For the first time, the Original Venice Crew brought together the men and machines who forged the 1960s Shelby American legend for a special presentation in its Gardena, California, facility. At the event, drivers, mechanics, engine builders, fabricators and race team members told their stories standing next to five of the most iconic Shelby American competition and street cars in history.
“We’re hosting a celebration like none other,” said Jim Marietta, CEO of the Original Venice Crew. “Some events have featured the cars without the people who worked on and built these cars, while others have invited some drivers and fabricators but not the cars. For the first time, the machines and men will share the stage to tell the unique story of Shelby American in the 1960s. We’ve planned a special afternoon to celebrate the tenacity, ambition and spirit of competition embodied by these people and cars.”
Through the generosity of the Larry H. Miller family, P/1015, the car driven by Ken Miles in many races including Le Mans in 1966, was displayed at the show. Next to it will be CSX2299, the 1964 Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe driven by Bob Bondurant and Dan Gurney to victory at Le Mans in 1964.
A Day of Shelby Nostalgia
In the morning, the LA Shelby American Automobile Club hosted its annual Tony Sousa car show at the Gardena location. That afternoon, the former employees enjoyed a reunion inside the OVC shop followed by a panel hosted by LA SAAC about the 1966 Le Mans race.
Hosted by OVC, the presentations were emceed by LA Shelby American Automobile Club President Randy Richardson and Rick Titus, son of Shelby driver Jerry Titus. Other attendees included World Champion driver Bob Bondurant, Peter Miles (son of driver Ken Miles), Jim Marietta, Ted Sutton, Jim O’Leary, Charlie Agapiou, Kerry Agapiou, Jim O’Leary and Mike Donovan. They were matched for commentary with the following cars:
- The first competition model Ford Shelby GT350 (SFM5R002) – Peter Miles, Jim Marietta, Ted Sutton and Jim O’Leary
- 1964 Le Mans Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe (CSX2299) – Peter Miles, Ted Sutton and Charlie Agapiou
- 1966 Le Mans GT40 (P/1015)- Peter Miles, Charles Agapiou, Kerry Agapiou, Jim O’Leary and Mike Donovan
- 289 small-block Shelby Cobra roadster – Charles Agapiou, Kerry Agapiou and Mike Donovan
- 427 big-block Shelby Cobra roadster – Ted Sutton and Mike Donovan
The iconic Shelby name and brand has continued to inspire a wide variety of vehicle creations and give back to the industry.