Shelby American Collection Christmas Party And The First Production GT 500

The First Production GT 500 At The Shelby American Collection Christmas Party

Hello Everyone,

My wife and I along with our friends Mike and Pam Cox attended the Shelby American Collection Christmas Party last night. As usual it was a great event. Steve Volk, Tom Benjamin, Bill and Dave Murray, and all of the rest of the people associated with the collection put on a wonderful event each year. If you have not been there; you really should try to attend someday..... you will not be disappointed. We wish to thank them all for welcoming our car into the collection for a few months.

Last night was very special for us because our car was on display. We heard nothing but good things about the car from everyone that spoke with us and most all of them were so glad to know that we still drive the car.

I know that Carroll Shelby has been involved in some controversial things over the years. Please do not ruin this thread with any comments about the current controversy.

Carroll Shelby made last night's party a very memorable event for us. As he was signing my copy of "Remembering The Shelby Years" I told him that my wife and I own the very first production GT 500 and that it was on display in the building. I asked him if he thought he might be able to make it over to the car for some pictures before the night was over. He very graciously answered, "Yes". Thank you Steve Volk, Amy Boylan, and Kerry White for your assistance.

After the special guests had made their speeches and some auction action took place; Steve Volk and Carroll Shelby walked over to the car. Carroll talked with me about the car, signed a dash piece for me, and posed for pictures. It was an experience that I am very thankful for and will never forget. The party went better than we had ever dreamed.

THANK YOU CARROLL SHELBY!!!!!!!

I was also able to speak with Chuck Cantwell, Lew Spencer, and Phil Remington about the car and their years at Shelby American. I wish to thank them also for spending a few minutes of their time with me.

Everything fell into place for us last night. The party turned into a "once in a lifetime" experience for us and we will never forget it.

We have attached some photos and we hope that you enjoy them.

Thanks everyone.

Best regards,
Eric and Carrie Johnson

 

Mark,

Thanks, it was truly an awesome evening for us. I am still on cloud-9.



Randall,

Your grandfather really impressed me last night. Carroll was able to push aside all of the current turmoil and his many health problems and give me a few minutes of his valuable time. Carroll Shelby, an automotive icon, spending a few minutes with a simple long time enthusiast and fan of his cars. It was truly an event in my lifetime that I will never forget and will always remember fondly. I could not thank him enough for providing me with something that not everyone gets a chance to have. I consider myself truly fortunate.


Best regards,
Eric

 

Jim,

Thanks for the compliments. I am glad that you enjoyed the story and the pictures. It was such a great night for us. We almost can't believe that it went so well. We will always have such wonderful memories from last night.

Best regards,
Eric

 

Joe,

Thanks for the compliments. Carrie and I are grateful to have been afforded the opportunity/priveledge to display our car along side so many other historically significant cars built by Shelby American. It was such a great experience for us.

Thanks again to all of the members of the Shelby American Collection.

Best regards,
Eric and Carrie Johnson

 

Roy,

Thanks for the compliments. We did have a great night. Getting a few minutes of Carroll's time was awesome.

It was also special to get to meet and speak with Chuck Cantwell, Lew Spencer, and Phil Remington. They all were appreciative that the car was there and that we do drive it. Each of them shared some memories of their years with Shelby with me. It was such a special experience to have had.

Thanks again.

Best regards,
Eric

 

Rohan,

Thanks for the compliments. It is nice to be part of and to tell a good news story. We will treasure last night's experience for the rest of our lives.

Best regards,
Eric

 

Landmule and ColdwaterHotRod,

Thanks for the compliments on my story. As I previously stated, it was great to be part of a good news story and have a chance to share it on this forum.

Best regards,
Eric

 

Steve,

Thanks for the compliments about my story from the party. Your own story about meeting Shelby years ago was also nice to read. Thanks for sharing it with the forum.

Best regards,
Eric