12. Tasca Ford
Shelby had the biggest support from Ford, but he wasn’t the only one who built fast Fords ordinary customers couldn’t get. Bob Tasca established his business in 1953 and his Ford dealership soon became successful. It was even one of the major Ford partners on the East Coast. Bob Tasca was one of the first guys to fully understand the legendary “Win on Sunday and sell on Monday” mantra. He first started racing and sponsoring cars in his Bristol, Rhode Island area.
With Ford`s quest for racing success, management realized Tasca Ford could be a valuable partner. So, when the Ford Thunderbolt drag racer project started, Tasca Ford had an important place. Tasca also experimented with engine conversions and started offering 427 V8 kits for Mustangs and other Fords. Using his experience and know-how, Ford presented the 428 Cobra Jet Mustang in 1968.
Tasca helped develop the Boss 302 race car and the Boss 429 race engines. Since it was a big dealership that sold a lot of cars, Tasca was Shelby American’s main partner for the East Coast. Although Bob Tasca is gone now, the dealership is still active today and proud of their heritage.