Founding Member of SAAC, Rick Kopec Steps Down

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Media Contact

Shelby American Automotive Club

37 Warehouse Point Road
, Wallingford, CT 06492

Email: info@saac.com

 

April 16, 2025

SHELBY AMERICAN AUTOMOBILE CLUB FOUNDING MEMBER RICK KOPEC STEPS AWAY AFTER 50 YEARS OF SERVICE

WALLINGFORD, CT – After 50 years of service to the Shelby American Automobile Club, SAAC today announced that founding father Rick Kopec has stepped down from his position effective immediately. Kopec has served as Director Emeritus since 2010 and Editor of SAAC’s quarterly magazine “The Shelby American.”

Kopec was one of the founders of SAAC in 1975. His contributions to the club are unmatched and helped pave the way for future generations of Shelby owners. His interest in the history of Carroll Shelby’s cars served as the foundation of the SAAC Registries, which have been published since 1982. The Registries, compiled and maintained by the SAAC Registrars, are the definitive history and authenticity of the cars of Shelby American. Rick has been a close friend to many in SAAC and

while he will be missed, his countless contributions will never be forgotten.

“After 50 incredible years of unwavering dedication Rick served an integral role in defining the club” stated David Maffucci, SAAC board member. “Rick’s enthusiasm for Shelby American cars and our club helped bring together thousands of those who share the same passion.”, Maffucci concluded.

For media inquiries, please contact: info@saac.com

Stainless Steel Door Lock Grommets for Mustangs and other Fords

Stainless Steel Door Lock Grommets Ford Mustang
©Virginia Classic Mustang Inc

 Replace those plastic door lock grommets on your Mustang, Ford, Mercury, or even Ford Truck with these felt lined stainless steel grommets.

Sold as a pair.

Click here to order.

Just the Details...1965 Shelby GT350 Mustang Restoration

 

1965 Shelby GT350 Mustang Restoration
Overspray patterns with correct colors.

I am super excited to bring you some images showing the restoration of 1965 GT350 Mustang (Shelby) SFM5S375.

In the past, I have featured tons of restoration photos showcasing the work of Jeremy Turner from Maple Hill Restoration. More are posted here, but the best thing about this car is that it's Jeremy's own personal GT350.

Usually the guy who does great restoration work does not have time to work on his own car, but here it is! I'm looking forward to sharing more pictures of this restoration.

These particular photos show the car in the "painting stages." The colors and overspray patterns have been painstakingly reproduced in a way often not seen. By that I'm not only talking about the high quality of the work, but the fact that all of this was based on what was originally applied to this particular car. None of the colors or methods were copied from another restoration.

Many of these photos show the colors, overspray patterns, and a few unique GT350 Shelby features like the detail of the spare tire hold down, axle bumper brackets, and cut out in the dash for the tach and oil pressure gauges.

You may want to take time to read the caption under each image as well.

Again, be sure to subscribe to our Blog so you don't miss any posts as this restoration progresses. There is a lot more to come!

1965 Shelby GT350 Mustang Restoration
Darker red sealer on the front area than found on the floors.

1965 Shelby GT350 Mustang Restoration
Painstakingly reproduced colors and overspray pattens.

1965 Shelby GT350 Mustang Restoration
Colors and patterns matched exactly as found and researched on this particular Shelby.

1965 Shelby GT350 Mustang Restoration
Colors and patterns matched exactly as found and researched on this particular Shelby.

1965 Shelby GT350 Mustang Restoration
Colors and patterns matched exactly on the floors.

1965 Shelby GT350 Mustang Restoration
Just more amazing detail.

1965 Shelby GT350 Mustang Restoration
This hole was used to hold down the body on the assembly line. The area around the hole did not get paint.

1965 Shelby GT350 Mustang Restoration
This image shows the underside where the spare hold down was welded to the floor for unique mounting of the spare wheel and tire on the rear package tray.

1965 Shelby GT350 Mustang Restoration
The axle bumper bracket was moved on the Shelbys that were equipped with the over ride traction bars.

1965 Shelby GT350 Mustang Restoration
The axle bumper bracket was moved on the Shelbys that were equipped with the over ride traction bars.

1965 Shelby GT350 Mustang Restoration
More incredible floor detail on this car.

1965 Shelby GT350 Mustang Restoration
More incredible floor detail on this car.

1965 Shelby GT350 Mustang Restoration
Rear frame rail area and rear parking brake cable "tunnel."

1965 Shelby GT350 Mustang Restoration
Front Fender is painted.

1965 Shelby GT350 Mustang Restoration
Interior mounting bracket for the override traction bar.

1965 Shelby GT350 Mustang Restoration
Outside body is painted.

1965 Shelby GT350 Mustang Restoration
Cool shot showing how Shelby American cut the dash for the oil pressure gauge and tach that were installed on these Shelby Mustangs.

1965 1966 Mustang Flowmaster Exhaust Systems

 

1965 1966 Mustang Flowmaster Dual Exhaust System
©Virginia Classic Mustang Inc

Don't miss the new low price on this 1965 and 1966 Mustang Dual Exhaust System with Flowmaster mufflers.

This is not the universal style system that is normally advertised on the market.

This system is made to work with the original exhaust hangers for a great fit. Brackets are already welded on the mufflers like they were done originally.

Designed to work with turn down style tailpipes or Mustang GT exhaust trumpets.

2 inch size, like original, again allows for a great fit.

Aluminized pipe.

USA made.

Click here to order and check out the new low price.

30% Off Coupon for Mustang Exhaust

 

30% Off Discount Coupon for Selected Mustang Exhaust Systems, H Pipes, Y Pipes, and Mufflers.

Expires March 23, 2025.

Click Here to Learn More:

https://mailchi.mp/vamustang/newsletter4_7_19-8374451

65-68 Mustang Convertible Top Weatherstrip Kit

 

65-68 Mustang Convertible Top Weatherstrip Kit

Get ready for Spring with our Mustang Convertible Top Weatherstrip Kit.

Includes the convertible top header, side and back pieces for the entire top frame on you Classic Mustang.

This is easily the absolutely best version on the market. Exceptional quality and a reasonable price.

Click here to order.

1967 and 1968 Mustang Radio Bracket for Factory Console

 

1967 and 1968 Mustang Radio Bracket for Factory Console

We have these back in stock!!

If you have a 1967 or 1968 Mustang with a factory console (or you are adding a factory console), you know how difficult it is to find the correct bracket for the radio.

We now have these 67-68 Mustang Radio Brackets for factory consoles in stock.

They are super quality pieces, and they are Made in the USA!!

Click here to order.

289 Hipo Fans are Back in Stock!

 

Many years ago, a very nice reproduction of the fan for 289 HiPo Mustangs was reproduced. Well, it is back again! We were able to get a few and now have them in stock.

As mentioned, it is a very nice reproduction with nice detail and correct looking rivets. It is very reasonably priced, especially considering some of the prices for used original fans that I have seen lately. These original High Performance Mustang fans seem to be getting harder and harder to find.

Order part number EG208.