#8 - Tony Sousa Memorial Car Show - Shelby American Automotive Club
Tony Sousa's 19th Memorial Car Show was hosted September 14th, 2024 on an overcast Saturday at The Automotive Driving Museum in El Segundo, CA. The grey skies set the tone for this memorial, but we were in good spirits while surrounded by amazing cars and enthusiast.
Tony Sousa was a loved and proud member of the club. He was known for traveling to various parts of the United States in his GT350 and representing the Shelby/Mustang community. Specifically a member of the national Shelby American Automobile Club and The Secretary of the LA chapter. This visit to the 19th Memorial came from meeting Steve Lazarides during Car Week. Thanks for sharing about Tony Sousa, the Shelby American Automobile Club, and the invite.
I received an extra dose of appreciation for the ongoing history made by Carroll Shelby and the Mustang. The stories and knowledge carried on by the stewards is admirable. Chris went over his 1968 Shelby GT500 Fastback in Lime Gold, originally used as a dragster at the Lions Drag Strip in Long Beach, CA. He's owned it for a few years now and a de-tune was necessary to make it suitable for the streets. Linda gave great insight into the Shelby Series 1. The chassis no. 78 out of 249 (500 originally planned) will stick with me now. As will the 1999, single year they were in production. The supercharged version sold for an extra 35,000 USD back in 1999! An understandable choice for most to pass on this option and make due with the hefty 320 stock horsepower. After development, Carroll Shelby went to Ford for an engine and they wanted to brand the whole car. Carroll pivoted to Oldsmobile for an Aurora V8 to power these 2,650lb carbon fiber body beasts. This V8 fit behind the front axle to create a front-mid engine setup. This Series 1 is racing stripe-less, with 9,000 miles on the clock, and wears a lovely carbon fiber engine cover. Further shared history by Linda comes from the Carroll Shelby signature, with the underline and dashes through it. He began using the first dash after receiving a heart transplant in 1990. He began using the second dash after a successful kidney transplant, supplied by his son, in 1996. Thank you Linda and Hans Hermann for bringing this one.
Brian Demeules shared his fortune to acquire a 1969-73 Mustang 428 Mach 1 (pictured below) back in the day from a neighbor. It was a bit wrecked and he found it sitting in their backyard. It was the cliche story of a man who wanted to keep his car and a wife that told him get rid of it! Financial issues for the original owner would spark the opportunity for Brian to acquire and hold onto this 428 Mach 1. Without having more detail shots, please, take my word that it's looking good.
Big Thank You to everyone that organized this one and for continuing to honor an exceptional member of the car community in Tony Sousa. The ability to have this impact beyond the grave is aspirational.
