SHELBY G.T.500E CONVERTIBLE SOLD
FOR $550,800
The first stock appearing version of the 1968 Shelby G.T.500E
convertible sold for a world record $550,800 during the
3rd Annual Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach Collector Car Auction
on April 2, 2005 at the South Florida Expo Center in Palm
Beach, FL. After a spirited battle, the winning bidder captured
the only Shelby G.T.500E convertible in the world, with
a portion of the sale benefiting the Carroll Shelby Children's
Foundation.
Built by Unique Performance for Carroll Shelby, the G.T.500E
convertible is the latest Shelby continuation car. It features
a 525 hp aluminum small block with fuel injection, five-speed
Tremec transmission and a Unique Performance Parts rear
suspension upgrade. This vehicle is the first documented
Shelby G.T.500E convertible, giving the new owner a rare
opportunity to snag an original piece of automotive history.
Racer Mike Ashley has a Pro Mod version of the G.T. 500E.
Wonder what the Pro Mod version would bring at auction?
(photo by Roger Richards)
[4-6-2005]
PADIAN JOINS NHRA
Michael Padian has been hired as a media relations manager
for the NHRA. Padian spent nearly a decade as a sports writer
and editor at daily newspapers in Maryland and Connecticut.
During that time, he covered a variety of sports, including
NASCAR and IRL, and was responsible for coverage of University
of Connecticut men's basketball. Padian received a bachelor's
degree in journalism with an emphasis in public relations
from the University of Maryland. A native of Torrance, Calif.,
he recently relocated back to the West Coast.
In his new position, Padian will provide media relations
for the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series, as well as support
other NHRA communications programs and NHRA racing series.
In addition, he will assist with research and statistical
projects, maintain relationships with national media outlets
and contribute to all NHRA Communications Dept. publications.
The Agent hopes that having a former member of the working
press on staff will give NHRA a better idea of what "media
relations" should really mean. [4-6-2005]
