A classic that blends vintage

October’s Featured Car of the Month: Kevin Knoop’s 1980 Shay Super Deluxe Roadster

Meet Kevin Knoop’s outstanding 1980 Shay Super Deluxe Roadster, a classic that blends vintage looks with later‐era mechanical reliability. Here’s what makes this car a standout and why it’s been earning admiration in shows and among Shay enthusiasts.

What is a Shay Super Deluxe Roadster?

• Shay Motors Corporation was founded in 1978 to build high-quality reproductions of pre-World War II cars, particularly the 1929 Ford Model A roadster style.
• The “Super Deluxe” trim was the top version, adding more features, style touches, and extras compared to base or “Deluxe” versions
• Of all the Shay Model A reproductions, about 5,000 units total were produced before the company ceased operations in 1982.

Kevin’s 1980 Shay: Key Highlights

• Exterior / Appearance: Kevin’s Shay likely features dual fender‐mounted spare tires (a hallmark of the Super Deluxe version) and the signature body style that captures the charm of the late 1920s-30s roadster designs.
• Body & Build: The body is fiberglass, over a more modern chassis and mechanical setup. This offers the classic styling without many of the hassles of true antique cars.
• Mechanicals: Uses more-modern components from Ford: examples include independent front suspension from the Pinto, rack‐and‐pinion steering, a C3 three-speed automatic in many cases, disc and drum brakes etc. These upgrades make the driving experience significantly better versus a pure 1929 car, especially in day‐to‐day or touring conditions.
• Kevin and his wife Cindy chose the car partly because of the automatic transmission—it makes it more accessible for relaxed driving and for someone who maybe doesn’t want the constant shifting.

Why It’s Special

• Authentic look with modern convenience: It gives you that nostalgic drive—look, style, feel—without all of the compromises of an original pre-war car.
• Rarity and heritage: As Shay didn’t build huge numbers over many years, owning a well-restored Super Deluxe is owning a piece of a niche chapter in automotive reproduction history.
• Community & pride: Kevin’s car is part of the Shay Owners Club and community. It shows up in publications and features (for example, Hemmings ran a story on Easy A – 1980 Shay Super Deluxe Roadster tied to his car).

For the Ride

When you get behind the wheel, you feel vintage immediately: the thin tires, the low stance, the visual cues (fender spares, open cockpit). But when you turn, brake, or cruise, modern elements kick in—better control, more confidence, fewer mechanical idiosyncrasies. For folks who love the romance of a Model A but want reliability and ease for longer drives, this Shay is a dream.

If you’re thinking of driving something nostalgic this fall, Kevin’s Roadster reminds us: you can have style and comfort. It’s not just about getting there—it’s about how you go.

Do YOU Want to Be Featured?

Do you have a car that turns heads and tells a story? Want to see your pride and joy featured inside the Elliott Museum?

We’re now accepting applications for upcoming Monthly Featured Cars and would love to highlight more community-owned treasures! If you own a unique, rare, or historically interesting automobile and would like to be considered, contact Jim Ferrare at 305-878-7795.

Join us in celebrating automotive history one classic car at a time!

OUR MONTHLY EVENTS:

• Cars N Coffee on the second Saturday of the month (10/11/25)
• Garage tours every Thursday at 11 AM

Please don’t hesitate to contact us for any questions at (772) 225-1961

Jim Ferrare

Car Curator

Historical Society of Martin County
Elliott Museum
Gilbert’s Bar House of Refuge Museum

(772) 225.1961 Ext. 111
Jim’s EMAIL

Timeless lines that define automotive elegance

We’re grateful to Frank John for sharing his 1978 Mercedes-Benz 450 SL with us. This beautifully crafted classic roadster takes the spotlight as our Featured Car of the Month for September at the Elliott Museum!

Why This 1978 Mercedes-Benz 450 SL Is a Must-See

Sleek Design & Elegant Presence
Designed by acclaimed French stylist Paul Bracq, the R107 SL Roadster boasts timeless lines that define automotive elegance. Its combination of long hood, clean profile, and refined proportions makes it a standout in any collection.

Powerful V8 with Smooth Performance
Under its hood lies a refined 4.5-liter V8 engine (Model M117 E-45), producing around 214–217 hp and about 265 lb-ft of torque. That power propels the 450 SL to a top speed of approximately 130 mph, with a smooth 0-60 mph sprint in 8.8–9.3 seconds.

A Popular Classic — Proven Over the Years
Between 1971 and 1980, Mercedes built 66,298 units of the 450 SL—making it the most popular model in the SL family of its era.

Luxury Meets Technology
Step inside, and you’ll find amenities well ahead of their time: automatic climate control, genuine wood interior trim, cruise control, and other creature comforts that made this roadster both stylish and livable.

Cultural Icon Status
This model transcended the automotive world—most notably appearing in the popular TV series Dallas as the famous “Ewing 4” in Signal Red, helping solidify its place in pop culture history.

Experience It in Person This September!

Cruise into the Elliott Museum this September and get up close with this iconic piece of automotive heritage. The 1978 450 SL is more than just a car—it balances power, refinement, and style, capturing the very spirit of classic motoring.

Do YOU Want to Be Featured?

Do you have a car that turns heads and tells a story? Want to see your pride and joy featured inside the Elliott Museum?

We’re now accepting applications for upcoming Monthly Featured Cars and would love to highlight more community-owned treasures! If you own a unique, rare, or historically interesting automobile and would like to be considered, contact Jim Ferrare at 305-878-7795.

Join us in celebrating automotive history one classic car at a time!

OUR MONTHLY EVENTS:

• Cars N Coffee on the second Saturday of the month (9/13/25)
• Garage tours every Thursday at 11 AM

Please don’t hesitate to contact us for any questions at (772) 225-1961

Jim Ferrare

Car Curator

Historical Society of Martin County
Elliott Museum
Gilbert’s Bar House of Refuge Museum

(772) 225.1961 Ext. 111
Jim’s EMAIL

A Timeless Icon of British Elegance

Here’s a stunning visual of a classic 1974 Jaguar XKE Roadster for what you can expect to see in person at the Elliott Museum this August!

So what makes her so exquisitely special?

Iconic Engineering:
This Series III Jaguar isn’t just beautiful—it’s a masterpiece of British automotive innovation. Powered by a silky 5.3-liter V12 engine, it delivers around 241 horsepower and approximately 295 lb-ft of torque, offering both effortless long-distance cruising and thrilling performance.

High-Speed Luxury:
Capable of reaching speeds of 145–150 mph and sprinting from 0–60 in just over 6 seconds, this Roadster was a real game-changer when it launched in the early 1970s.

Elegant Design That Defined an Era:
Jaguar’s aerodynamic design—crafted by Malcolm Sayer—gave the XKE its legendary lines: long sculpted hood, smooth curves, flared wheel arches, and the striking “birdcage” grille. It’s little wonder Enzo Ferrari famously called the E-Type “the most beautiful car ever made.”

Driveability Meets Refinement:
The V12 was a turning point—trading the raw edge of earlier six-cylinder models for a svelte, powerful GT experience. With features like power steering, a redesigned spacious cockpit, and softer ride quality, it redefined what a classic sports car could be.

Rare and Collectible:
This was the final year of Series III production—making it a relatively rare piece of Jaguar history. With meticulous restorations and strong collector demand, well-kept XKE roadsters now command prices in the range of $70,000 to $150,000.

Visit the Elliott Museum & Rediscover Automotive Elegance

Come admire this rare and captivating slice of 1970s British motoring—right here in our gallery, all month long. Experience the power, history, and elegance in person.

Do YOU Want to Be Featured?

Do you have a car that turns heads and tells a story? Want to see your pride and joy featured inside the Elliott Museum?

We’re now accepting applications for upcoming Monthly Featured Cars and would love to highlight more community-owned treasures! If you own a unique, rare, or historically interesting automobile and would like to be considered, contact Jim Ferrare at 305-878-7795.

Join us in celebrating automotive history one classic car at a time!

OUR MONTHLY EVENTS:

• Cars N Coffee on the second Saturday of the month (8/9/25)
• Garage tours every Thursday at 11 AM

Please don’t hesitate to contact us for any questions at (772) 225-1961

Jim Ferrare

Car Curator

Historical Society of Martin County
Elliott Museum
Gilbert’s Bar House of Refuge Museum

(772) 225.1961 Ext. 111
Jim’s EMAIL

A Classic Beauty That Defined an Era

Beat the summer heat and step into cool automotive history! For the month of July, the Elliott Museum proudly features a stunning 1930 Cadillac on display in our automotive gallery. This vintage gem is owned by local car enthusiast Jim Serra, who has generously allowed us to showcase his prized vehicle for all to admire.

The 1930 Cadillac is more than just a car—it’s a symbol of craftsmanship, luxury, and innovation from the dawn of the Great Depression. This model was part of Cadillac’s legendary Series 452 line, known for its introduction of the V-16 engine—an engineering marvel that represented the pinnacle of pre-war American automotive design.

This particular Cadillac, lovingly restored and maintained, features:

• A classic red and black two-tone finish with elegant chrome trim

• Period-correct whitewall tires and full woodgrain dashboard detailing

• A powerful V-8 engine that was ahead of its time for performance and reliability

• An interior that reflects the luxurious styling Cadillac became famous for—perfectly appointed with vintage gauges, leather seats, and signature trim

Whether you’re a gearhead, history buff, or just someone who appreciates beauty in motion, this Cadillac offers a glimpse into the golden age of automobiles. It’s a fantastic reason to visit the museum and spend time browsing our broader collection of classic and rare vehicles.

Do YOU Want to Be Featured?

Do you have a car that turns heads and tells a story? Want to see your pride and joy featured inside the Elliott Museum?

We’re now accepting applications for upcoming Monthly Featured Cars and would love to highlight more community-owned treasures! If you own a unique, rare, or historically interesting automobile and would like to be considered, contact Jim Ferrare at 305-878-7795.

Join us in celebrating automotive history one classic car at a time!

OUR MONTHLY EVENTS:

• Cars N Coffee on the second Saturday of the month (7/12/25)
• Garage tours every Thursday at 11 AM

Please don’t hesitate to contact us for any questions and note, Events will be canceled for lightning or steady rain. Please call us before coming out to confirm at (772) 225-1961

Jim Ferrare

Car Curator

Historical Society of Martin County
Elliott Museum
Gilbert’s Bar House of Refuge Museum

(772) 225.1961 Ext. 111
Jim’s EMAIL

Starting this July, we’re kicking off a brand-new tradition at the Elliott Museum — every month, we’ll feature a vintage, classic, or unique car from passionate car enthusiasts and collectors like YOU!

We’re on the lookout for standout vehicles to showcase in our Monthly Featured Car display. Whether it’s a lovingly restored beauty, a rare model with a story, or a head-turner that captures attention, we want to hear from you!

You never know what might be on display next — and it could be YOURS.

THIS IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY:

✔️ Share your love of cars
✔️ Celebrate automotive history
✔️ Have your vehicle admired by thousands of museum visitors

Interested? Call me Jim Ferrare at 305-878-7795 to learn how your car can be part of an upcoming feature.

Let’s keep the spirit of automotive history alive — one incredible car at a time.

OUR MONTHLY EVENTS:

• Cars N Coffee on the second Saturday of the month (3/9/24)
• Garage tours every Thursday at 11 AM

Please don’t hesitate to contact us for any questions and note, Events will be canceled for lightning or steady rain. Please call us before coming out to confirm at (772) 225-1961

Jim Ferrare

Car Curator

Historical Society of Martin County
Elliott Museum
Gilbert’s Bar House of Refuge Museum

(772) 225.1961 Ext. 111
Jim’s EMAIL

From the desk of the Car Curator, Jim Ferrare

Car events for this month include:

• Cars N Coffee on the second Saturday of the month (3/9/24)
• Garage tours every Thursday at 11 AM

Tap this link to our Car Events Calendar for more details

Guests can take a cruise in one of our classic cars

(minimum donation required)

Use of the museum garage and tools.

You can bring your classic car or daily driver into our garage for simple repairs or maintenance ( appointments only, donation required)

Come and see our 1923 Nero-Car motorcycle. This motorcycle has many unique features.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us for any questions and note, Events will be canceled for lightning or steady rain. Please call us before coming out to confirm at (772) 225-1961

Jim Ferrare

Car Curator

Historical Society of Martin County
Elliott Museum
Gilbert’s Bar House of Refuge Museum

(772) 225.1961 Ext. 111
Jim’s EMAIL