If you have Speed Channel on your cable or satellite system you may have seen one or more of the "Victory by Design" programs. These are hourlong shows devoted to the history of a particular marque, with longtime racer Alain de Cadenet driving and discussing historically significant models. So far they have done shows on Ferrari, Maserati, Aston Martin, Jaguar, Porsche, and Alfa Romeo. In the Jaguar program, for instance, de Cadenet drives multiple examples of everything from XK120's, C-types, D-types, E-types, the Lister-Jag Le Mans Coupe, and on up to the Le Mans-winning Group C prototype of a few years ago. He drives them at speed, the camera work is impressive, and he discusses the history of each car and each line of cars along the way. They're good shows.
Additionally, each program has an extended version available on their website (
www.victorybydesign.com) for $24.95, with around 20 minutes of additonal footage each. I've bought several of them and they're worth the money, with Dolby 5.1 sound which is awesome through a home theater system.
Anyhow, I think it's time they did a show on Shelby's creations. Whether they confined it to Cobras, or included Shelby Mustangs, Tigers, maybe some GT40s, it would be great. There are many, many cars I can think of that would merit inclusion. Some obvious ones are the first 260 Cobra (still in Shelby's possession), the Flip Top, Dick Smith's 427, a Daytona or two, and the Super Coupe. I'd also love to see the cars of some of our members here, i.e., Cal Metal and Jim Maxwell, etc. included. Heck, they could do the entire show in one stop by going to the Shelby American Collection in Colorado.
Regardless, if you'd like to see such a program please e-mail the VBD guys at
victorybydesign@speedfc.com
and let Alain de Cadenet know there is a market for such a show. I've done so along with CC member Wahoo but speak up if you want to see it!
Bob