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Executive Vice President Of Operations Gary Davis To Retire From Shelby American

RichS

By RichS,
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RichS

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LAS VEGAS – September 15, 2014 – Shelby American, a wholly owned subsidiary of Carroll Shelby International Inc. (CSBI:PK), announced today that Gary Davis will retire from the company as executive vice president of operations. Mr. Davis, the longest tenured production and operations executive in the company’s 52 year history, has been instrumental in the delivery of every Shelby vehicle built over the past 16 years.

“For almost two decades, Gary Davis has been a key part of Shelby American,” said Joe Conway, CEO of Shelby American and Co-CEO of Carroll Shelby International. “Carroll always had a keen eye for talent, so he asked Gary to join Shelby American’s Cobra program in 1998. Gary’s capabilities propelled him into development and production of vehicles ranging from the Ford Shelby Hertz cars to the Shelby 1000. During his tenure, Gary worked closely with key partners like Ford Motor Company, as well as equipment suppliers to create our Shelby Performance Parts division. His fingerprints are on every facet of our business.”

Cut from the same cloth as Shelby legends Phil Remington and Bernie Kretzschmar, Davis is a genuine American hot rodder. It was while overseeing production, as well as research & development at Shelby American, that Davis was able to unleash his creative spirit.

“I’ve loved being part of Shelby American,” said Davis. “It was a privilege to work for Carroll Shelby. He gave me the opportunity to build some fantastic cars and meet many wonderful people. I’d like to thank everyone at Shelby American, especially Joe Conway and CFO Keith Belair for making my time so memorable.”

Davis’ responsibilities included overseeing all current Shelby vehicles production at the Las Vegas facility. He also managed production and management of the parts inventory and paint facility. In addition, Davis ran all research and development at the Las Vegas design center. However, one particular job he completed summarizes Davis’ versatility.

“We asked Gary to oversee the relocation to our new Las Vegas strip facility last year,” added Conway. “That was an immense responsibility. He rose to the challenge, managing a smooth move into a facility that will make Shelby American more flexible, effective and productive. While all of his accomplishments have been impressive, he merits special recognition for this particular job. Gary deserves to enjoy his retirement, but he will be sorely missed.”

Now eligible for retirement, Davis and his wife plan to travel the country in their motorhome.

“I want to visit all the places where enthusiasts have been enjoying their cars,” said Davis. “I look forward to seeing some of the cars that I helped build running around the track at Hallett or winning trophies at the MCA shows. Carroll always talked about the Daytona Speed Week and that will be near the top of the list. I look forward to seeing a lot of my Shelby connected friends at events around the country.”

A lifelong hot rodding fan from the Midwest, Gary fell in love with fast cars as a youth. He spent his high school years honing mechanical skills to compete at the local drag strip. As an adult, he worked for a variety of high of profile companies, learning to perfect production systems and manufacturing processes.

Davis has been responsible for production of all Shelby’s cars over the past few years, which have included:
• Continuation Shelby Cobras
• 2006 Shelby GT-H (Hertz) and 2007 Shelby GT-H convertible
• 2007 Shelby GT500 40th Anniversary car
• 2007 – 2008 Shelby GT
• 2007 – 2014 Shelby Super Snake
• 2005 – 2010 Terlingua Racing Team
• 2007 – 2009 Shelby Super Snake Prudhomme Edition
• 2008 – 2009 Shelby GT500KR
• 2011 – 2013 Shelby GT350
• 2010 – 2014 Shelby GT
• 2012 – 2014 Shelby Raptor
• 2012 – 2014 Shelby 1000
• 2013 – 2014 Shelby Focus ST

Mr. Davis’ last official day at Shelby American will be October 10, 2014. He plans to be available to assist his successor during the transition.

About Shelby American, Inc.
Shelby American manufactures and markets performance vehicles and related products. The company builds authentic continuation Cobras, including the 427 S/C, 289 FIA and 289 street car component vehicles. Shelby American offers the Shelby 1000, GT500 Super Snake, GT and GTS post-title packages for the 2005-2014 Ford Mustang, as well as the 2013-2014 Shelby Focus ST and 2012-2014 Ford Raptor. For more info, visit www.shelbyamerican.com.

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clark17357 Team Shelby Member

clark17357

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So, at the risk of asking the sensitive question, is this a retirement or further dismantling of the company? Gary was the real deal and touched all of us who drive his cars. We have seen how many such people leave in the past few years? Gary, if this is truly retirement and retirement on your terms, congratulations to you.

 

Jim

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QuickSilverShelby Team Shelby Member

QuickSilverShelby

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So, at the risk of asking the sensitive question, is this a retirement or further dismantling of the company?

Yeah I expected Gary to work until he was 94, at least!!! The gall that that man has, wanting to get out and enjoy some time with his wife and see the country. I personally think Gary should have busted his ass until he couldn't humanly function anymore. SAI and Gary owes that to all the loyal Shelby owners who have such an overdeveloped sense of entitlement :kookie:

 

Good luck Gary, you've done real good. :hi5:

 

QSS

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Denstang65 Team Shelby Member

Denstang65

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Even though I never bought a Shelby, I heard nothing but positive words regarding his employment at SAI. I am thankful to say that I have met him and talk to him a few times. He was a very kind and friendly human being. Enjoy your retirement Mr. Davis. You will be missed.

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DubbsFaris Team Shelby Enthusiast

DubbsFaris

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I don't think Gary and Team Shelby have ever officially collided anywhere near his office, but knowing him, I will say Im happy to see him get to enjoy time he is usually way too busy to get to partake in events wise. I will send him my deepest gratitude, and perhaps this is perfectly timed to get out and enjoy watching the country's fastest driver coming up in the ranks- Nate Stacy!

 

Rich, will you pass on to Gary all of the blessings and good luck we are wanting to share with him? I would hope he gets some sense what all his work has meant to us.

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hodger Team Shelby New Member

hodger

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He can't retire he's to young !!!!!!!!!!

Thanks for getting my SS out on time Gary and for always stopping and talking to me when I am at Shelby

Happy retirement

Rob Hodge

Hope Shelby gives you a great retirement present for all the hard work you have put in over the years.

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