HOUSTON, TEXAS (April 20, 2009) – On May 2-3, 2009, the largest gathering of classic cars and wooden boats in the United States will be on display at the Lakewood Yacht Club in Seabrook, Texas, for the 14th Annual Keels & Wheels Concours d’Elegance. In honor of this year’s Event Grand Marshall, Carroll Shelby, a rare collection of Shelby vehicles will be on display. Below is a look at two of the Shelby GT’s featured at this year’s event.
1965 Shelby GT350 – The first 100 Shelbys were built specifically to race in B Production road racing in the SCAA. According to Shelby’s records, this car was actually the 24th car shipped out of the now famous Venice, California workshop. The very first of the Shelby vehicles like this one are often referred to as “double digit” cars, and are some of the most sought after Shelby’s ever made. This is one of the few early 1965 GT350 race cars that has not been fully restored, placing it in the “Survivors” class of collectible cars, and is often sought after for racing shows and events around the world.
1970 Shelby GT500 Convertible – According to Ford and Shelby records, this GT500 convertible is the last Shelby convertible produced. It was also the last production run to use the famous “Wimbledon White” color that Shelby used in 1965 when the Shelby Mustang was initially launched. In 1970, only 21 Drag Pack convertibles were made. Ten of those came in Wimbledon White with black interior, and this GT500 is the only one made that has the close ratio 4-speed transmission and the Drag pack option. Not long after this car was made, Shelby Mustangs ceased production up until very recently, when Shelby returned to Ford in 2005.
Keels & Wheels is an event for people of all ages and backgrounds. Proceeds for this year’s event go to Boys and Girls Harbor, whose mission it is to provide healthy, comprehensive care for children and families in crisis. Additional proceeds go to the educational efforts of Houston PBS/Channel 8.
For more information on this year’s event, please visit the brand new Keels & Wheels web site.