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The SHELBY AMERICAN
Winter 2016 64
You can never tell when something will turn up that just has to
be in your collection. Finding it is one thing; actually obtaining
it can be something else, again. What often makes you put in
the extra effort is knowing that the more difficult it is to obtain
it, the less likely it will be that anyone else will have one in their
collection. Some of what drives collectors is competition to one-
up their fellow collectors. Having something no one else has in-
creases its worth tenfold, no matter how low the item’s actual
value might be. It’s often a matter of perception.
The term “memorabilia” covers a lot of ground. In fact, it can
cover as much as the collector wants it to cover. In the Shelby
world it includes unique engine pieces like valve covers, air
cleaners or intake manifolds. Also badges, emblems, gauges and
various pieces of hardware and trinkets associated with the
cars. Aftermarket items that did not come on the cars as original
equipment but were sold by one of Shelby’s parts companies are
especially popular. We are reminded of the packrat, which will
take anything shiny back to its nest.
Books and magazines are obvious targets for collectors and
there seems to be no end to the number and variety of what has
been printed since the cars were brand new. Enthusiasm for the
cars insures that more will be written about them in the future,
and this insures collectors with a never-ending crop to harvest.
Shelves often bend under the increasing weight. And just when
you think you’ve seen it all you find something you never knew
existed. that’s one of the thrills of collecting and it’s the same
for the novice collector or the Grand Master.