely well documented in the SAAC Registry I pointed you to. You want to learn everything you can about the cars, that is the only book I would suggest you purchase right now.

Bill
For someone who has been around these cars for 30+ years, you should know that the sideoiler is not the only 427 used, and that the 428CJ did not even exist when Cobra 427s were in production. Starting to slip a bit, old man?
Doug

[1ntCobra]

Originally Posted by DougD

Bill
For someone who has been around these cars for 30+ years, you should know that the sideoiler is not the only 427 used, and that the 428CJ did not even exist when Cobra 427s were in production. Starting to slip a bit, old man?
Doug

Oh, it's just a typo, I'm sure PI and CJ are probably right next to each other on the keyboard.

[REAL 1]

Saturnkk: you did come across as one with an agenda. There are many here who have been in and around Cobras, real and replica for years even dating back to when it all began. The knowledge depth here is unmatched. In fact for your edification Computrworks is among the most knowledgeable and is a Concours judge for SAAC. For someone who has yet to learn the basics a little respect and humility would be nice. This approach is likely to bare more fruit then a combative argumentative one.

This forum has never shied away from criticizing CS. Do a search and some reading.

As dangerous Doug and Ned said he was not perfect. CS, however, did and accomplished great things in his life. He gave us much. He is and will always be a true automotive legend and icon and hero.

He was always polite and a gentleman in my contacts with him.

He is missed.

P.S. Waiting for the pics of your Cobra.

[saturnkk]

Originally Posted by REAL 1

Saturnkk: you did come across as one with an agenda. There are many here who have been in and around Cobras, real and replica for years even dating back to when it all began. The knowledge depth here is unmatched. In fact for your edification Computrworks is among the most knowledgeable and is a Concours judge for SAAC. For someone who has yet to learn the basics a little respect and humility would be nice. This approach is likely to bare more fruit then a combative argumentative one.

This forum has never shied away from criticizing CS. Do a search and some reading.

As dangerous Doug and Ned said he was not perfect. CS, however, did and accomplished great things in his life. He gave us much. He is and will always be a true automotive legend and icon and hero.

He was always polite and a gentleman in my contacts with him.

He is missed.

P.S. Waiting for the pics of your Cobra.

Thanks for the reply. Rereading my posts I am not sure how I came across with an agenda other than what I thought I clearly stated early on in my first post. I have been called a liar in so many words (when I said I knew very little about Shelby prior to buying a Cobra replica), called out as having a chip on my shoulder and an agenda as well as asked about my car as if I didn't really have one, and that I need humility...?!?

I understood that there may be some who were friends with the man and/or admired him a great deal but I guess I didn't expect that. I will read my books and draw my own opinions. I had hoped to reachout here for more perspective from people like yourself but as I said earlier, I don't think that was the best idea at this point. If I came off as anything but sincere in my post of being surprised and wanting to learn and understand more I apologize.

Here is the only (bad) picture I have so far...

I have since replaced the steering wheel with one more period correct. I hope to replace the wheels this spring as well as look into getting some Avon tires possibly. Additionally, I would like to replace the shifter and rework the wiring. I would also like to look into getting 5 point belts. I bought side pipe shields from Mike Francuck (he lives fairly close to me so I was very fortunate to save on shipping by meeting him!) and they look great in the box! Finally, I have ordered floor mats, replaced the extinguisher with a chrome one and other little odds and ends stuff...

It isn't a "show" car. I plan to drive every day it isn't raining!

[computerworks]

Originally Posted by saturnkk

If I came off as anything but sincere in my post of being surprised and wanting to learn and understand more I apologize.

Graciously accepted.

...and there is no such thing as a bad picture of a Cobra!

Have fun and enjoy the Forum.

[CHANMADD]

As a Vendor of licensed apparel for Mr Shelby, I can tell you that we had nothing but pleasant and positive experiences in our dealings. In fact at the Phoenix Big Boys Toys show ,a few years ago Mr Shelby, in a wheel chair ,the whole family, and Tracy made a trip to our stand to say hello. Both my wife and I where super impressed that he even cared................He worked every day to enable funds for his Heart foundation .......RIP.....
Also ,don't forget........the 60s was kinda the wild west of the auto industry............

[saturnkk]

Originally Posted by CHANMADD

As a Vendor of licensed apparel for Mr Shelby, I can tell you that we had nothing but pleasant and positive experiences in our dealings. In fact at the Phoenix Big Boys Toys show ,a few years ago Mr Shelby, in a wheel chair ,the whole family, and Tracy made a trip to our stand to say hello. Both my wife and I where super impressed that he even cared................He worked every day to enable funds for his Heart foundation .......RIP.....

That is great to hear! Thanks. I wish I would have bought mine a year ago so I would have at least had a chance to actually meet him...

I have a book titled "Shelby Cobra Fifty Years" by Colin Comer. I have read a bit more than half of it so far. Thre are quite a few race legends discussed in the book. How many of them are still around today? Do they make appearances at shows, Dream Cruises, etc...?

[REAL 1]

No issues. Enjoy the forum. Between your readings and the guys here you will learn a lot.

[DougD]

Originally Posted by REAL 1

No issues. Enjoy the forum. Between your readings and the guys here you will learn a lot.

I wholeheartedly agree. This forum is by far the best one of which I have ever been a member. Some of the members sometimes forget that their screen names hide their true identities and come off as hard asses, but if you have, or can develop, a thick skin, the wealth of knowledge here is unparalleled. If you are truly a fan of the Cobra (and Carroll Shelby) then this is the place for you. Go back and read the thousands of posts on whatever subject interests you. You will be amazed at the breadth of knowledge here.

[saturnkk]

Originally Posted by DougD

If you are truly a fan of the Cobra (and Carroll Shelby) then this is the place for you.

Been a fan since I first saw one when I was about 10. Always been in my top 3 cars...

Never knew very much about the man so I am starting to learn.

Just finished reading this intertesting interview (25 Questions with Carroll Shelby) from December 1997:

25 Questions With Carroll Shelby - American Muscle Car - Motor Trend

[twobjshelbys]

Originally Posted by saturnkk

... How many of them are still around today? Do they make appearances at shows, Dream Cruises, etc...?

Surprisingly, quite a few. Bob Bondurant, Jack Sears, Allen Grant and Peter Brock (and others) were all at the Shelby American Collection fundraiser this fall. Watch for events here and on other sites as they do appear at events on the west coast quite often.

[twobjshelbys]

Originally Posted by DougD

Go back and read the thousands of posts on whatever subject interests you. You will be amazed at the breadth of knowledge here.

To this I agree. This forum has been around quite a while, so rest assured that every topic you've raised has already been discussed in great detail already, and for most of the topics you raise, many times. So it's not surprising that you are sensing a written "roll of the eyes to the back of the head" along with a "Sigh, not again" reaction.

Remember the best forum motto:

SEARCH can be your friend.

Great looking car. Good luck!

Cheers,
Tony

[BMK]

I disagree - No I think the majority of the people here are a hard ass unfriendly bunch..

Now that will fire it up..

Interesting how a .. Can put a whole different reflection on comments. Perhaps the faces should be used a little more...

Shelby has/had nothing but my admiration he was kind enough to speak briefly to me at SAAC at Fontanna a few years back asking me if I travelled over with those neat guys from the Sydney Mustang club.

When I replied I travelled on my own he was genuinely concerned that I should meet with them so I
was not alone.

When I went to DenBeste in North California to see my Shelby 468 aluminium engine and meet the guys there I learnt a lot about CS and the work he was doing for the Foundation.

Have a safe and Happy New Year all.

Enjoy the ride...

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by Mark IV

"Authorized" should be the clue that perhaps some items may be left out or glossed over. When the "unauthorized bio" hits, then the fur will fly!

Santa brought Ellie a copy and she is quite happy. She says it has a lot of meat and, as a dog, she can appreciate that. BTW, she says your fur remark is not politically correct.

[twobjshelbys]

Originally Posted by patrickt

Santa brought Ellie a copy and she is quite happy. She says it has a lot of meat and, as a dog, she can appreciate that. BTW, she says your fur remark is not politically correct.

I have some amazon gift cards. Is it worth a buy or should I get it from the library? Pictures to me make a difference - if there are good ones I'd be in for a buy.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by twobjshelbys

I have some amazon gift cards. Is it worth a buy or should I get it from the library? Pictures to me make a difference - if there are good ones I'd be in for a buy.

This is not a picture book. In fact, it is unusually spartan on the pics. Over 500 pages of text and maybe 20 pages of pics -- that's it. I think it's worth a buy, though... and so does Ellie (and she can't even read).

[razerwire]

To bad you can't go back to first of 2012. This was 50 year of cobra. Was several events that probably won't happen again. I had a great year going to several events, some high lights for me was Pomona Reunion, Nice to see my car on Car Crazy and to see and hear from invited guests. Laguna Seca had Cobra as the featured marque. More cobras in one place than I have seen in a long time. Special display of rare cobras, all cobra race, parade laps, events all week long. Made the trip to LA SAAC car show at Santa Monica pier and got to talk to Allen Grant again. Also had fun locally at car shows and Graffiti week. Look forward to next year, SAAC will be on west coast. Also look forward to this coming years Modesto Graffiti since Lucas is retired and as I understand coming this year with some surprises? Have fun with your car. Events are posted on club cobra so you can make plans for next year.

[Dangerous Doug]

Originally Posted by twobjshelbys

I have some amazon gift cards. Is it worth a buy or should I get it from the library? Pictures to me make a difference - if there are good ones I'd be in for a buy.

I say, "Buy it!" It's a smooth read with a lot of fun stories---even in just the little bit I've read so far. I'll be referring back to it for anecdotes, no doubt.

As for "authorized" I'd like to think Shelby would read the unseemly moments and think, "Well, $#it, that's pretty much what happened..." but only Shelby and perhaps Rinsey could answer that.

Oh, another tidbit: That whole, "left the chicken farm in a hurry to get to the races so he showed up in his farmer overalls" story? Not true, according to the "authorized biography". But I'll let you guys read that one for yourself.

Cheers,
DD

[AL427SBF]

There are many here well read on Caroll Shelby and I take no sides on this debate of the good vs. the bad. The man's character is what it was, and those elements of it (whether you view them as good or bad), is probably what it took to birth the Cobra. For example, many view George S. Patton as a social failure and total a-hole, but if you're going to war, who are you going to send in? Ok, you get it - be happy the man lived, otherwise you would probably be another run-of-the-mill vette owner

But, I also believe some have gotten the short end of the stick with the Cobra story. Yes, Shelby had the vision - but he did not do this on his own. Very little is said about the talent involved across the pond from AC, the genius behind the chassis and body design. I would like to know who those gifted people were - no easy feat to put massive power to the road in a good handling package with sex appeal off the charts. Who were these men from AC lost in the Shelby shadow, they deserve some light of there own.