Gary Thomas Car Collection – Inside his Cool Garage with Rare Mustangs And Shelby Cobras
It’s one of the world’s most comprehensive private Ford collections.
What brand would you choose if you had the opportunity to create your own one-of-a-kind collection? Gary Thomas chose Ford as his vehicle of choice. Not only that, but he focuses on high-performance models from the past, as well as a few from recent years. Thomas’ collection is been dubbed “one of, if not the best Shelby automobile collection in the world” by the Petersen Automotive Museum.
Because Thomas’ collection of Ford and Shelby models is so large, Petersen had to break it down into three parts. These videos are worth seeing if you have approximately 40 minutes to spare today. And don’t get the wrong idea: it’s not all about Mustangs. This movie also includes a diverse range of other fast Fords. However, the full collection is not shown, which is due to the fact that Thomas owns roughly 200 cars.
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How Long did it take Thomas to build this Massive Car Collection
According to Thomas, amassing all of the cars has now taken him around 40 years. In his warehouse, the Texan has a lot of spare parts nicely organized, as well as other Ford-related artifacts. Not only that but several of the automobiles have interesting backstories. A black 1968 Shelby GT500KR is one of those cars with a fascinating backstory.
The GT500KR is a rare car, but Thomas’ example is much more so thanks to three autographs. Carroll Shelby, Lee Iacocca, and Chuck Cantwell contributed these. The Shelby mystique, the GT350, and the Mustang would not exist if it weren’t for those three individuals. It’s one of the most valuable cars in the collection because of the huge names on it.
But, in addition to the Shelbys and Mustangs, Thomas praised his black Sunbeam Tiger. The British roadster is a dramatic contrast to the other cars in the lineup, yet there is a link between the Blue Oval and Carroll Shelby. Shelby fitted a Ford 260 cubic inch (4.3-liter) V8 in a Sunbeam Alpine, and the Tiger was designed in part with Shelby. Shelby then installed a V8 engine in the AC Ace, and the rest is history.
From 1932 until the 1950s, Thomas has a large assortment of Ford vehicles. Along with normal versions of the car, there are street rod versions of the ’32 Fords. He also possesses many 1939 Ford, a 1942 Tractor, and early 1990s SVT versions.
Gary Thomas Rare Car Collection
Mecum Auctions is hosting this event. Gary Thomas’ collection is amazing and huge, yet he never saw these automobiles as investments. Each one has a unique narrative to tell, as well as a distinct role to play within the group. Today’s affection and fascination are as real as it was when I was a kid. He also doesn’t consider himself an “owner,” preferring to think of himself as a “caretaker.” These cars, in his humble opinion, are historical works of art that he does not own, and knowing that they will change hands, going to fresh and eager bidders, will make it easier for him to part with them. Mecum Auctions Kissimmee 2022 will showcase vehicles from the Gary Thomas Collection on Friday, January 14.
Mecum Kissimmee 2022 will include an estimated 3,500 vehicles, daily Road Art selections, the Mecum Midway featuring food, exhibitors, live entertainment acts, the Dodge Thrill Ride, and, of course, the never-ending high-energy Mecum auction activity. With Mecum’s premiere on MotorTrend+ and MotorTrend TV, Kissimmee 2022 will also mark the start of multi-year cooperation between Mecum Auctions and MotorTrend Group. Visit Mecum.com for more information about Mecum Kissimmee 2022 and all other Mecum auctions.
2020 Ford Shelby GT500, 7 Miles, Carbon Fiber Track Pack
2019 Ford GT, 12 Miles, Special-Order Race Red
1969 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Fastback, 302/290 HP, 4-Speed
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1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429 Fastback, KK No. 1893, 429/375 HP, 4-Speed
1969 Shelby GT500 Fastback, 428 Cobra Jet, Automatic
1967 Shelby GT350 Fastback, Shelby No. 02221, 289 CI, 4-Speed
