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Carroll Shelby Centennial Celebration

Posted by Carroll Shelby Racing ,20th Apr 2023

Carroll Shelby's name has become synonymous with American automotive history. His contribution to the automotive industry began as a race car driver but his legacy was ultimately defined by his work as a car designer and entrepreneur. His career spanned over six decades, during which he designed some of the most iconic sports cars in history, including the Shelby Cobra, the Shelby Mustang, and the Ford GT40.

Shelby's first major success as a car designer came in 1962 when he created the Shelby Cobra, a car that combined a British AC Ace chassis with an American V8 engine. The Cobra quickly became a legend on the racetrack, winning numerous championships in both the US and Europe. Shelby's success with the Cobra led to a partnership with Ford, resulting in the development of the Shelby Mustang, which became an American icon in the 1960s.
Shelby's other notable design work included the Shelby Daytona Coupe, which was built to compete in the GT class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The car was instrumental in Ford's victory at the race in 1965, and it remains one of the most iconic race cars of all time.

Throughout his career, Shelby also had a passion for improving the performance of existing cars. He founded Shelby American in 1962, which became renowned for its high-performance modifications to Ford Mustangs and other muscle cars.

Carroll Shelby's impact on the automotive industry cannot be overstated. He was a true pioneer, combining his passion for racing with his engineering and design skills to create some of the most legendary cars in history. His legacy continues to inspire car enthusiasts around the world today and in 2023, we celebrate the centennial of his life and legacy.