Tom McIntyre interview: How he made Shelby-American's nameplates

[427heaven]

I have told this story many times and I will tell one more time because the timing is appropriate. In the mid 1970s there was a track event at Ontario motor speedway and was invited to go along. Tom MC and Lynn P were discussing the open track event like who was going in whos car. Tom asked me if I wanted to go for a putt! I said sure and asked my Dad if I could go and got the green light. Little did my Dad know it was an open track event and Tom loves to stand on the gas. I sat in that Silver COBRA so many decades ago which lit my interest in all thing SHELBY! As I slid in I realized there is not much room except for 2 people and thats all. He had a huge telephoto lens attached to a camera sitting on the passenger seat and said here hold it and dont let it get away from you. I figured sure no big deal and tightened the belts, as we entered the track he stood on it and the car was completely sideways and his camera almost exited the car, I thought HOLY SHIT I almost lost his camera and he just said dont let it get away from you! The sound of those side pipes emanating from that 427- bouncing off the wall and the blur of passing cars like they were tied to a tree stump was automotive nirvana. I asked how fast were we going when we got back and he said probably 160-170 ish and my dad turned green Thanks for the memories Tom that was one of those moments that would last a life time!!!

[FL SAAC]

I have told this story many times and I will tell one more time because the timing is appropriate. In the mid 1970s there was a track event at Ontario motor speedway and was invited to go along. Tom MC and Lynn P were discussing the open track event like who was going in whos car. Tom asked me if I wanted to go for a putt! I said sure and asked my Dad if I could go and got the green light. Little did my Dad know it was an open track event and Tom loves to stand on the gas. I sat in that Silver COBRA so many decades ago which lit my interest in all thing SHELBY! As I slid in I realized there is not much room except for 2 people and thats all. He had a huge telephoto lens attached to a camera sitting on the passenger seat and said here hold it and dont let it get away from you. I figured sure no big deal and tightened the belts, as we entered the track he stood on it and the car was completely sideways and his camera almost exited the car, I thought HOLY SHIT I almost lost his camera and he just said dont let it get away from you! The sound of those side pipes emanating from that 427- bouncing off the wall and the blur of passing cars like they were tied to a tree stump was automotive nirvana. I asked how fast were we going when we got back and he said probably 160-170 ish and my dad turned green Thanks for the memories Tom that was one of those moments that would last a life time!!!

Bravo for your experience and bravo on his driving

[69mach351w]

Can't really find the words...
This is so Amazing and I'll reiterate what some has posted, what a superb Gentleman, like he said, "Being a product of the 60's as was the Cobra", and young Tom saved his money and bought his dream Cobra as he was actually producing name badges/plates for the very cars he Loved!! 

As a Machinist by trade and a Tool & Die College graduate,  I can "Totally" relate to Tom and his love for his business. A person does have a Great feeling when you produce things you can actually touch on vehicles of the period.  I didn't produce vehicle parts, but did make Submarine parts and Carrier parts that I actually got to see, feel and see function in person.

The Video is one of the best I've seen lately about a Man and his Dream of owning a Cobra and producing parts for that Cobra

[JD]

Great stuff, nice guy!

Wait until Anthony see's this!!

[Road Reptile]

Hi to everyone that reads and comments here....
This is really really AMAZING!!.We are so lucky to have people like this still here with good memories of how much fun the 1960's stuff was and still is for many of us.
Many THANKS for sharing/posting.
Regards R.R.   AKA Anthony   J.D.  I will call you soon...

[FL SAAC]

great video great information
Thanks for posting