| What modifications do you have
to the car(s)? |
The Shelby is pretty much stock except for; a livelier
cam, petronix ignition, 69 Shelby wheels, hooker exhaust,
Stereo/CD and rear suspension mods.
The 2003 – Only minor modifications, K&N, Flowmaster
exhaust and a PRO 50 Shifter with MGW handle. |
| |
| What mods to you have planned for
the future? |
The Shelby: removing the power steering and changing
to manual steering to get rid of sloppiness and I want to
upgrade the rear brakes from drum to disc.
The 03: Smaller S/C pully, Diablo tuning, Eibach springs,
camber caster plates, 5 pt harness and chrome wheels. |
| |
| What was your original goal for
the car(s)? |
| Pleasure and Open track |
| |
| What is your present goal for car(s)? |
| Same |
| |
| What was your reason for buying
the car(s)? |
| After reading the Auto magazines about the new supercharged
Cobra, I really wanted one but also was curious about the
2005 body style. So I was hesitant about looking into one.
Karen ordered the car for me without my knowledge for my birthday
in the color I wanted – Sonic Blue. I took delivery
of it in Dec 2003 and we got 3 inches of snow the next day.
I was like a kid on Christmas morning with a new sled and
no snow. |
| |
| What other cars have you considered
buying? |
| None |
| |
| What are some of your Car / Driver
achievements? |
| I open track the Cobra at Watkins Glen and other SAAC events.
It’s a total blast.
I’ve drag raced the Cobra once. I ran consistent
13.1’s at 111 mph on street tires… I couldn’t
launch well to save my life. It was fun though – I
wanted to get in the 12s.
I bought the Shelby in 2000 – it was a total POS
– un-drivable but complete. I restored it with the
help of friends and many many dollars to professionals.
It was finished early in 2002.
The Shelby won second place at Carlisle in 2002.
Ford Mo Co. also used my car as an exhibit for a press
party in NYC prior to the annual auto show. They introduced
the 40th Anniv. Models and the 2005 Mustang concept cars
at the show. My car was one of six vintage stangs used by
Ford at the Hammerstein Ballroom. Ford footed the bill for
my family to stay in luxury in NYC for the event. It was
an awesome event with my car as the center of attention
– I loved it.
At the event, I met John Force, Parnelli Jones, John Colletti,
Nick Sheele (Fmr Pres. Of Ford) and the Mustang design team.
It was a totally cool event. |
| |
| Shout outs to people that helped
you achieve these goals? |
First I’d like to thank my wonderful wife Karen for
getting me the Cobra – it’s awesome. I am also
eternally grateful to her for allowing me to pursue the dream
of getting and restoring the Shelby. It was something I really
wanted to do and it cost significantly more than I expected.
Karen was great all throughout – fully understanding
the importance of it to me.
Thank You Dear !!
I’d also like to throw out a huge thanks out to Steve
Trevisan, a good friend and fellow Cobra and Shelby owner.
Steve spent countless hours in my cold and damp garage helping
me re-assemble that old car. I am especially grateful for
his assistance and patience during our three week ordeal
tracking down the starting problem. Once it started –
I was in heaven – If it weren’t for Steve that
car would still be sitting in the garage ½ done.
Thanks Steve !!
Finally, I’d like to thank all the great people of
the SSOTN. I’ve really enjoy the camaraderie and friendship.
The Lounge is a great place to get a laugh, vent, or simply
ask a stupid question (which I seem to do often). SSOTN,
you are simply the best!
|
| |
| What is your Best 1/4 time? |
13.1 – stupidly slow for that car. Idiot for a
driver.
Next time maybe I'll take
it down the track ;) - Matt |
| |
| Do you have any regrets along the
way? |
| Of course – too many to mention. Selecting JDM to
work on my 95 vert comes to mind. |
| |
| What was or is your favorite vehicle
to this day and why? |
| The Shelby – I now own a car that I thought I would
never have the opportunity to own. Its old, drinks gas like
a plane, handles like a toboggan but I still love it. |
| |
| What was your main reason was for
becoming a part of the internets first and best mustang club? |
| My good friend Rich Nagle introduced me to the SSOTN. I
came to the Fall Nats a few years back with Karen, met some
great people, did a few bodyshots and was hooked. Yeah,
we enjoyed that, thanks! -Matt This
by far is the best car club on the net. People sincerely
care about one another here. Of course we all jab one another
but in general, a great great group of people. I think everyone
needs to savor the friendships made here because true friends
are rare. |
| |
| What do you enjoy most about driving
your Cobra on the twisties? |
| The adrenaline rush of speed and chasing and passing someone
in front of you at high speed. For 30-40 minutes at a time
you’re living the French connection car chase (of course
without the El above you). At the end of your session, you
are physically and mentally drained. It’s a blast –
it’s the most fun you can have with your clothes on.
This is something I've
always wanted to do. -Matt |
| |
| What upcoming events in 2005 do
you plan on racing in if any? |
| I hope to make it to the Spring /Fall NATS this year. I
know every year I promise to make it but real life seems to
get in the way. The past few events always have come when
I have other non-car things planned. Bring on the booze for
more belly button drinking!!
I also plan on open track events at Watkins in June and
August plus other open track events that I can fit in. |
| |
Congrats to Jack O'Donnell for being the SSOTN Featured
Member for February 2005.
Interview conducted by : John
Paulson - Founder
Web Site Production: Matthew
DeCillis - Webmaster
