Shelby Sacks SAAC

After 32 years, Carroll Shelby no longer officially recognizes SAAC

by Colin Comer

In my May 2007 column (p. 60), I wrote about the 32-year relationship between automotive icon Carroll Shelby and the Shelby American Automobile Club (SAAC).

I said then that SAAC is the best friend that Shelby ever had; it has steadfastly preserved the legacy of Shelby American and made Ol’ Shel a celebrity in the process.

To recap the history of SAAC briefly: In 1975, there was no Shelby American to go to for expertise or advice. Shelby as a manufacturer was gone, and the factory a distant memory. Even the newest Shelby was a five-year-old used car. So a handful of owners formed SAAC, which was dedicated to the preservation, history, care, and enjoyment of Shelby automobiles.

The history of Cobras and Shelby Mustangs became very important to SAAC. The club and its members tirelessly gathered information on every car and every owner they...