On Sat Jan 7 I took delivery of a Blue/White 2006 #0375 from Shelby. Was among the best days of my life.
On Wed Jan 18th I decided to drive the GT to work so I could have the Lincoln dealer near my office program a new key to the car during my lunch hour. A cold morning (about 40deg) OEM Goodyear tires, a new an inexperienced GT driver and 700HP mixed up a nearly fatal cocktail. I turned right onto FM 1960, was already in 2nd gear and began rolling into the throttle. Not that hard, or so I thought at the time. The rear end continued to come around and resulted in oversteer. Car sheared off a telephone pole. a small tree and hit parked van. Houston Fire and Rescue had to cut me out of the car with the jaws of life but amazingly I was fine but for some brusing and a pretty good gash on my ankle. Car was destroyed, saved my life in the process, I walked away. Was among the worst days of my life.
I spoke with Shelby later that same day. Words of advice and experience in these situations were both helpful and uplifting. I knew by the end of the day that I had to get through this, settle the insurance mess and get back into the car I had saved for 10 yrs to buy.
Over the next few weeks, State Farm and I had numerous discussions, Shelby sent information and advice, lots of documents changed hands but in the end SF setteled for a fair price that will allow me to purchase another GT.
Yesterday I finally recieved the Texas title for 0375 and exchanged it for a check from State Farm setteling the claim. Decided today was a good time to tell the story.
A new GT is in the works, Shelby working to get her ready. A great deal that helped make the insurance settlement work in spite of paying taxes on two cars, and outfitting the car with a few details to make it mine. Including a new set of Bridgestones. And starting with the stock 550HP this time along with a whole lot more respect for the differences a rear engine car brings. Hope to have her home late next week. Look forward to posting pics of the delivery day.
I really don't see the need to post photos of the wreck. Its bad, the frame is obviously twisted and not a single straight body panel. The interior was undamaged for the most part as the safety cage held. Truly a great loss of a beautiful car.
I wanted to get the story out there and let folks know what a great asset to this community Shelby Smith is. I think, with his help, I am going to get through this. Light at the end of this tunnel so to speak.
On Wed Jan 18th I decided to drive the GT to work so I could have the Lincoln dealer near my office program a new key to the car during my lunch hour. A cold morning (about 40deg) OEM Goodyear tires, a new an inexperienced GT driver and 700HP mixed up a nearly fatal cocktail. I turned right onto FM 1960, was already in 2nd gear and began rolling into the throttle. Not that hard, or so I thought at the time. The rear end continued to come around and resulted in oversteer. Car sheared off a telephone pole. a small tree and hit parked van. Houston Fire and Rescue had to cut me out of the car with the jaws of life but amazingly I was fine but for some brusing and a pretty good gash on my ankle. Car was destroyed, saved my life in the process, I walked away. Was among the worst days of my life.
I spoke with Shelby later that same day. Words of advice and experience in these situations were both helpful and uplifting. I knew by the end of the day that I had to get through this, settle the insurance mess and get back into the car I had saved for 10 yrs to buy.
Over the next few weeks, State Farm and I had numerous discussions, Shelby sent information and advice, lots of documents changed hands but in the end SF setteled for a fair price that will allow me to purchase another GT.
Yesterday I finally recieved the Texas title for 0375 and exchanged it for a check from State Farm setteling the claim. Decided today was a good time to tell the story.
A new GT is in the works, Shelby working to get her ready. A great deal that helped make the insurance settlement work in spite of paying taxes on two cars, and outfitting the car with a few details to make it mine. Including a new set of Bridgestones. And starting with the stock 550HP this time along with a whole lot more respect for the differences a rear engine car brings. Hope to have her home late next week. Look forward to posting pics of the delivery day.
I really don't see the need to post photos of the wreck. Its bad, the frame is obviously twisted and not a single straight body panel. The interior was undamaged for the most part as the safety cage held. Truly a great loss of a beautiful car.
I wanted to get the story out there and let folks know what a great asset to this community Shelby Smith is. I think, with his help, I am going to get through this. Light at the end of this tunnel so to speak.
