SAAC Forum

Hey Guys,

I just learned from a Facebook post from Tony Jr that Tony Branda has passed earlier today.

Tough to sum up Tony's importance to the Shelby world at large. It goes without saying that he had an absolutely massive influence on the hobby and he will be missed by all.

Here's to Tony and his family is surely in all our thoughts and prayers.

Kind regards,
Vern

Condolences to the Branda family, Thanks for keeping the cars going Tony!

(When I got the Shelby I had back in 1994 the first parts I got for it were from Tony)

My thoughts and prayers are with the Branda family during this difficult time.

So sorry to hear the news. His family will be in our thoughts and prayers in this time of need.

Tony was a giant in our Shelby community. He was my first exposure to the Shelby community when i started buying parts from him in the later 70's. Tony's contribution to our effort of enjoying and preserving the Shelby heritage will be sorely missed.  He was a long time friend of mine and many others so he will be sorely missed. I and others had been following his health since April when he didn't show up at spring Columbus swap(a first). I and others were afraid we wouldn't have him long as he missed the Carlisle show also. His son was up beat every time I asked about his dad.  I was pleasantly surprised and fortunate to be able to spend some quality time with Tony when I chauffeured him around the recent SAAC convention on Friday in a borrowed golf cart . He was in great spirits as we talked shop while driving the convention looking at sights. That is the way I always want to remember him. My condolences to his family and friends. 

My condolences to his family and friends.
Tony you will be remembered

Thats terrible. Best to the family. He always treated us well. A great asset to the hobby, will be missed.

Prayers and thoughts to the family. 

A massive loss. Tony was always helpful and great with me and my car. Thoughts and prayers

So very sorry to hear the news of Tony's passing. I remember when he opened his first business location on Pleasant Valley Blvd in Altoona. Bought my first Shelby from him back in the seventies. He will be missed. Denny

Back before the Internet, having a Branda catalog was like having a Sears or Montgomery Ward toy catalog just before Christmas.  When I was restoring, he was a great source for many new and used parts.  Always visited his space at Carlisle and Charlotte.  In the Shelby community, he was quite a character...of which there are many!   

Condolences to the Branda family.
My moms family was from the Altoona area and I'd drop over to his store when we'd visit the area.  Nice family. 

Wow.  Huge loss.  Prayers for the family!

I will miss him.  He was a warm and welcoming personality who I would make a point of visiting when he was at SAAC Conventions.  I remember how he would travel with a big truck to East coast conventions back in the 80s and 90s.  For the West side, in the early years he would come cross country in a smaller vehicle.  In later years, he would just ship some boxes ahead and hope to not have to send anything back unsold to the shop.  A wonderful man and memory. 8)

Sorry to hear this news, RIP Tony.

Bought lots of parts for a previous 65 fastback ground up project with shelby parts

Loved his catalogs.

Darryll

   This is a HUGE loss for our community! Tony was solely responsible for  supplying MANY restoration parts we enjoy. His catalogs were chock full of otherwise unavailable parts. He will be sorely missed!
    My condolences to the entire Branda family.
       Randy Gillis

RIP Tony Sr, you were a HUGE part of the SAAC community and it was my pleasure to have known you for 35 years.

My condolences to his family and friends.
Tony was a true early pillar of Shelby automobiles.

He shared his knowledge, and built one of the most respected Shelby parts centers in the world.
He will be missed.
John
Motor car Investments

Condolences to the Branda family and RIP Tony Sr.

Quote from: NC TRACKRAT on August 14, 2019, 04:52:01 PM
Back before the Internet, having a Branda catalog was like having a Sears or Montgomery Ward toy catalog just before Christmas.

Those were my thoughts exactly.When I read the OP I actually went digging in my "archives" to find an old Branda catalog. Earliest I found was 1981 but I'm sure I've had older. From my perspective he was "the guy" that had the good stuff.

My condolences to his family.

Ted

Condolences to his family. He was a great guy.

Back in the mid 70's we had an SOA region here in Central PA. The SOA - Shelby Owner's Association - was the precursor to SAAC. The local mall was closed on Sundays (imagine that!) and the SCCA Region would periodically hold autocrosses in the parking lot. Various members of our SOA region would attend and/or participate and eventually we started having a gathering of Shelbys in connection with these events.

It was at one of these meets that I first met Tony - he had driven the roughly 100 miles from Altoona to Harrisburg to be there. I recall that he had set up a card table behind an old station wagon and was selling things like license plate frames, key chains and the like. These days we take such items for granted, but back then it was really cool stuff, as it was the first time many of us had a chance to get some trinkets to go with our car.

Tony built his business over the years, and I remember how we all thought he was crazy when he announced that he was going to make it into a full time enterprise. But he had the courage of his convictions, and his success is a testament to that.

For a long time the Branda family maintained an ice cream stand located next to Tony's parts store. Whenever I would visit on a car or parts deal, he would invite me to go over there with him and finish the day with a cool treat and some good conversation.

He was a good friend and business associate. I will remember him fondly and miss him greatly.

He will be missed. I've bought parts from him since the mid 70's.  When I sold all my Mustang and Shelby parts to him a few years ago, he insisted on sending me money as a good faith payment. He even sent Karl out to check a few of the parts, and help load them in pods, for the ride back to Pa. Our condolenses to all his family and employees. Ron & Cheryl McWilliams.

It was a joy to visit with Tony briefly at the recent convention.  Condolences to Tony II and the family.  Sad news, indeed.

My condolences to the Branda family.  Tony was a true Shelby/Mustang friend. 

Very sad news - I had no idea he was ill.

Several bits and pieces on my XR7-G from Tony Branda.

Carlisle will never be quite the same.

- Phillip

RIP Tony,
Started to do business with him in the late 70's and he was always very nice to deal with. Ordered stuff by letter after a quick
telephone call and enclosed a bank money order and the parts showed up in Sweden a few weeks later. The last part I bought from him was an original early 67 windshield water bag bracket.
Hopefully the family will continue the business for many years to come.
Texas Swede

Sad news indeed. Condolences to the Branda family. I first dealt with Tony 30 years ago, nice guy. He will be missed. RIP Tony

Rodney Harrold

Sorry to hear this sad news. I thought he was doing better. He was always nice to deal with.

Sad news to hear, always a pleasure to deal with and talk to. Prayers for the Branda family.

He was a good guy and will be very missed.

Met him at SAAC 3.....RIP Tony .... :'(

Tony was one of the best,..Always enjoyed see and talking with him, not only about cars and parts, but life in general.  All very sad day, I'll miss my friend. 

Tony was a friend, great businessman, and hard worker.
His passion will certainly be missed.
Hopefully his family will find peace.

I got my first parts from Tony 32 years ago for my 66 Fastback, a Cobra intake and valve covers.  I was 16 and that catalog that came with the parts was better than the parts themselves.  I lived in Colorado then and Just a few years ago moved to PA and one of my first stops was to Altoona to see the shop.  I was all smiles as you could imagine.  So much history and wealth of information and always willing to take the time to help me out and talk.  I will miss you,  Anthony If you read this my prayers are with you and your family!   Thanks for keeping things rolling.

Not a good day for us in the hobby.  One more knowledge base lost.  Tony was good with providing nos parts I bought from him here and there.  Rest in peace, sir.

RISP Tony, you will be missed.

My first "Branda Purchase" was in the very early 80's. No Shelby at that time, just a A-code coupe with headers, high stall converter and my desire to make it as much like a Shelby as I could on a non-existent budget.

I always thought he started the Pony car parts industry. There might have some before him, but he seemed to be the first player attempting to do it right.

My catalogs were well worn. As much a reference book as a parts source.

Prayers for his family.

Very sad news As stated he will be missed.  God speed Tony .  like a lot of you I met Tony in the late 70s I would drive to his place to buy parts 4.5 hours each way it was just fun to hang out and talk cars.  I can remember parting out a Shelby in the front lot of his store.
My condolences to the Branda Family .


Dominic

My condolences to the Branda family.  Tony was a great guy who was also great for the hobby. Most here have had dealings with Tony for many years, his generosity to all the Ford Clubs for suppling door prizes just for the asking. Yes he will be missed. Thanks for all the friendships.
Craig

RIP

Very sad news. Sincere condolences to Tony's family and friends. When I bought my 66 in 1987 the first parts I ever bought for it were from Tony about 2 days later.

Sad news indeed. Tony Branda and Bill Maier were the only people to source parts from in the 70's. Tony on the east coast, Bill on the west. Anything Bill didn't have Tony did (so it seemed to me).
Condolences to the Branda Family.

Earl J

For those of us that did not know Tony personally, here's a nice article from his local newspaper last year

http://www.altoonamirror.com/news/local-business/2018/12/passion-fuels-parts-business/

 Condolences to the Branda family. I first dealt with Tony 35 years ago. Great friend. Always a pleasure to talk to. Will be missed by all

Received a lot of my Mustang and Shelby 'learning' from Tony at many of the Super Ford swap meets. Tony had so many stories and he and John would harass each other. I would not have my yellow KR if Tony's offer had been accepted.

Rest In Peace Tony you will be missed. Our sincere Condolences to the Branda family

So sorry to hear this. I purchased many items from Tony thru the 40+ years of
owning my GT 350. He was always a gentleman and very kind.
Thoughts and prayers with his family.

  Same here.  Sorry to hear this.  He was always a nice person to do business with.

My condolences to the Branda family. I first met Tony  in the early 80s and he was easy to talk to and picked his brain on Shelbys. RIP Tony.  Gary

This is terrible new for the Shelby community.

My deep condolences go out to Tony's family and to all his friends who will miss him. 

Deeply sorry to hear this awful news.  My condolences to the Branda family. 

I feel fortunate to have seen Tony at the convention last month and talked with him and his wife for some time.  Having my own Shelby since 1976 I met Tony back in the '70s also and always stopped to talk with him at Carlisle and Shelby conventions along with purchasing parts from him.  Tony was so personable and generous with his time and knowledge.  I will truly miss him and sincere condolences to his wife and Tony Jr. who I have spent time with also.  To the entire Branda family I hope the good times are the memories that help you get through this loss.

Diana

I first me Tony at the Waterbury Show & Go in 1976 (or was that the Danbury Show & Go?) where I bought my first Shelby parts, a set of small block Cobra rocker covers for the 260 in my 64 1/2 Mustang.  He was selling out of the back of a Ford Station Wagon at that time.  Over the years he became a friend and he knew me by sight if not always by name.  I watched his business grow through the years until it became what it is today. I'd always look forward to stopping in to chat with him at Carlisle.  Our conversations covered many topics not just cars.

I will miss seeing and talking to you at the shows my friend.  I hope you are somewhere up above tearing down the highway in your Shelby.  My deepest sympathies to the entire Branda family.

He will indeed me missed. I was going through some boxes of books and I found an several early catalogs and even a Cobra Fiberglass products one.

I was 17 when I got my first catalog from Branda. 

My condolences to the Branda family. He had a profound influence in my youth for the love of Shelbys.

                                                                                                       -Keith

                                     

While a quick posting on FB when I first heard is something, It's a thread like this that really tells the story of Tony

Like so many others here, I met Tony way back in the 1980's when working on my 68. He was early in the parts game, stuck it out through the lean times, always a sponsor for my SAAC region's Fall event, and more. Anyone in the Shelby community knows Tony. His knowledge, helpfulness, a big hole will be left.

He even helped me on my FFR Cobra, as I wanted to add side scoops for rear brake cooling, and talking with him a few years ago  he had a great solution. Since he was molding Shelby Mustang Scoops, and had rejects, he sold me a pair L&R 69 pair of reject scoops very affordably. We talked about which pair would have the best look, and he delivered quick. So, loke so many of us, his parts are part of my car.

I hope his service and knowlege has been a mark yo live up to, and an inspiration for others.

Dan

I first saw the post on FB.  Was shocked and bummed to hear this.  I didn't know Tony was not in good health.
After all my years tinkering with old Stangs I finally had the chance to chat with Tony at Carlisle 2 years ago. 
I felt like I was chatting with royalty!
I hope Tony is at peace.  Prayers to his family. 

I Never got to meet Tony , but I have bought many of his products over the years with which I was completely satisfied. Tony was a lucky guy. His business allowed him to combine a love of the hobby along with interaction with his people. The accolades on this forum alone attests to a level of integrity reserved for only the best of the best.

sorry to hear about Tony's passing. RIP.
Thoughts and Prayers to his family.

Obviously its the love of the cars that bring us together but the friends we make over the years are the real prize.

Hanging out with the vendors so often at all the conventions, I got to meet Tony a lot of years ago. What a great person and a wonderful family. I am so glad I got a chance to say hello and shake his hand one more time at Pitt Race. Always a gentleman.

Thoughts to the family. He will be missed

Like many of you, I first got some parts from Tony over 30 years ago, and just bought another part last month that was hard to find.  Rest in peace Tony, our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.

So very sorry to hear the news!  I did not know Tony but I have a great deal of respect for a pioneer of this great hobby!

Condolences to the Branda family.

Condolences to the family.  Have bought a lot of items from him in the past, wish I would have got to know him after reading all the replies here.   :( :(

RIP Mr. Branda.  Our thoughts and prayers are with your Family during this time of sorrow.

I will do my best to support Tony's Legacy!

http://www.cobranda.com

I have known Tony since the early 80s seeing him at all the ford & carlisle & hershey meets. We would always talk about parts that needed to be made because back in 80s wrecked and rusty shelbys were being parted out because of the parts demand and only way to find parts back in the 80s was hemmings or swap meets. If it werent for people like Tony many shelbys would never have been completed. Tony had a great location between carlisle and hershey and all the ford swap meets in ohio and michigan etc. Tony would deliver parts to all swap meets so you could see them and save shipping problems and expenses. I have never heard of anybody having any problems with any parts orders from Tony Branda over the years. RIP & godspeed to Tony who without him many thousands of shelbys wouldnt have been back on the road. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family and workers.Lets hope Tony Jr. and crew can keep the Tony Branda Legacy going.

Quote from: Special Ed on August 22, 2019, 09:21:12 AM
I have known Tony since the early 80s seeing him at all the ford & carlisle & hershey meets. We would always talk about parts that needed to be made because back in 80s wrecked and rusty shelbys were being parted out because of the parts demand and only way to find parts back in the 80s was hemmings or swap meets. If it werent for people like Tony many shelbys would never have been completed. Tony had a great location between carlisle and hershey and all the ford swap meets in ohio and michigan etc. Tony would deliver parts to all swap meets so you could see them and save shipping problems and expenses. I have never heard of anybody having any problems with any parts orders from Tony Branda over the years. RIP & godspeed to Tony who without him many thousands of shelbys wouldnt have been back on the road. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family and workers.Lets hope Tony Jr. and crew can keep the Tony Branda Legacy going.

I agree 100% with your statement and I too have known Tony (since 1977 or so) - I have some great funny stories about Tony thru the years - I will be up in Roaring Spring with a client next week and will make it a priority to stop by Tony's store on my trip.

I bought my first Shelby in the spring of 1977, a 1968 GT500KR. After owning it about a month, I went to pick up my friend and give him a lift to school early one morning. His dad finished his coffee, walked out to the garage, got in his car as he would every morning, and backed into my Shelby as I had parked in the driveway behind his car. It crushed the headlight buckets and header panel. I remember being SO thankful that there was a supplier where I could get replacement parts -- Branda. I have no idea how many orders I phoned in to Branda over the years but every one was delivered quickly and accurately and any problems were quickly resolved. I would venture a guess that 99% of the '65-70 Shelby Mustangs today are wearing a Branda supplied part. God Speed Tony and thank you for helping me enjoy Shelbys for so many years.
Jeff