SAAC Forum

The History => Shelby American History => Topic started by: Bill Collins on March 24, 2025, 04:34:38 PM

Title: Interesting LAX photo
Post by: Bill Collins on March 24, 2025, 04:34:38 PM
I was meandering through YouTube last night and came upon a site called RetroPhotoWorld. It was an eclectic collection of "100 Rare Vintage Photos" depicting a variety of subjects, eras and locations.

Among the pics was the attached, labeled "Los Angeles LAX American Airlines Flight Hostesses 1965". The interesting aspect of it is, they appear to be professionally staged sitting in a Cobra. Examination of the background reveals a 1965 Thunderbird parked in front of a runway blast wall, leading me to suspect this was taken at Shelby American.

I have not seen this photo before and am curious if anyone has more information regarding why it was taken. Was it a shot for an American Airlines promo or airline magazine feature? Or was it done during the June 1965 SA open house? Something else?
Title: Re: Interesting LAX photo
Post by: WT6066-2600 on March 24, 2025, 05:51:54 PM
This was in SA 2023 Annual, not much info
Title: Re: Interesting LAX photo
Post by: tesgt350 on March 25, 2025, 06:36:50 AM
Those two look to be Twins.
Title: Re: Interesting LAX photo
Post by: camp upshur on March 25, 2025, 04:33:55 PM
The American Airlines twins.
(see attached)
Title: Re: Interesting LAX photo
Post by: 98SVT - was 06GT on May 21, 2025, 07:52:15 PM
Probably sent to lure the cargo contract away from TWA.
Title: Re: Interesting LAX photo
Post by: camp upshur on May 21, 2025, 09:02:36 PM

That would be my preferred way to do business.
However, AMR did not have international rights in 1965.
I was always morbidly intrigued w the pic of the  GT-40s shipping out for LeMans 65, because that 707 Combi (N787TW) later went down w all hands on a botched three-engine go.IMG_0485.jpeg
Title: Re: Interesting LAX photo
Post by: 98SVT - was 06GT on May 21, 2025, 10:26:22 PM
Quote from: camp upshur on May 21, 2025, 09:02:36 PM.....because that 707 Combi (N787TW) later went down w all hands on a botched three-engine go.
1969 Training accident
PROBABLE CAUSE: "The probable cause of this accident was a loss of directional control, which resulted from the intentional shutdown of the pumps supplying hydraulic pressure to the rudder without a concurrent restoration of power on the No.4 engine. A contributing factor was the inadequacy of the hydraulic fluid loss emergency procedure when applied against the operating configuration of the aircraft."
Title: Re: Interesting LAX photo
Post by: camp upshur on May 22, 2025, 12:58:17 AM
exactly, in ineptly attempting to setup a three-engine go for training they intentionally/incorrectly removed their flight control hydraulic pumps and killed themselves.

"The cause of the accident was found to be poor procedures for simulating engine failures and failure to apply the correct procedure for hydraulic failure, as well as loss of hydraulic power to the rudder in a critical flight condition."
Title: Re: Interesting LAX photo
Post by: kranky on July 29, 2025, 01:41:00 AM
(https://www.saac.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;attach=150631;image)

These two are twin sisters Susan and Nancy Robbins working for American Airlines as hostesses and both will be co-queens for the May 1-2, 1965 Riverside International Raceway USRRC sports car races.
Title: Re: Interesting LAX photo
Post by: FL SAAC on July 29, 2025, 08:57:50 AM
Quote from: Bill Collins on March 24, 2025, 04:34:38 PMI was meandering through YouTube last night and came upon a site called RetroPhotoWorld. It was an eclectic collection of "100 Rare Vintage Photos" depicting a variety of subjects, eras and locations.

Among the pics was the attached, labeled "Los Angeles LAX American Airlines Flight Hostesses 1965". The interesting aspect of it is, they appear to be professionally staged sitting in a Cobra. Examination of the background reveals a 1965 Thunderbird parked in front of a runway blast wall, leading me to suspect this was taken at Shelby American.

I have not seen this photo before and am curious if anyone has more information regarding why it was taken. Was it a shot for an American Airlines promo or airline magazine feature? Or was it done during the June 1965 SA open house? Something else?


Love those vintage shots

Keepem coming!
Title: Re: Interesting LAX photo
Post by: 98SVT - was 06GT on July 30, 2025, 12:19:33 AM
Quote from: kranky on July 29, 2025, 01:41:00 AM(https://www.saac.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;attach=150631;image)

These two are twin sisters Susan and Nancy Robbins working for American Airlines as hostesses and both will be co-queens for the May 1-2, 1965 Riverside International Raceway USRRC sports car races.
I was there - not a good weekend for SA.
Did not finish:
No.   Drivers   Car                                         Reason   .
98   Ken Miles   Cobra 427   Shelby American       Mechanical   
1   Lothar Motschenbacher   Shelby Cobra 427         Bearings - Car later totaled and Recreated?   
7   Jerry Titus   Webster - Climax            Ignition - He was still SCG Editor
Title: Re: Interesting LAX photo
Post by: A-Snake on July 30, 2025, 11:02:05 AM
Quote from: kranky on July 29, 2025, 01:41:00 AM(https://www.saac.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;attach=150631;image)

These two are twin sisters Susan and Nancy Robbins working for American Airlines as hostesses and both will be co-queens for the May 1-2, 1965 Riverside International Raceway USRRC sports car races.

Kranky, Did you notice the unusual height & width of the rear view mirror on that 289? Unless it's due to the camera angle?
Title: Re: Interesting LAX photo
Post by: kranky on July 30, 2025, 12:25:27 PM
Makes you wonder if the Cobra had that modification done because of the driver's height or that it was necessary to be able to see over the luggage (not in photo) attached to the chrome luggage rack?