Shelby American 60 Years of High Performance: The Stories Behind the Cobra, Daytona, Mustang GT350 and GT500, Ford GT40 and More

I loved this book, “Shelby American – 60 Years of High Performance.” This book does not attempt the impossible task of chronicling every detail of Shelby American history. Instead, it gives you plenty of information along with spectacular photographs. Want to see a picture of Cobra production at AC Cars in England? Turn to page 38 for a nice 5” x 8” print. More of a Shelby Raptor truck fan? Check out the 5 ½” X 8” photo on the bottom of page 208. There’s something here for everyone who cares anything about any part of the 60 year history of Shelby American. The majority of the book focuses on the early years, where the cars, events, and especially the people are discussed, with a liberal display of factory photographs. Many of which I had never seen, and all of which were the largest, sharpest versions I’d ever seen in print. That’s what 9 ½” X 12” pages will do for you. Want to know whose idea it was to slant the radiator forward in the Daytona Coupe, and why? Go to page 96. And this book carries the S.A. story forward, discussing Shelby’s time at Chrysler, and more recently, back at Ford. Plus discussion about the clubs that have formed around these special cars over the years, and some of the activities that owners and enthusiasts are enjoying today. But I have to say that my favorite part of this book was on page 75. It’s a single page article titled, “A Small Taste” by Colleen Kopec; where she writes about her first drive of a 1965 GT350 R-Model. It’s the best explanation I’ve read of the emotional connection that many people develop for these cars. For me, that one page was worth the price of the book. I give this book 5 stars, and my unreserved recommendation.

Having owned and been involved with Shelby's for over 40 years, I thought I had seen most everything written on this subject. However, this book is loaded with new information, stories and photos. When you think about how many combined publications these two authors have put out over the years on Shelby American, it is impressive how they managed to find so many never seen before photos that are included in this book. Both Comer and Kopec have a very unique writing style that makes it easy to pick up this book and become engrossed in it. If you think you've already seen everything on Shelby American, you will be pleasantly suprised.

The book was very informative and useful for background history of Carroll Shelby.

For many us who have multiple books on Carrol Shelby and his cars, finding a new book that covers new information, adds new insight to a well told story and importantly provides access to never before seen pictures is difficult. This is that book. Well written by two experienced authors who have extremely good bs meters the new information is great to have and authentically accurate. I liked the format size and quality of the printing. First class book all the way around. Rivals many of the David Bull books on my shelf.

Haven’t read the entire book. But great book.

CONFESSIONS and CONTEXT First, CONFESSIONS . . .I own an early 1966 Shelby GT350 (VIN SFM6S129), my second one, joined car clubs starrting in the late '60s, and have been a Member of SAAC/Shelby American Automobile Club since 1976, where I have had articles published. Second CONTEXT: Colin Comer has authored several books related to this one: SHELBY The Complete Book of Shelby Automobiles: Cobras, Mustangs, and Super Snakes [2009 and Revised Edition 2014], Shelby Cobra Fifty Years [2011], SHELBY MUSTANG Fifty Years [2014], SHELBY MUSTANG The Total Performance Pony Car [2019]. Richard Kopec ["Rick" designs The Shelby American], co-author of this Book, has also written several: Shelby American Guide - A Developmental and Technical History of all the Cars from Shelby American 1962-1970 [1979 and Revised Second Edition 1982], Shelby American World Registry [1987], SHELBY COBRA The Snake That Conquered the World [2015]. So, this is the "why" 60 Years marks a "Fest Schrift" (German), a "festive celebration", a Big Step (proudly noting the contribution of SAAC) as the continuing Legacy of Carroll Shelby both as a Driver since 1949, winning Le Mans as the first American in 1959, and continuing to develop cars.

Mr. Comers mission should he accept it, was to write another book on Carroll Shelby. This topic has been exhaustively covered over the 60 years. His mission was to cover the topic but yet make it interesting to both the first time Shelby buyer annd also the veteran Shelby fan. Hence mission impossible. But wait! He was able to pull it off in a spectacular fashion. This latest Shelby book is an easy breezy read and yet unearths fresh information and photos and also thanks to Rick Kopec finally covers SAAC the single best car club in automotive history which keeps the value and history of these cars up to date.

once I received one that didn't have the corners smashed it's an interesting book but over priced for what it is

alles bestens, gerne wieder

As a long time Shelby enthusiast I find this an interesting addition to my collection of Shelby 'stuff'!

A mi novio le encantó su regalo! Esta muy padre el libro

I have a number of books on AC, Shelby and the Cobra. This is a great one, with quite a few photos I had not seen before and a very interesting chapter on the people involved. Nicely written by people who know their stuff. Large format with both in-period and contemporary photos to drool over! Recommended.