About 10 years ago, I stopped by my friend Peter Brock’s shop in Henderson, just outside of Las Vegas to show him a large blueprint of Ford’s not for production independent rear suspension (I.R.S.) for early Mustangs. Modern digital prints are marvelous, but nothing has quite the panache of the old ammonia-based prints. Warm, fuzzy blue lines (hence the name blueprint) can only be made with one of the old, clunky ammonia machines, and I happen to have found one. Go here to get a print of your own.
Peter was able to see me between appointments and mentioned that some of the old guys (that’s us) were thinking of building a GT-350 clone, incorporating all the good ideas we’d had back in the Shelby days, which weren’t used due to cost, time, or difficulty. The IRS I had resurrected from old prints and a few parts, and was now selling as a bolt in kit, would fit perfectly with that concept.
Well, a bunch of us old guys led by Jim Marietta and Ted Sutton built TWO cars, now known as continuation cars, since they now had Shelby serial numbers in Peter’s shop.
They were a big hit at Willow Springs Raceway, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the GT-350’s first win at Texas Motor Speedway with Ken Miles driving. FAST and reliable, just like the old days. We realized that what we needed and wished for was a real shop. The old Shelby engine facility in Gardena had been sitting vacant and dark for years. What would it take to bring it back to life? As usual, just time, effort, money, skill, and a boat load of nostalgia.
A greasy engine building facility, with a sheet metal trough for a urinal, no kitchen, minimal lighting, and a back alley entryway didn’t exactly scream race shop/party shop to the untrained eye, but my son Michael and I took on the task. Let’s do this!
We left it to others to bring in some real lighting and refurbish the compressed air system. Our task was cleaning every surface with a high pressure washer, scrubbing the floor (!) and painting everything to look like new again. Installing a kitchen with a real kitchen sink and turn the sheet metal urinal restroom into an attractive facility complete with mop sink, hand sink, shower, urinal, and a potty.
Oh, and a short deadline too: 12,000 square feet of neglected yuck!
As the project took off, more folks came by who wanted to use (rent) the storied facility for their car club, car show, or car related activity. The word was getting out.
The local Sherwin Williams Pro Industrial paint dealer was a big help on the floor, which was painted “Battleship Grey” at one time. How to fill all the gouges, scrapes and patches where there was just no paint was everyday work to them. It turned out great, and Mike & I took full credit, of course!
Jim ordered two lift racks in anticipation of our own and future customer’s cars needing under car repairs. “You guys gonna finish soon so we can install these damn racks?”
And as things often do, “mission creep” became a daily distraction. Jim wanted to turn one of the old dyno cells into an office and name it TEN FORTY TWO, which was address on Princeton Drive of the Shelby facility in Venice.
Peter himself stopped by to marvel at the progress. Cars were lining up to occupy our new shiny floor and visitors were encouraged to sign the Shelby Signature Wall.
The day we finished and allowed cars on the whole floor, we were already short of space.
Of course, we had to have a Grand Opening Party. Friends and family were declared Original Venice Crew for a day. TV and print media covered it and we were all Stars For A Day too!
We were there for 7 YEARS–July, 2017 to June, 2024. Besides all the old and new friends we saw, and their cars, we hosted two weddings, with drive-thru receptions (!), and three Christmas parties.
What a great time !
As they say, all good things must come to an end. Having a huge facility like that only used occasionally, sitting in a busy commercial area, just didn’t make business sense. The Shelby people sold it after our restoration, in June of this year, but it was great fun while it lasted. “Our” space has become part of the building supply store next door. I think all the Shelby facilities and business will move to Nevada, where they already have a large presence. Below are a few shots you may find interesting.
Careful what ya wish fer–these guys can make it happen! Until next time, thanks for listening.
Another great story based upon memories from your personal experiences.
I love that you share them with your many friends and acquaintances.
THANKS STEVE.