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.