Breaking news: Carroll Shelby passes away at 89

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of racing and sports car legend Carroll Shelby who passed away today in Dallas Texas at the age of 89. Shelby, a racing legend in his own time. A winner of the 24 hours of LeMans. He was father of the legendary Cobra and the line of Mustangs that carried his name. Details of his death have not been released at this time, but Shelby has been hospitalized recently.

Scottsdale 2012: Ford selling 2013 GT500 durability car

Every auction put on by Barrett-Jackson, has at least a half dozen cars that are auctioned got charity. Be it a 69 Corvette for the Chip Miller Foundation or a pair of electric powered dragsters for the Darrell Gwynn Foundation. It's a huge part of what makes Barrett-Jackson what it is. This one was kept under wraps until a few days ago but the folks over at Ford SVT and Carroll Shelby will be auctioning this 2013 GT500 Durability mule for the benefit of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. This car was assembled by hand by the SVT team and tested at Sebring Raceway and Ford's Arizona proving grounds. As with any mule, it's a little rough around the edges. There's mismatched equipment, bumpers, etc. But it is a truly special car. It's been signed by the STV test team and probably will be by Carroll Shelby too. Unfortunately though, you can't register this machine for the road. Look for it tonight live on Speed at 8:30 tonight.

Source: Barrett-Jackon, Ford

Scottsdale 2012: Gooding & Co. selection

Here are my picks from the 2012. Again Scottsdale fails to disappoint, there are some absolutely fabulous machines consigned to Gooding & Co this year. Of course my number one pick is the 1963 Herbie that I posted about here. Since 2008 Gooding & Co. has secured the top sale of the week every year. This shows the attention to detail that the folks at Gooding go to to get the creme of the crop of collector cars for their Scottsdale auction. Last year, Gooding & Co. had total sales of almost $35,000,000 million dollars. Very impressive.

1953 Buick Roadmaster Estate Wagon. I have a soft spot for station wagons and 50s Buicks so this one really caught my eye. This was the last of the era for real wood station wagons. And with only 679 of these built in 1953, it would be a pretty safe be that there aren't many wagons still around. Gooding & Co. estimates this one at $75,000 to $95,000. There's also something to be said about the stunning black with red vinyl interior and those Kelsey Hayes wire wheels wrapped in white walls. This car just screams classy.

There is a real "cool factor" to this 1916 Ford Model T delivery truck. This one has a fresh restoration with only 25 miles on it. A genuine delivery truck from the period, the body on this T was created by Abresch Auto Body, Ltd. in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. As the restoration was completed, a little flight of fantasy was taken in the form of labeling the truck as a Harley Davidson delivery truck. Who knows, Harley Davidson may have used trucks like this and it certainly fits the theme finished in the early HD colors. And it's nice to see a Model T that isn't all black.

I love the styling of the 1960s super cars. One of my favorites is the Rivolta Iso Grifo. This 1969 7 Litri model was the show car for the 1969 New York Auto show and was one of only 6 imported to the U.S. This car from new carried a 7 liter Chevrolet V8 for power, producing over 400 horse power. Only 66, 7 Litri's were built making them extremely rare. This example was treated to a seven year, no expense spared restoration and has earned Best in Class honors at Concorso Italiano and Avila Beach. This one is American muscle wrapped in a suave Italian body with coachwork by Bertone.

Another stunningly beautiful car is the Jaguar XK 120. I love the side profile of these cars, especially in racing trim with a set of wire wheels. This 1952 XK 120 is a fascinating example of the model as it is almost entirely original and has covered only 15,000 miles since 1952. Even the tires are original. This is a superb preservation car that can be used to show how these cars looked when they were built. And it can also be driven and enjoyed a the same time.

Continuing with un restored cars, here is a 1953 Hudson Hornet sedan. This car has just under 70,000 original miles and is largely un restored. Finished in black with a lovely light blue/gray interior. This Hornet represents one of the finest big sedans of the early 1950s. In 1953, Hudson won 22 Nascar races and earned 13 AAA competition awards. This particular model was also owned by former Nascar driver Bobby Gerhart. There's certainly no Driving Miss Daisy in this car.

The original 289 powered Cobras were really neat cars. They don't have the rip your face off look that the 427 Cobras have, and they have the look of a proper vintage sports car. I like the narrow fenders and the wire wheels.  1965 serial number CSX2570 was purchased new by the same family that held on to the car until 2011. Like several of the other cars I have featured, this is another example that is almost entirely original in condition. This car was also used by Shelby at the 1965 New York Auto Show. Gooding & Co. estimates $650,000 - $850,000. I have a feeling this car will go higher than that.A college professor of mine was a Ford dealer at the time of the introduction of the Cobra and he said the 289s were the best handling car he had ever driven, and that the Cobra was ruined once they started putting 427s in the street cars.


Source & Photos: Gooding & Co.

Thinking of Monterey

Well, it's Monterey Week. considered by many as the pinnacle of the collector car hobby. Events like the Quail, Concourso Italiano, Pebble Beach Councours d'Elegance and the Rolex Historics to name a few. Cars that are restored to better than new condition that rarely make it out of the garage, gather to strut their stuff for the world to see. Every year I am treated to parts of what I would call my PowerBall wish list if I were to ever hit the lottery and strike it rich. Many folks would lavish them self with new cars, where as I would build a nice new garage and fill it to the brim with automotive history. One such vehicle is the Ferrari 265 GT/B Daytona and the Shelby 289 Cobra. These classics are some of the most beautiful cars to ever be designed and this year in Monterey, RM Auctions has examples of each that I would love to call my own.


1971 Ferrari 365 Daytona coupe

1964 Shelby 289 Cobra

Picture source: RM Auctions

Own the ultimate of all the muscle cars!

What we have found here for sale may be one of the most significant muscle cars to come up for sale in a long time. This is the first 1964 1/2 Ford Mustang offered to the public. Now it isn't the first one to roll off the line. Ford still owns that one, after buying it back in the 70s. This car is the first Mustang to be offered to the public. Still a very special car in its own right.

It looks as though it has been given a cosmetic restoration. Perfect white paint, blue top and blue vinyl interior. There are a few pieces I see that don't look like they were there originally, but there's nothing really wrong with that. It also appears to be a pretty well equipped car. There's a 260 Windsor V8 under the hood with a 3speed automatic transmission. The wire wheel hubcaps and skinny white walls really set the car off. And the car comes fully documented, certifying the history.

Now for the big question. How much? Well that's where it gets expensive. This 64 1/2 Mustang can be yours for only $42,064.26 a month with $1,000,000 down. Or you can make a one time payment of $5,500,000.

All in all a pretty strong investment. $5.5 million is a LOT of money for this car. There are lots of other cars you could buy with that money. But they might not have the story behind them. Maybe give it a frame off restoration to factory specs without all the added on crap on the interior. Then run it through Barrett Jackson. It'll bring $5 million then. Otherwise, we'd recommend to hold out for a Shelby.

Source: Autoblog.com

2008 Barrett Jackson will auction first Challenger, ZR & GT 500KR

Every year the Barrett Jackson classic car auction fills our heads with dream cars that we all wish to someday own. In recent years we have seen many modern day and future classics roll across the auction block. Though not just any special cars. First production cars. Usually it results as the first actual production or retailable car. The most notable was the first 06 Shelby GT 500 Mustang, and 07 Shelby GT Mustangs. Both times these cars fetched WELL over their original sticker prices. And as with just about everything Carroll Shelby does, the proceeds go to charity.
At the 2008 auction in a few weeks. We will see not one, but three first production future classics be made available. Shelby will of course off the first 2008 GT 500KR(King of the Road). But new comers Chevrolet and Dodge will auction the first production Corvette ZR1 and Challenger SRT-8s to roll off the assembly lines. Both the Vette and the Challenger will/should be fresh off their introductions at Detroit. Just before the auction begins.

The best part is that like the Shelbys of the past few years, all proceeds from all three lots will go to auction. Sales will benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), The United Way, and the notMYkid charity.

We're sure that these cars will command the high dollar value as they have in the past with auctions of this type. So we expect to see at the very least 7 figure dollars amounts for these future classics. And we also expect that at least one, if not all three will end up in the collection of Arizona business tycoon Ron Pratte. See you in Scottsdale!

Source: Barrett Jackson.

Knight Rider 2008 KITT revealed

All rumors are put down as the official word from NBC on the return of Night Rider are finally announced today. There was speculation that the new KITT was changing bodies from the still cool Pontiac Trans Am to a Ford Shelby Mustang GT 500KR. All of this is true. The new KITT(Knight Industries Three Thousand) will be a Shelby.

The new KITT has a sinister bad ass look to it, just as the highly modified Trans Am did over 20 years ago. KITT will feature 3 distinct versions in the new show. KITT Hero is a 540 Hp powered hero car. KITT Attack is a super high performance version, with likely some body changes to set it apart. And lastly is KITT Remote. A driverless version. KITT's voice unfortunately will not have the gravel tone of William Daniels who voiced the original. This time around KITT's voice will be actor Will Arnett.

The new Knight Rider will debut on February 17th as a 2 hour movie. The cast will include Justin Bruening, Deanna Russo, Sydney Tamiia Poitier and Bruce Davison. One saving grace will be a guest appearance by none other than the "Hoff" David Hasselhoff, who will be reprising his role as Michael Knight. Glen A. Larson who wrote pretty much all of the original Knight Rider episodes was on hand to write the TV movie. So everything should have the same feel as the original show. Just a bit different.

Source: NBC

PRESS RELEASE:

UPDATED 'KNIGHT RIDER' REVS UP TO RETURN TO NBC FOR SPECIAL TWO-HOUR MOVIE EVENT ON FEBRUARY 17 AS NEW KITT CAR IS REVEALED

BURBANK, Calif. - December 12, 2007 - As "Knight Rider" -- NBC's iconic 1980s television classic that became a runaway success, comes roaring back to life on the network with an updated sequel that will air as a two-hour movie event on Sunday, February 17 (9-11 p.m. ET) -- NBC unveiled the new customized KITT Ford Mustang to be featured in the series in a press event held at NBC's Burbank Studios today.

The movie stars Justin Bruening ("Cold Case," "All My Children"), Deanna Russo ("NCIS," "The Young and the Restless"), Sydney Tamiia Poitier ("Veronica Mars," "Grindhouse") and Bruce Davison ("Breach," "Close to Home"). In addition, David Hasselhoff (NBC's "America's Got Talent") -- who starred in the popular lead role as Michael Knight for four seasons during the original series -- returns as the same character in a special guest-star appearance. Will Arnett (NBC's "30 Rock," "Blades of Glory") will provide the voice of KITT.

Dave Bartis ("Heist," "The O.C.") and Doug Liman ("Mr. and Mrs. Smith," "The Bourne Identity") serve as executive producers. NBC also has an arrangement with Ford Motor Company that provides for a unique content opportunity that makes the Ford Mustang one of the stars of the movie.

The three cars to be employed in the series include the KITT Hero -- a Ford Mustang Shelby GT500KR that is playing the part of the everyday Hero car with 540 horsepower; the KITT Attack -- a super high-speed version of the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500KR Hero car that transforms into Attack mode with the help of air-ride technology and specialized body parts -- and a KITT Remote, which is a driverless Ford Mustang Shelby GT500KR version of the Hero vehicle.

As the original story resumes, the new KITT (Knight Industries Three Thousand) is absolutely the coolest car ever created: its supercomputer capable of hacking almost any system; its weapons systems efficient; and its body -- thanks to its creator's work and nanotechnology -- is capable of actually shifting shape and color. Plus, its artificial intelligence makes it the ideal crime-fighting partner: logical, precise and possessing infinite knowledge. It is the ultimate car -- and someone will be willing to do anything to obtain it.

Sarah Graiman is a 24-year old Ph.D candidate at Stanford University, following in her genius father Charles' (Davison) footsteps. But when men attempt to abduct her, Sarah receives a mysterious call from KITT warning her that he's a creation of Charles, who also invented the first KITT 25 years ago -- and that her father is in serious danger.

Sarah and KITT track down her best friend from childhood, Mike Tracer (Bruening), a 23-year-old ex-Army Ranger, whom Sarah hasn't seen since he left home at 18. Having served in Iraq, Mike is now jaded and lost and initially resistant. Eventually he agrees to help Sarah and the two set out to discover who's behind the attempt to procure KITT and find Charles. Along the way, Carrie Rivai (Poitier) plays the agile yet tough FBI agent who has a long-standing friendship with Charles and Sarah. Due to those ties, she is brought into the mix to help in the search.

David Andron is supervising producer and writer. Steve Shill ("Dexter," "The Tudors"), also a co-executive producer, directs the two-hour movie from Universal Media Studios and Dutch Oven Productions.

Carroll Shelby responds to club allegations.

There are very few times that we stand corrected. This is one of those times. When you read the responses from Shelby, and read the postings on the SAAC club forums, you get two entirely different stories. Now while we are not members of the SAAC, and are well aware of Carroll Shelby and his history. We don't really want to make an attempt to take sides. But we will stand corrected on the facts that were laid out for us to see. Below is the Shelby press release.

Source: Shelby American.

PRESS RELEASE:
Carroll Shelby, CEO of Carroll Shelby Licensing Inc., (CSL) has issued a statement in response to allegations made by the owners of the organization formerly known as the Shelby American Automobile Club.

"I wanted to explain my concerns to the members of the Shelby American Automobile Club directly, but couldn't because SAAC has refused to give me a list of its members, even though the licensee agreement with SAAC requires them to allow me access to their books and records. So I am being forced to share the facts through a news release.

Rick Kopec and Ken Eber, two of the individuals who run the for-profit business called SAAC, have said that they don't know why we didn't renew their annual license. That's not true. We've sent e-mails, made phone calls and mailed letters explaining our concerns for quite some time. Except for the message noted at http://www.shelbylicensing.com/press.htm , they went unanswered. For the past several years, I've repeatedly told them that I was unhappy with their disregard of the reporting requirements of their license agreement and the way they managed the club. And, for the past eight years, their business hasn't kept the terms of its extremely favorable agreement with my licensing company, Carroll Shelby Licensing.

Here are the primary reasons that we did not renew the license for this business:

• For many years, I loaned truckloads of memorabilia to the club and provided 1960s production records for the registry; Kopec and Eber promised that everything would be returned to me whenever I asked. In fact, that's what Kopec admits to on page 11 of the last printed edition of the "Shelby American World Registry," which was published in 1997. But they have refused to do so, and I'm told they have sold many of the items, like cancelled Shelby American checks, over the Internet and the like. This is not what anyone had in mind when I let them borrow my things, or my licensing company granted them a license.
• Under the terms of their licensing agreement with CSL, they were required to provide annual and quarterly sales reports, as well as certified statements of sales and a full audit. Also, if requested, they were to allow us 'free and full access' to their books, records and accounts. They have not done any of these things, even though I've personally asked them many times.
• They've never provided proof of the basic liability insurance required by the license agreement. This could expose me personally and all of my companies to enormous liability.
• They failed for nine years to even ask for, much less receive advance approvals from CSL of the thousands of products and product designs they've been selling under license, even though the license agreement clearly states that this failure is grounds for "immediate" termination.
• They didn't even pay the $1 per year licensing fee for the past nine years.
• CSL not only has the right not to renew SAAC's license (which was made for only one year at a time for a reason), but in light of their continued disregard for the license agreement requirements, my trademarks and other intellectual property rights are at great risk if I allow this to continue.

Kopec and Eber say SAAC has 5,000 members who pay almost a quarter-million dollars in dues each year. Then there are advertising revenues, sponsorships and money made at the SAAC national convention. In return, from what I can tell, members receive just one mediocre publication and a couple of classified advertising newsletters.

And where is the Registry that has been promised year after year? The last one was published 10 years ago. I have received many calls from people who have paid hundreds of dollars for a Registry; they have threatened lawsuits against me and my companies because they have not received their book. The basic information in the Registry about colors, how many cars were built, etc., should be regularly updated and available online for instant access by members.
Kopec and Eber recently offered sponsorship of the club to a kit car maker. I have no issue with the individuals who buy kit cars and love the Shelby brand. But, would GM let Chrysler sponsor the Corvette Club? Would Harley Davidson ignore an attempt by Kawasaki to sponsor the Harley Owners Group?

I tried for years to address changes that should be made, but my requests fell on deaf ears. Some of the correspondence concerning this matter can be found at http://www.shelbylicensing.com/ . So my licensing company and I asked Eber and Kopec to return the 1960s records and items they originally promised to give back to me, as well as those they have collected over the years using my name under license. And I told them that they can't use my name or the name of my company anymore, and to dispose of their inventory as required by the license agreement.

Now they want club members to give them hard-earned money to defend their business interests. Eber and Kopec are asking people to help sue me when they won't even tell anyone, much less my licensing company, how much money the club has made over the years collecting member dues and selling 'Shelby' memorabilia and merchandise for a royalty fee of only $1.00. Are they fighting me because they're really afraid for the Registry or do they fear giving us financials, which they've been required to do, but refused?

Shelby enthusiasts, as well as SAAC club members and registrars deserve better. They should have a club that provides good value and benefits everyone who is involved. They deserve a club that leverages technology to share information and runs events that encourage people to enjoy their cars. They deserve to be treated with class and respect. To say that Team Shelby will negatively impact the value of Shelby cars is ridiculous.

I've received probably 250 telephone calls from people asking me to check on whether a particular Cobra or Mustang they wanted to buy is authentic. The next thing I hear from them is that Ken Eber has bought it. Where I come from, when there's that much smoke there's usually some sort of fire!

Also, I've been told many times by members that Ken Eber has said that he doesn't need Carroll Shelby. Well, now he won't have to bother with me and I won't have to bother with him. And, it seems to me that they make enough money that they don't need to go around poor-mouthing to the Club members to finance their legal defense fund against me. Shame on both of them! And, as far as Ken and Rick's associate, Mr. Pardee, the Club members should ask him how much of my personal memorabilia is being stored in his garage that, by all rights, should come back to me. Even though the three of them have slandered me by making public statements that I am 'evil,' I'm still entitled to get my personal belongings back. Who can disagree with that?

The bottom line is my legacy should be left in the hands of my family and real enthusiasts. I want to extend an offer to the local clubs to contact my office and arrange for a license to use the Shelby and Cobra name at the same base cost that we offered SAAC of $1. This will allow them to continue their great work.

It's my right to stop letting someone use my name and the name of my legacy company, Shelby American, when they won't listen to me or keep the terms of the licensing agreement they signed many years ago. Team Shelby won't be run that way. You have my word on it."

More Shelby Shenanigans. Shelby refuses to renew club's license

We have been reading a lot about Carroll Shelby and Shelby America cutting ties with Unique Performance in the production of the GT 500 Eleanor and GT 350 continuation cars, but this is now on the verge of Shelby turning into a bitter old man.

In a move that seems down right shady, Carroll Shelby and Shelby Licensing has announced that they will not allow the renewal of the Shelby American Automobile Club license after 33 years. Not only that, but Shelby's lawyers have served the club with orders to release all materials, documents, registry information, financial info, and merchandise to Shelby.

The 5,000 + member club which has operated for 33 years and has compiled an extensive database on every Shelby car made. Which is quite an amazing feat. What is great to hear is they are not going to take this lying down. They have started a donation fund for legal counsel to rebut these demands.

This comes after the announcement that Shelby America is forming their own club, Team Shelby. Though to just up an stomp out the group of enthusiasts that have helped to keep the legend of Shelby cars alive, and many of which are customers who purchase new GT 500s and Shelby GTs. This is the prefect way to drive them away.

Volkswagen of America pulled a similar stunt about 10 years ago, by going after repair shop, parts suppliers, enthusiast websites, and clubs for use of the Volkswagen name and logo. It caused a lot of bad blood as it drove hundreds of the very people who helped to build their brand and annual car sales to the waiting arms of Toyota and Honda.

We were longtime fans of Carroll Shelby and his cars. That is of course until today. We are not planning to do anymore features on Carroll Shelby or Shelby vis this website. Though updates on this particular topic will be addressed as more info becomes available.

Source: Hemmings Motor News, Shebly American Automobile Club.

Steve McQueen Rides Again! The 2008 Ford Mustang Bullitt

Few will deny that the 1968 movie Bullitt staring Steve McQueen, is undoubtedly one of the greatest car movies ever made. Images of a black 68 Dodge Charger R/T and a green 68 Mustang GT tearing up the streets of San Francisco are engraved into the mind of every car nut. Thanks in part to both the movie and McQueen's popularity, Ford built a special edition Bullitt Mustang GT in 2001. The retro styled Mustang packed the punch and overall look of the the 68 GT used in the movie. But it wasn't quite what the doctor ordered.

Fast forward to 2006. Motor Trend wanted to have a photo shoot in San Francisco for their road test on the new Dodge Charger R/T and pair it with the all new Mustang GT. Ford agreed and took a new yellow GT and repainted it 1968 Highland Green for the shoot. In that article, there was a small tid bit that Ford had plans in the works for a new Bullitt Mustang for 2008. Just in time for the 40th anniversary of the movie.

It's finally official. The Bullitt Mustang will make a triumphant return in 2008. While the car has not been "officially" unveiled, that will happen at the Los Angeles Auto Show. We are treated to a press release and some press day pictures from a press event in San Francisco this week.

Along with Highland Green, the 2008 Bullitt will also be offered in basic black. The rest of the car has been given an even more impressive retro treatment. The entire car will be completely badge less. No pony emblems on the sides or grille, just like the original. There will be a faux gas cap on the back which will carry a special center with gun cross hairs and the Bullitt name. The grille will be solid black mesh, without a pony emblem and a simple, but effective chrome surround on the edge. 18 inch aluminum wheels will have gunmetal painted spokes, and while they have been available in a polished finish, evoke memory of the classic American Racing Torque Thrust wheels of the 60s.

The interior will be finished in black leather(hopefully with a retro seat pattern). The dashboard will be treated to a machine turned aluminum finish, that looks oh so cool.

The business end of the Bullitt is just as impressive. The motor will be the same 4.6 liter V8 found in all standard Mustang GTs, though for the Bullitt, Ford Racing was on hand to tweak the camshaft timing, new calibrations, and air intakes. The chassis and suspension have also been tuned to enhance the handling. Which includes sport springs, a strut tower bar, and more. The tuned exhaust has also been tweaked, thanks to digital enhancement of the movie, to match the original perfectly.

The 08 Bullitt will have a ground stomping 315 Horsepower with 325 Ft. Lbs. of torque. All of this is routed through a 6spd manual trans and the same rear end at the GT 500 Shelby with 3.73:1 gears.

For announced a production run of 7700 Bullitt editions. Each car will be numbered on the strut tower brace, rather than by a plaque on the dashboard. The Bullitt will begin to roll off the assembly line in the first quarter of 2008, and showing up in Showrooms just in time for the warm weather to hit. With 7000 cars bound for the U.S. and the last 700 bound for Canada. Pricing is expected to be around $31,075. So it's rather reasonably priced too. I'm going to put my order in now.

Look for more updates on this one.

Source: Autoblog.com