Don't let the title fool you! This was the first annual Lyon Air Museum Shelby Tribute. And, yes, there were plenty of airplanes and Shelbys of all kinds.
Founded by Major General William Lyon, Lyon Air Museum is located on the west side of John Wayne Airport in Orange County, California. Lyon Air Museum is collocated with Martin Aviation, an Air/Lyon Inc. company and award-winning general aviation repair facility established by the famed Eddie Martin back in 1923.
The Lyon Air Museum exhibit is comprised of authentic aircraft, rare vehicles, and related memorabilia, with emphasis on the defining event of the 20th century – World War II. Through captivating and thought provoking exhibits based in historical scholarship, visitors gain a better understanding of the important role the United States plays in shaping world history.
The Mission of Lyon Air Museum is to provide a quality venue of inspiration where the stories of aviation’s past can touch the lives of its visitors through educational exhibits, authentic historical aircraft and related memorabilia.
A lone G.T. 350 among the aircraft.
When you mix Shelby automobiles and fantastic vintage military airplanes it makes for an interesting concoction...like something for everybody! So this ShelbyStory will present my experience at this very unique show. It was so nice, I already can't wait for next year's repeat performance!
For your convenience, I'm separating the 'outside-the-museum' portion of the Shelby tribute, with numerous Shelbys, and the 'inside-the-museum Show, including exceptionally gorgeous vintage airplanes and appropriately scattered Shelby automobiles. So, on with The Show!
ShelbyGuy, the notorious EarlyGuy, was the first to arrive.
...which is why I received this Show card on the right...
It was an especially nice run south down to the Museum located on the grounds of the John Wayne/Orange County Airport, about 50 miles.
It was a cool morning, which made the Webers hungry and the Daytona engine very happy!
And here's few of the early arrivals...a sweet ivy green G.T. 350.
A Sunbeam Tiger.
A georgeous G.T. 40.
The engine room of Dan S's. G.T. 350...
Bernie K's. G.T. 350H
The Daytona Engine Room
Opened for the show...
A slideshow of several Hillbank cars on display.
Another slideshow of Doug C's. very special "Future Forty", powered by a custom built, 700HP Ford twin-turbo V6.
Another view...
Another slideshow inside the Lyon Air Museum...a genuine treat for the eyes in an immaculate and interesting setting!
Overall, this was a spectacular venue for a tribute to Carroll Shelby and his automobiles, very well coordinated, and operated by Lyon Air Museum. I can't name all who made this event so special, however I was able to meet our most gracious host, Mark Foster, President, Martin Aviation, Lyon Air Museum, and his assistant, Jade Nguyen. Thank you very much for a very special Carroll Shelby Tribute Car Show! I'll be back!
