Just hours ago we were treated to a special reveal of the soon-to-be-available 2011 Shelby GT350 at the Barrett-Jackson Gala. Little did you know as you entered “the big tent” that you were going to see more history being unveiled. But this was a clue:

The first display you see when you enter the tent is the FORD display. Magnificent as it is each year, this year was all the more meaningful as you realize this is the only real American car company (I define real as one where capitalism, not statism is at work). Right past that is the paltry Chrysler exhibit of a few cars and trucks (by few I mean I can count them on one hand if I had six fingers on that hand). I went with my wife, Shelli, and our oldest son, Robert, and his wife, Heather. We tried to get the ladies past the “shopping mall,” (or was that me trying to get my son past the sports paraphernalia) and at last were entering the gala. Craig Jackson gave his welcome, Rick Titus got up and spoke about his enjoyment of life, then Carroll, dressed in black and talking about this perhaps being his last car he’d be involved with (to which he quickly added, “Of course, I’ve been thinking that for the last 45 years”).

After Carroll sat down to watch the revelation (the Shelby had been draped by a white car cover with “over the roof” stripes), Amy Boylan, Shelby American’s president spoke. She stated “The 2011 GT350 balances heritage with modern necessity.” My reply: “Understatement.”

Now, I’m a pretty low-key guy. My wife and son are the expressive ones. But these guys and gals at Shelby and Ford create some FANTASTIC stuff. I’ve restored a lot of 60’s Fords. I still find them exciting cars. But, folks, the good old days are today! I’ve owned my late model GT convertible for years and I still think about the enjoyment of driving it every day. Most cars are fun at first, then they just become transportation. Mustangs and Shelbys remain driving excitement. The teams at Ford and Shelby keep making it happen.

I didn’t get to drive the beast. I don’t think anyone did, but sitting in it, you can pretend:

Now, I vote that this be the next cover of the Shelby magazine (but, I’m biased).

All of these limited models are going to be manual transmission, white models with blue over the top stripes (remind you of anything), but with a back seat!

It’s cool when your son is explaining how exciting it was for him to have another Shelby roll into the dealership (he worked at Pioneer Ford for awhile). He said he looks forward to telling those stories to his son. Life is funny. I dreamed of being able to be in a Ford dealership when the Shelbys were new. Trouble is, I was only eight when the first one appeared. But its my son, Rob, who has that memory.

I spoke with Gary Patterson, who explained this all-aluminum motored car will have 6 pounds of boost. I watched as he talked with interested people about the car. You can see the enthusiasm is great. Of course, that’s because the Shelby team knows they’ve done a great job. Someone confided in me that we’re looking at around 540 HP. Take a look under the hood:

As Gary Patterson revs the Shelby up, listen:

Don’t set off the passenger airbag. Carroll said as long as he’s around, he plans on personally driving each one and then putting his signature on the passenger airbag cover. Wouldn’t want to destroy history!

Let’s party!

Go to www.gt350.shelbyamerican.com for more info.