The Shelby American (Fall 2021)

of all the necessary car show odds and ends – chairs, tools, floor mats, etc. – in order to get it ready for the show. We had already preregistered and had our paperwork completed so we were able to get in line and drive up to the show site. Since GT350H was the fea- tured car of the show, we were given a spot right up front. I had a few of the Hertz items as a sample of the Hertz items that will be displayed at the MCACN Hertz Invitational in Novem- ber. At that show we will have a dis- play case full of genuine Hertz memorabilia showing how unique the Hertz Shelby program was. The show had more than thirty classic Shelby products, including ‘65s, regular ‘66s, 6 Hertz cars (4 Black, 1 Red and 1 Green), ‘67s – both GT350s and 500s, ‘68 350s and 500s, ‘69 350s and 500s and even a ‘70 GT500. It was the most cars I have seen at a show outside of the big SAAC convention in years and was really was something to see. I have to take time to mention the two early ‘65 GT350s that were just magnificent, car #027 and #031. Both cars were restored to a high standard and each had a great story that should really be shared with the Shelby com- munity (but someone else will have to take that task on). It was also neat to see the number of subtle differences that were a great way to show the evolution of the early cars; cars built within a short period of time but one could see the changes that were being made to the cars. There were also several survivor cars or cars that had at least 20-25 years on their restoration; there were driv- ers, trailered cars and cars that bor- dered on the gold standard. While there were a lot of early Shelbys there was also a massive amount of late model Shelbys. I sometimes hear peo- ple say that the late models are not “real Shelby’s” but I beg to differ. If it wasn’t for Carroll Shelby and his con- stant involvement with the manufac- ture of cars with his name on them, we would have a club with maybe 1,000 members. It would never grow, and as the number of members shrunk and the value of the cars rose, fewer and fewer cars would be around for every- one to enjoy. I love the newer cars, the styling, the sounds, the look and the presence of that Snake on the car shows the world what they are looking at. Hopefully in years to come many of these cars will continue to be shown, driven as designed and enjoyed by all who drive and see them. I heard that over 175 cars were at the show and even though I walked around most of the day I didn’t feel I saw them all. What I did have, was a chance to see and talk to the owners and that was the most enjoyable part of the show. Every car has a story to tell, from the guy or girl who has owned their car since the ‘60s and ‘70s to the people who had just purchased The SHELBY AMERICAN Fall 2021 98