Shelby American Up Close and Behind the Scenes: The Venice Years 1962-1965

Moving to a larger facility and the closer relationship with Ford seemed to diminish the fast and loose nature of the original enterprise. Thus was born the Shelby Cobra.Shelby set up shop in Venice, California, later in 1962, marking the beginning of the classic Cobra era. Author/photographer Dave Friedman was Shelby's official shooter, and he documented everything from Cobra construction to paddock wrenching to race wins. Eventually the Venice facility could not handle the work, especially when Ford tapped Shelby to create a high-performance version of its new and wildly successful Mustang. He found a promising platform in the

Friedman lives in Newport Beach, California.. He is a longtime motorsports and film-still photographer and the author of several motor racing books, as well as a photography contributor to dozens more. About the AuthorDave Friedman was Shelby American's official photographer in the 1960s, accompanying the team to races all around the world

Dave Friedman was Shelby American's official photographer in the 1960s, accompanying the team to races all around the world. He is a longtime motorsports and film-still photographer and the author of several motor racing books, as well as a photography contributor to dozens more. Friedman lives in Newport Beach, California.