Robert M Holbert

The businessman/mechanic/racer made an indelible mark on the sport during the 1950s and ‘60s, piloting his own Porsches and teaming with Ken Miles and Dave McDonald in Carroll Shelby’s Cobras for a number of international victories. Holbert opened his first garage in 1921, expanding it in 1951 in Warrington, PA. Three years later Holbert’s Garage became one of the country’s first authorized Porsche dealerships and remains the second oldest franchise still operating. Interestingly, one of Holbert’s early rivals Roger Penske purchased his first racecar from Bob in 1958.

Holbert was noted for being smooth and very quick, winning four SCCA National Championships in Porsche 550 and 718RSK sports-racers along with five class victories in the 12 Hours of Sebring (three consecutively; second overall in 1960 with Roy Schechter). In 1963, his first year with Shelby America, Holbert claimed the inaugural USRRC title. After a successful 1964 season driving a Daytona Cobra, Holbert retired, ostensibly because of the death of his teammate and friend Dave McDonald. His son Larry would later take over the dealership, while son Al became an IMSA superstar in the 1970s and ’80s, only to tragically lose his life in an aircraft accident in 1988.

Bob passed away November 12, 2007, in Warrington at age 84.

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