A Shared Memory of Tim Considine 1940-2022 - Journalist

Tim Considine pictured in one of his favorite summertime activities and elements - observing and photographing the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance 2018. Tim was being honored for his historical connection in having owned and raced in this car ... that was later awarded first place in Class N-2 for OSCAs 1955-1960. This car,  S/N 1168 Morelli-bodied MT4, is a more streamlined version of the previous MT4 designs. It was especially built for an American customer in late 1955. Considine wrote to Jodi Ellis (good friend and assisted Tim in designing his published works) after the event. “The OSCA I bought new in 1957 – I was 16 – and sold and lost track of in the early ’60s, won its class at Pebble, restored beautifully by the current owners in my livery. Note that two of the judges were Derek Bell and Tom Kristensen!” Image Credit: Albert Wong - Motor Press Guild (2018)

A Shared Memory of Tim Considine 1940-2022 - Journalist 

By: James E. Groth - Founding Member, Motor Press Guild - March 5, 2022

Like most young boys of my era, I watched Tim Considine, the young actor, faithfully portray Andy Hardy of The Hardy Boys and I identified with him as Spin in The Adventures of Spin and Marty . However, I know him because we were both charter members of the largest professional group of automotive journalist and public relations professionals. In 1983 our group was known as IMPA West. We didn't like being ruled by IMPA so we split from them to form The Motor Press Guild.  As a board member, Tim’s direction added to the positive and most productive era MPG had on behalf of both members and manufactures. 

At the time I was West Coast Advertising & Public Relations Mgr. For Jaguar Rover Triumph, so I would loan Tim cars from my press fleet for his articles. Tim would show up in his Mini Cooper and  conversations would ensue primarily on British cars or the Industry.  Tim proved to have extensive knowledge of both historic and current facts and his spin on things added a bit of humor and wit.

Moving to 1999, enter David E. Davis journalist, publisher, editor and founder of Automobile Magazine. A man who’s size and girth was only overmatched by his lifestyle and personality. He had just retired from the business to promote his book. He is about to do his first book tour and I am told he is nervous about this side of the business. The book is titled “Thus Spake David E. The Collective Wit & Wisdom Of the Most Important Journalist of Our Time”.

I am now at Hornburg Jaguar / Land Rover as Director of Marketing & Public Affairs and Jaguar Cars Inc. has partnered with David E. to promote his book.   Given that "LA is the Car Capital of the World” yes, it's a natural to have the launch event on Sunset Blvd with the original west coast importer of Jaguars. I get call saying they are sending over books, have a nice event.

LA competes nightly for peoples attention with unique events so you need an edge to gain audience. I decided that the book signing would be more interesting  to attendees if they knew of its contents and David E’s makeup. And this would be best accomplished by having David E. interviewed by a journalist that grasps David E. place in the industry. I made one call to Tim as the guy for this role.  I explain the formate as drinks and hors d' oeuvres followed by his interview of David E., Q&A, coffee and desert to take place during the book signing.

Tim liked the format, read the book and structured questions. To get everyone settled in before hand I had a dinner for David E. with Tim and Bruce Meyer President, Petersen Automotive Museum. We were at Overstreets, Beverly Hills in a private room enjoying fine dinning, wine and cigars. We were living like it was 1999, exactly as David E would write it.  David E. was in a fine spirits and the night was full to storytelling…

For the event I cleared the Sunset showroom floor and placed an XK 150 along side of my Series I E-type Coupe and adding seating.  Hornburg Jaguar was a member to the Petersen Checkered Flag so Bruce Meyer spread the word of the event to members. As a result we had nearly a 100 attendees for the evening including Carroll Shelby and his wife. 

Attached is the personal letter David E. sent saying “if I get another book written, I’ll call you first” - signed “Freedom & Whiskey”.

Document, as shared by James Groth

Tim was his masterful relaxed, professional-self with questions giving David E. space to entertain with his answers and style. This was a truly memorable evening for the auto enthusiast attending and an opportunity for me to get to work and know Tim on a different level.  David E. later wrote me about how much he  appreciated everything saying …"your program was nonpareil”.  

The news mostly covered Tim's passing regarding his extensive acting career but there was a whole other professional career Tim excelled at too, that, as a Journalist. 

... notes from The EDJE

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TAGS: Tim Considine, IMDB, David E. Davis, Automobile Magazine, Bruce Meyer, Carroll Shelby, James Groth, Albert Wong, Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, The EDJE

2nd Annual Carroll Shelby Tribute and Car Show

The invitation only Founders Reception unveiled the plans for the museum. It included some of Mr. Shelby’s collection followed by a presentation about the museum. Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien - Motor Driven Images (2014)

2^nd Annual Carroll Shelby Tribute and Car Show

Entry Written and Photography by: Brandon O’Brien / Motor Driven Images

The weekend of May 17, 2014 was a big one for Carroll Shelby fans in the greater Los Angeles area. 

The single day event took place at the new home of the Carroll Shelby Automotive Museum at 19021 S. Figueora  Street, Gardena, California.  It featured at least one original example of the cars produced during the life of Carroll Shelby.   

The only models that appeared to be absent were the Toyota 2000 GT, and the Dodge powered Shelby’s. Did you realize that Shelby had a hand in these?

Mr. Shelby’s children, Pat and Mike Shelby, were in attendance, along with their spouses and children. They shared personal stories of their father. Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien - Motor Driven Images (2014)

Featured speakers included the legendary Bob Bondurant who was a factory team driver and co-drove with Dan Gurney  the 1964 Le Mans winning  GT class Daytona Coupe; A.J. Baine a journalist and author of “Go Like Hell”; Lucas Foster a film producer; Lynn Park an avid Cobra collector and a close friend of the late Carroll Shelby; and finally Aaron Shelby, Carroll Shelby’s grandson.  The fans loved hearing the many stories from these individuals.

The car show featured over 75 Ford and Shelby offerings including authentic early and current Shelby American cars as well as some very historic Cobras.  The building which also houses the Shelby American engine shop was full of the authentic Cobras while the outside area contained all the old and current Shelby American offerings as well as “replica” cars including, Cobras, Daytona Cobras, and a GT-40.  

Shelby AC Cobra badge. Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien - Motor Driven Images (2014)

Those historic Cobras included the prototype 260 Cobra CSX2000 that was assembled during one long day and night in 1962 at Dean Moon’s shop in Santa Fe Springs; CSX2005 another 260 Cobra was used exclusively by the Shelby School of High Performance Driving located at Riverside Raceway; CSX2589 the final 289 Cobra built, personally owned by Carroll Shelby until the time of his death; and CSX2299 the 1964 Le Mans winning Daytona Cobra. For Cobra fans these can be considered “holy” (images below).

This was a fun filled event and we can now look forward to the 3^rd Annual Tribute and car show next spring.

NOTE: The Carroll Hall Shelby Trust unveiled plans for the new Carroll Shelby Automotive Museum (CSAM) at a founder’s reception on May 16, 2014, in Gardena, California. The museum is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization created to educate the public about the high performance automotive industry. The CSAM is being formed by the Trust around the private collection of Mr. Shelby to celebrate his legacy and to inspire future generations.

... notes from The EDJE