CARROLL SHELBY HONORED WITH A SURPRISE BIRTHDAY PARTY DURING BARRETT-JACKSON’S 2008 OPENING NIGHT GALA
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – January 15, 2008 – Automotive icon Carroll Shelby was honored by Barrett-Jackson officials during last night’s Opening Night Gala at WestWorld in Scottsdale, Ariz. The celebration honored Mr. Shelby’s 85th birthday where he was presented with a cake in the shape of the new Barrett-Jackson Ford Shelby GT as well as a rousing song of “Happy Birthday.”
“We were honored to have Carroll as our special guest during our Monday Night Gala,” said Craig Jackson, Chairman/CEO of the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company. “With his legendary muscle cars and his warm heart, Carroll reaches across many demographics of design and performance enthusiasts. We wish Carroll a happy birthday and look forward hosting his 90th birthday party.”
Barrett-Jackson reps in attendance for the birthday celebration included Craig Jackson, Steve Davis, Gary Bennett and Ritchie Fliegler. Robert Parker, car marketing manager for Ford division was also present and extended his appreciation for the long time partnership between the two companies. In addition to Carroll Shelby and his wife, Cleo, Shelby Automobiles was represented by Amy Boylan, president of Shelby Automobiles, Jim Owens, vice president of marketing and Gary Patterson, vice president of manufacturing.
“The doctors told me I was supposed to be horizontal right now,” Mr. Shelby noted. “But, I’m still moving and will fight to be here for my 90th birthday. I’m pleased to have worked so long with the Barrett-Jackson team. They are such great friends. And of course, we wouldn’t be where we are if it weren’t for our great partnership with Ford Motor Company.”
About The Barrett-Jackson Auction Company
Established in 1971 and headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Barrett-Jackson specializes in providing products and services to classic and collector car owners, astute collectors and automotive enthusiasts around the world. The company produces the “World’s Greatest Collector Car Events™” in Scottsdale, Palm Beach, Fla. and Las Vegas. For more information about Barrett-Jackson, visit www.barrett-jackson.com or call (480) 421-6694.
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