Mixed bag: Chicago, TWA & 65 GT350

    Wanted: any information on the Mustangs or Shelby’s that were displayed @ the 1965 Chicago Auto show. Perhaps you have a show program or took pictures? Maybe you worked for or knew someone at the show? Also looking for anyone who has current info on any ex-employees or ANYONE who worked for Jack Loftus Ford (Hinsdale IL, just outside of Chicago)

    Anyone out there work for TWA at some time? (Like 1965???) Need insight on how cars were sent via Air (Eight or so 65 GT 350’s were sent that way, I know why 7 of them were, just need more info to complete the puzzle)

    Anyone work at Chicago O’Hare during that time?

    Also looking for an original 65 GT 350 owners manual, no a repop will not do! Any Loftus lit as well

    Sure it seems like a lot…but if I don’t ask…….

    Any and all information is appreciated.


    Mike

    I remember walking into Loftus Ford in Hinsdale and seeing a Cobra, and I think a GT350, for the first time. I lived next door in Western Springs then. The car was stunning to a college kid with no money. Too many moves since then to keep what literature I'm sure I picked up. Sorry, but good luck. <img src=images/icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>

    My car was ordered from and delivered at Jack Loftus Ford.

    I recall making several trips there with my older broher during the buying process and to pick it up. He really wanted a GT-350 but spec'd out a K code coupe instead. I always looked forward to the trips and even as a 11 year old, had already caught the Hipo Ford desease. If it was a High Performance FoMoCo they had it in stock.

    I finally got to meet Jack Loftus personally as a adult when I was a sales manager for a large Lincoln Mercury dealer when he came up to wholesale me a car. We talked for well over a hour about the old Shelby/Cobra/Hipo days and he recalled it all. Still very sharp.

    It was a shame that he got caught up in the interest crunch of the early 80's and lost the dealership.

    The last that I heard, Jack was stil working as a sales manager for Hawkinson Ford on 95th street in Oak Lawn IL. That was 5 or 6 years ago.

    )m May 07, 1965 it was locatd at 5600 West 95th Street, Oak Lawn, Chicago 2385900, Surburban 636 0600, sales tax was 4%and the base price of a fastback was 2533.19$. Wish we knew then what we know now. Too Smart, Too Late!

    I hit a dead end with the Hawk Ford people - the woman who is in the HR department did not even want to give me the time of day, new owner, no records, never heard of him, blah blah...click...dial tone.


    Anyone have recent info on Mr Loftus?

    I tried a few #'s in the surrounding area with the last name, no luck as well.


    Mike

    I did better than that: I called everyone in that area with the Loftus name. after 75 calls, most of which were ring no answer, or a sorry, can't help you, one of the messages I was able to leave was returned by Jack himself.


    I have since been contacted by his son as well.


    Jack remembers locking the GT 350 on the platform of the 65 Chicago Auto Show so no one could go in it. My hunch about it being sent by air (TWA) 2 days prior to the show was correct.


    Still looking for any insight on TWA shipping in the 60's.


    Thanks to all who posted or emailed.


    Mike


    One additional piece of information - It was initialy thought that 8 GT 350's were sent by air, it is now 10, and the reason for each being sent (to a race team, show car, Tasca) is now known.


    Edited by - Shelby6T5 on 01/16/2008 16:37:14


    Edited by - Shelby6T5 on 01/16/2008 16:38:22

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