With fascination and admiration for notable Ford performance, it should come as no surprise that Thomas feels deep reverence for racing legend, performance pioneer and fellow Texan, Carroll Shelby. Thomas recalled acquiring his first Shelby Mustang in 1979 that he paid for with his annual bonus check (he even sprung for the vanity plates to read “79 BONUS”). Even with the passage of more than 40 years, that enthusiasm hasn’t waned; in fact, his seven vintage steeds, shod in various hues of red, are an integral part of the offering for Kissimmee. For 1966, Shelby had produced 999 GT350H Fastbacks for the Hertz Corporation that all boasted the solid-lifter 289 CI V-8 rated at 306 HP. The vast majority of the cars were painted Raven Black, but this particular example, Shelby No. 845, is one of only an estimated 61 finished in red. The 1970 GT500 Fastback and GT350 Convertible are both finished in Candyapple Red paint with rarely seen white interiors, yielding an aesthetic contrast that is nothing short of arresting. For a man with an undeniable affinity for all things Blue Oval, a man who worked his way to the role of president at a successful oil and natural gas company, it’s fitting that he possess a few “Bosses” in his impressive stable. Regarded by many as the meanest Mustang of the muscle car era, the Boss 429 was designed to homologate the massive 429 CI V-8 engine for NASCAR, and Thomas’ Candyapple Red car, KK No. 1893, is one of only a scant 857 produced for 1969. It’s also the product of an exhaustive restoration that began with a rust free body. In addition to the fire-breathing, big-block Boss, Thomas has also gathered an impressive assortment of Boss 302s, including a Medium Red 1970 model, which is one of only four produced as equipped and boasts a wide-ratio 4-speed, factory shaker hood and desirable and rich-looking white interior, as well as a striking Medium Blue factory test vehicle that was completed in November of 1969 and delivered to the Production and Engineering Facility at Dearborn. The 1982 Ford Bronco is a 3,500-mile hallmark of originality that was purchased in 2018 from the original owner, who also happened to be Thomas’ college roommate. This time capsule has enjoyed a pampered life since new. It was initially purchased as a second vehicle for weekend use, but shortly after completing the purchase, the original owner’s employer furnished him with a company vehicle, thus eliminating the need for extended jaunts in the Bronco and ultimately preserving it in like-new condition. ’’ In addition to the fire-breathing, big-block Boss, Thomas has also gathered an impressive assortment of Boss 302s
