The Lake Mirror Classic: Cars, Community, and Carroll Shelby
About this episode
The Lake Mirror Classic Concord Car Show is spotlighted with insights from Robert D'Angelo, the event director, and Gary Patterson, president of Shelby American and this year's Grand Marshal. They discuss the evolution of the show, its growing reputation, and the importance of community in the automotive world. Gary shares his experiences with Shelby vehicles and the significance of innovation in performance cars. The conversation highlights the stories behind the cars and the people who cherish them, making this event a unique gathering for enthusiasts and families alike.
Get ready for a high-octane episode of The JP Emerson Show featuring Robert D’Angelo and Shelby American President Gary Patterson, the newly named Grand Marshal of the Lake Mirror Classic. They dive into one of the country’s premier automotive events, sharing their passion for classic cars and the enduring legacy of the Shelby brand. Gary opens up with rarely heard stories about Carroll Shelby—his vision, his grit, and the innovations that shaped an industry. From hydrogen-powered Cobras to turbine Indy cars, this episode explores the bold ideas that defined Shelby’s future-forward mindset. Hear what’s next for Shelby American and why the Lake Mirror Classic is more than just a car show—it’s a celebration of community, history, and horsepower. Buckle up—this one’s built for speed!
Connect with the Lake Mirror Classic here:
https://www.facebook.com/LakeMirrorCarShow
https://lakemirrorclassic.com/
Connect with Gary Patterson here:
https://www.facebook.com/garyandsarah.patterson.3
https://www.facebook.com/shelbyamericaninc
Connect with Red Line Oil:
Connect with Mecum Auctions:
Connect with JP Emerson:
Olivia “Liv” Harper, PR, Marketing, & Distribution Executive: www.jpemerson.com
For more podcasts on cars, check out Ford Mustang: The Early Years Podcast at www.TheMustangPodcast.com, on Apple Podcasts, or anywhere you get your podcasts
For more information about sponsorship or advertising on The JP Emerson Show or podcast launch services, contact Doug Sandler at [email protected] or visit www.turnkeypodcast.com
Redline Synthetic Oil
"...provided by Redline Synthetic Oil, offering technical support and more than 100 quality products, including motor oils, gear oils, assembly lubes, fuel additives, and water wetter to the automotive, motorcycle, marine, and industrial markets."
Redline Synthetic Oil makes special oils and lubricants that help engines run better and last longer. They have many different products for cars, motorcycles, and even boats.
Redline Synthetic Oil is a manufacturer of high-performance motor oils and lubricants. They offer a wide range of products designed for automotive, motorcycle, marine, and industrial applications.
Meekum Auctions
"...and buy Meekum Auctions, the world leader of live auction action from entry level to investment grade, classic to modern, foreign to domestic, and wild to mild. Meekum has it all for every budget and every individual taste."
Meekum Auctions is a company that sells cars at live auctions. They have all kinds of cars, from affordable ones to very expensive collector cars, so there's something for everyone.
Meekum Auctions is a leading auction house specializing in classic and collector cars. They conduct live auctions that cater to a wide range of vehicles, from entry-level to high-end collector items.
Shelby American
"Joining him also on this show is Mr. Gary Patterson, president of Shelby American and the 2025 Grand Marshal of the Lake Mirror Classic. Gary has been a driving force behind Shelby's modern legacy since 1996, overseeing the rebirth of the continuation Cobra and leading development of today's high-performance Mustangs and F-Series trucks."
Shelby American is a company that makes fast and powerful cars, especially famous for the Shelby Cobra and modified Mustangs. They have a long history in racing and building performance cars.
Shelby American is a manufacturer of high-performance vehicles, known for its iconic Shelby Cobra and Mustang models. Founded by Carroll Shelby, the company has a rich history in motorsports and automotive performance.
Ford Mustangs
"...d leading development of today's high-performance Mustangs and F-Series trucks. A lifelong motorsports enth..."
Shelby Cobra
"...leading development of today's high-performance Mustangs and F-Series trucks. A lifelong motorsports enthusiast and former chief test driver, Gary still owns the 69 Mach 1 he bought in high school..."
The Mustang is a popular sports car made by Ford, known for being fast and stylish. It's been around for a long time and is loved by many car fans.
The Ford Mustang is a classic American muscle car known for its performance and style. It has been in production since 1964 and has undergone numerous updates and redesigns over the years, maintaining a strong following among car enthusiasts.
continuation cobras
"And then you really didn't see much out of Shelby other than, you know, some continuation cobras and stuff like that."
Continuation Cobras are new cars that are made to look and perform like the classic Shelby Cobra. They are built after the original Cobras were no longer made and are popular among car collectors.
Continuation Cobras refer to the modern reproductions of the original Shelby Cobra sports car, which were produced after the original run ended. These cars are built to the same specifications as the originals and are often sought after by collectors.
Ford versus Ferrari
"...if you guys saw the movie and I'm sure you have multiple times, Ford versus Ferrari, it wasn't just about Carol Shelby and Henry Ford. It was about the team of people that Carol and Henry put together..."
'Ford versus Ferrari' is a movie about how Ford tried to win a famous car race against Ferrari. It shows how important it is for people to work together to win.
'Ford versus Ferrari' is a film that depicts the true story of the Ford Motor Company's attempt to beat Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1966. It highlights the collaboration between automotive legends Carroll Shelby and Henry Ford, showcasing the importance of teamwork in achieving success in motorsport.
Ford Mustang Mach 1
"A 69 Mach 1, your first car, correct? I mean, that may not have been the starting point for everybody, but it's a starting point."
The Ford Mustang Mach 1 is a special version of the Mustang that was made in 1969. It's known for being fast and having a cool look, making it a favorite among car lovers.
The Ford Mustang Mach 1 is a high-performance variant of the Ford Mustang, known for its powerful engines and sporty design. The 1969 model year is particularly celebrated among enthusiasts for its classic styling and performance capabilities.
Pontiac GTO
"And there was an uncle with a GTO and another one with a 427 Corvette and another one with a 55 Chevy."
The Pontiac GTO is a classic car that was really popular in the 1960s. It's known for being powerful and fast, and many people love it for its sporty look.
The Pontiac GTO is often considered one of the first true muscle cars, introduced in the 1960s. It is known for its powerful engine options and sporty performance.
Chevrolet Corvette
"...as an uncle with a GTO and another one with a 427 Corvette and another one with a 55 Chevy. And out in fron..."
shaker hood scoop
"And I loved everything about it. And I love the shaker hood scoop and the ability to get a 428 and a four speed."
A shaker hood scoop is a part on some cars that helps the engine get cooler air, which makes it run better. It moves a little when the engine is on, which is why it's called 'shaker'.
A shaker hood scoop is a type of air intake system mounted on the hood of a car, designed to improve engine performance by allowing cooler air to enter the engine. It 'shakes' as the engine runs, hence the name.
428 engine
"And I love the shaker hood scoop and the ability to get a 428 and a four speed."
The 428 engine is a powerful V8 engine made by Ford. It's known for being strong and fast, and it was used in some popular cars in the 1960s.
The 428 engine refers to a specific V8 engine produced by Ford, known for its high performance and power output. It was commonly used in muscle cars during the 1960s.
four-speed
"And I love the shaker hood scoop and the ability to get a 428 and a four speed."
A four-speed is a type of gear system in a car that lets you change how fast the car goes. It has four different settings to help you drive better.
A four-speed transmission is a type of manual transmission that allows the driver to select from four different gear ratios, providing better control over the vehicle's speed and power.
Ford Mustang Cobra Jet
"but my dad knew the guy and talked him out of it. And I bought it with money. I made moan lawns..."
The 1969 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet is a special version of the Mustang that is really fast and powerful. It's a favorite among car collectors and fans.
The 1969 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet is a high-performance variant of the Mustang, equipped with a powerful engine designed for speed and racing. It is a highly collectible model among car enthusiasts.
ground up restoration
"Just did a ground up restoration on it."
A ground up restoration means taking a car apart completely and then putting it back together, often making it look and work like new again.
A ground up restoration involves completely disassembling a vehicle and rebuilding it from the chassis up, often using new or refurbished parts to restore it to like-new condition.
Shelby Series 1
"We did the Shelby series one, the only ground up Shelby we ever did."
The Shelby Series 1 is a special sports car made by Carroll Shelby. It has a lightweight body made of carbon and uses parts from other cars to make it fast.
The Shelby Series 1 is a sports car produced by Carroll Shelby, known for its unique design and performance. It features an all-carbon body and was built using a combination of Shelby's own components and GM parts.
Dodge Viper
"He of course worked with Dodge from everything from, you know, the, the Viper stuff to the, the little pocket rockets."
The Dodge Viper is a very fast sports car made by Dodge. It has a big engine and is known for being exciting to drive.
The Dodge Viper is a high-performance sports car known for its powerful V10 engine and aggressive styling. It has a reputation for being a raw and exhilarating driving experience.
Mopar
"There's some real dying wool guys that are all Corvettes or all Mustangs or all Mopars or whatever."
Mopar is a term used for cars and parts made by Chrysler and its brands like Dodge and Jeep. It's popular among car enthusiasts who like to modify their vehicles.
Mopar is a brand name that refers to the parts and service arm of Chrysler, and it is also used to describe vehicles produced by Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep. Mopar vehicles are known for their performance and customization options.
Cadillac pace car convertible
"...I leaned over into the convertible. It was a 73 Cadillac pace car convertible, one of the forgotten pace cars actually."
A pace car is a car that leads the race at a controlled speed before the race starts. The 1973 Cadillac pace car convertible is a classic vehicle that was used for this purpose.
The 1973 Cadillac pace car convertible was a special edition vehicle used as a pace car in racing events. It is notable for its unique styling and historical significance in automotive culture.
Dodge Dakota
"And he did 1500 Dodge Dakota pickups back in those days in 1989."
The Dodge Dakota is a type of pickup truck made by Dodge. It was popular for being a good size for carrying things and driving around.
The Dodge Dakota is a mid-size pickup truck that was produced by Dodge from 1987 to 2011. It was known for its versatility and was one of the first mid-size trucks on the market.
hybrid
"But, you know, we were looking at hybrids. We're looking at, you know, what is next, and not forgetting our roots."
A hybrid car uses both a gas engine and an electric motor to run. This helps save fuel and is better for the environment than regular cars that only use gas.
A hybrid vehicle combines a traditional internal combustion engine with an electric propulsion system. This technology aims to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions compared to conventional vehicles.
innovation
"Now, Gary, you did a lot of testing through the years. Is there, if you talk about innovation, which, which certainly we're talking about right now, and the testing..."
Innovation means coming up with new ideas or technologies to make cars better. In the car world, this can mean making them faster, safer, or more efficient.
Innovation in the automotive industry refers to the introduction of new ideas, technologies, or methods to improve vehicle performance, safety, and efficiency. It's crucial for staying competitive in the market.
ABS
"...there's, you know, traction control, ABS, there's collision avoidance, all these things..."
ABS is a system in cars that stops the wheels from locking up when you brake hard. This helps you keep control of the car and avoid skidding.
ABS stands for Anti-lock Braking System, a safety feature that prevents the wheels from locking up during hard braking. This allows the driver to maintain steering control while braking, reducing the risk of skidding and accidents.
Ford Gt
"..., but we have Camillo part of the designer of the Ford GT. He'll be there. David Hobbs, Hall of Fame driver..."
The Ford GT is a really fast and fancy sports car that looks like it came straight out of a race. It's designed for people who want an exciting driving experience and is famous for its speed and style.
The Ford GT is a high-performance supercar that pays homage to the original GT40 race cars of the 1960s. With its sleek design and advanced engineering, the Ford GT is known for its incredible speed and handling, making it a standout in the world of performance vehicles.
427
"...the original 427 car once they've gave it the beefed up frame."
The '427' is a measurement of engine size, meaning it has a lot of power. It's often found in powerful American sports cars like the Cobra.
The '427' refers to a specific engine displacement of 427 cubic inches, commonly associated with high-performance engines in American muscle cars, particularly in the Shelby Cobra.
hyper car
"But then they're also going to see the latest greatest hyper car that they read about the magazine may never be able to afford it..."
Hyper cars are some of the fastest and most expensive cars in the world. They have advanced technology and are built for extreme performance.
Hyper cars are high-performance vehicles that exceed the capabilities of traditional supercars, often featuring cutting-edge technology and extreme performance metrics. They typically have very high price tags and limited production runs.
Lincoln
"...I have to say, I am the owner of a 41 Lincoln. I would have never dreamed that in a million years."
Lincoln is a brand that makes luxury cars. The 1941 Lincoln is an old model known for its style and comfort, popular in its time.
Lincoln is a luxury vehicle division of the Ford Motor Company, known for its premium cars and SUVs. The 1941 Lincoln models are classic vehicles that reflect the design and engineering of their time, often featuring distinctive styling and comfort.
Chevrolet Camaro
"... boats. And of course, you know, the Mustang, the Camaro, the, the, the Corvette, the Mopars, none of them..."
The Chevrolet Camaro is a sporty car that many people love for its speed and cool looks. It's been around for a long time and is often compared to the Ford Mustang, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy driving fast cars.
The Chevrolet Camaro is a classic American muscle car that has been in production since 1966. Known for its powerful performance and aggressive styling, it competes directly with the Ford Mustang and has become an iconic symbol of American automotive culture.
Mopars
"...and of course, you know, the Mustang, the Camaro, the, the, the Corvette, the Mopars, none of them would be who they are today without the other."
Mopar is a brand name that represents parts and services for Chrysler cars, but it also refers to high-performance vehicles made by Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep. It's often associated with the powerful cars from the muscle car era.
Mopar is a term that refers to the parts, service, and customer care for Chrysler vehicles, but it has also become synonymous with high-performance cars produced by Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep. The term is often used to describe the brand's performance-oriented models, especially from the muscle car era.
Porsche 918
"I really like the McLaren 720S, but you know, the Senna is cool, but it's just different. And the 918 Porsche was really fast, but it seemed a little heavy."
The Porsche 918 is a very fast sports car that uses both a gasoline engine and electric motors to make it powerful and efficient. It's known for being one of the top supercars of its time.
The Porsche 918 is a plug-in hybrid supercar that combines high performance with advanced technology. It features a V8 engine paired with electric motors, allowing for impressive speed and efficiency.
Mclaren 720S
"...think are really cool. I really like the McLaren 720S, but you know, the Senna is cool, but it's just d..."
The McLaren 720S is a super-fast sports car that is really light and built to be very quick on the road. It has a powerful engine and cool features that help it handle turns and speed well.
The McLaren 720S is a high-performance sports car known for its lightweight construction and powerful twin-turbocharged engine. It features cutting-edge technology and aerodynamics, making it one of the fastest and most agile cars in its class.
Porsche 918 Spyder
"... Senna is cool, but it's just different. And the 918 Porsche was really fast, but it seemed a little h..."
The Porsche 918 Spyder is a super-fast car that uses both gas and electricity to go really fast while being better for the environment. It's a special car that many people admire for its speed and technology.
The Porsche 918 Spyder is a plug-in hybrid supercar that combines high performance with eco-friendly technology. With its powerful engine and electric motors, it can accelerate quickly while also being more fuel-efficient than traditional supercars, making it a significant model in Porsche's lineup.
Ford Raptor
"...the Raptor will outperform the Shelby Super Snake if we're going off-road. So I just, you know, I think it's great..."
The Ford Raptor is a tough pickup truck designed for off-road driving, making it great for adventures and rough terrain.
The Ford Raptor is a high-performance off-road variant of the Ford F-150 pickup truck, known for its rugged capabilities and powerful engine options.
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