Here's the guy who connects the former Shelby employees

NOTE: The other day I visited a guy who has done more research into Shelby history than anyone I know, just because he likes the people as much as the cars. I thought I'd pass on what I learned....WW


INTERVIEW WITH A COBRA MAVEN



It's nice to be a car fan but it's quite another to turn your fandom into active historical research. Bob Shaw, age 65, of Fountain Valley, CA has done just that. He spent his career in the medical diagnostics field. But his passion for over 17 years has been the Cobra. In recent years he has become known for gathering the names in a registry and putting together reunions of the former employees of Shelby -American. We asked him why he does what he does and here are his answers.

Q. When did you discover the Cobra?

Shaw: My work colleague was restoring a 289 in the early 90s. Up 'til then I didn't know what a Cobra was, because all I saw was bits and pieces he brought to work but then one day he invited me over to look at the car and I said "Holy cow" and was an instant fan.

Q. How soon after that did you get one?

Shaw: It was around 1992. I bought a Unique replica FIA 289.

Q. Why did you choose that one?

Shaw: Because it was the most realistic rendition of the historic small block race car, and I didn't want to run a humongous big block Cobra.

Q. How many miles did you drive it?

Shaw: I drove it for about 5500 track miles. Then I began threatening to sell it and someone spoke up when I said that and--boom--it was gone. I figure I lived on the edge so long, driving it to the limit and so forth so it was about time.

Q. How did you get involved with reuniting the old employees?

Shaw: I was selling car posters at Long Beach Vets Stadium and one day along comes a guy who says "I used to work for Shelby". While he was jawboning, a few minutes later along comes another guy who says the same thing and I had a fascinating time listening to their recollections. I figured 'Hey, it's about time someone got all these old guys together."

Q. Does it matter if they are racing mechanics, race drivers, office workers or production line workers?

Shaw: No. Oh, originally there was some grousing about who was from where in the company but now--after all these years--they are just glad to get together and talk about their experiences and what an unusual place it was to work. Shelby-American was a team of many disciplines coming together to win races and championships, nationally and internationally.

Q. What were some of the products you developed?

Shaw: I still make static cling meatballs (roundels), race numbers and a number of other decals and such under a firm called Operations Plus, which used to be my consulting company.

Q. What do you think is your biggest achievement in getting the old hands together?

Shaw: Getting them out to a track where a newer (and current) generation is running some of the cars they built. It great to see them show up with big smiles.

Q. Do you get any help from Shelby?

Shaw: Yes, he looks forward the reunions. In fact, he sponsored the first one and gives to the 'Donkey Fund' which was established to assist the employees and to put on the reunions.

Q. What's your latest project?

Shaw: At the last get-together hosted by Willow Springs and the Cobra Owners Club of America, I produced a DVD getting over twenty interviews...things you don't find in books; and have also started a web site centered on these Legends at legendconnection.org. You can go the site and pick up some unique books, memorabilia and of course the 9th Annual Shelby American Reunion DVD...... and keep in touch with what's going on and indeed add something!

Q. What's your long range goal?

Shaw: Just to get together more of the old legends together and hear more great stories. The cars are one thing but I find the people more interesting. Also, I want to keep the new generation informed on what these old race cars and those who shepherded them were all about.

Q. If a reader of this interview knows a former Shelby employee, how can they get in touch with you to get invited to the next reunion?

Shaw: Just contact me at operationsplus@excite.com or 714-962-2776.

Thank you, Bob
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Interview conducted by Wallace Wyss, author SHELBY The Man The Cars The Legend