1967 Ford Shelby Mustang Cobra
GT500
1967 Ford Shelby Mustang pen and ink drawing by Christopher Parent ©2001
This signed and dated 11"X17" print comes ready to frame for $15.
I was nine years old in the summer of 1968 and my best friend at the time was Brian Elder who lived in the house behind me. Brian was the first friend I ever remember having. Every year our families had a big barbeque on The Fourth of July and shot off fireworks at the first hint of dusk. He wasn't much of a car fan and at the time and neither was I but on that Independence day a 1967 Shelby Mustang rolled through our neighborhood as Brian and I were crouched over the Smoke Bombs we were trying to light in unison. I glanced up when I heard the rumbling of the massive engine as it coasted down the street and shouted to Brian: "Look at that car."
He glanced up and quickly looked back down and continued striking the match in his hand. I was shocked that he was not as inspired as I was by the pure beauty of the car. "Look, look!" I screamed again as the brake lights flickered on and the car slowed down to a stop. We both watched as the white reverse lights flashed on and the Mustang backed into the neighbors driveway five houses down.
"That's a neat car" I said to Brian as he began striking his matches again. "What do you like best about it?" I asked.
"I like those two little white lights above the exhaust pipes" he replied. I rolled my eyes and lit the fuse on my Smoke Bomb.
Needless to say Brian and I grew up. There were things we had in common and things we didn't but the best thing we had in common was sharing our childhood together. As adults we went our separate ways and stayed in touch from time to time. Brian became ill and for years struggled with his illness until on the early morning of July 5, 2000 the very first friend of my life pass away.
I couldn't help thinking that Brian refused to leave this world on July 4th. Maybe my reasons to believe this were selfish. I imagined Brian thinking of our childhood Forth of Julys and his memories being so fond that he wanted to stay for just one more Independence Day. He loved fireworks and had many of the same memories I did... but I don't think he remembered the Shelby Mustang like I do. When I decided to draw this car I knew I had to include the "two little white lights above the exhaust pipes" for my friend Brian.