When he first brought the Shelby home, Richard was adamant about keeping it exactly as it was, but as any car enthusiast knows, that resolve rarely lasts long. Just six months later, Richard found himself starting to add upgrades, each one carefully chosen to enhance what was already an exceptional machine.

 

What Richard loves most about the GT 500 is how it perfectly balances new technology with retro styling cues that harken back to the golden age of American muscle cars. The overall performance is breathtaking, but it's the Shelby heritage that truly sets it apart from other high-performance vehicles.

 

The personalized license plates reading "HAWKI72" carry deep personal significance. They honor his father's memory, a man who shared his passion for cars and passed away just a year before he was able to purchase this Shelby. His father was an All-American football player for the Iowa Hawkeyes, wearing jersey number 72, and every time Richard sees those plates, he's reminded of their shared love for automobiles and the conversations they had about dream cars they hoped to own someday.

 

One of the most unexpected joys of owning this car has been the connections it's created within the automotive community. Shortly after purchasing the Shelby, they joined the Sioux Empire Ford Car Club and began participating in car shows and show-and-shine events. The friendships they've formed and the people they've met through these gatherings have been incredible.