Carroll Shelby dead at 89
05-11-2012, 03:39 PM
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Carroll Shelby dead at 89
Sadly the news has come across the wires that Carroll Shelby the legendary driver, car builder, and self professed "failed chicken farmer" has died at the age of 89.
Whether you are a fan of his creations both for Ford and later Chrysler, or just admire the insanely fast machines crafted by Shelby American, this is a somber day for car lovers around the world
R.I.P. Carroll and thanks for the ride.
Here the story from USA Today....
http://content.usatoday.com/communit...f-cobra-dies/1
Whether you are a fan of his creations both for Ford and later Chrysler, or just admire the insanely fast machines crafted by Shelby American, this is a somber day for car lovers around the world
R.I.P. Carroll and thanks for the ride.
Here the story from USA Today....
http://content.usatoday.com/communit...f-cobra-dies/1
05-11-2012, 04:34 PM
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Join Date: 05-09-2006
Location: "Upland" Mesa, Arizona
Posts: 6,805
RIP
Had the great opportunity to personally meet him in the late 90's....I believe 97 thru 99. He was working with GM on an Oldsmobile sport car, that ultimately had very limited sales. And never really panned out. To bad, it was innovative. I think a few are still around the country and sell for around $100K+.
Nice guy and absolutely loved anything that moved fast. cars, trucks, planes, boats.....can't say anything about women !!
Had the great opportunity to personally meet him in the late 90's....I believe 97 thru 99. He was working with GM on an Oldsmobile sport car, that ultimately had very limited sales. And never really panned out. To bad, it was innovative. I think a few are still around the country and sell for around $100K+.
Nice guy and absolutely loved anything that moved fast. cars, trucks, planes, boats.....can't say anything about women !!
05-11-2012, 05:30 PM
#6
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Join Date: 03-08-2009
Location: Lower Slower Delaware
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He was a race car driver in his early years, racing Ferrari's, Aston-Martins (drove one to victory at LeMans in '59) and Maserati's. His driving career ended as a result of a heart condition he developed at 37. But he went on to bigger and better things.
He was a true pioneer in modern motorsports.
A little trivia - what engine did he want to put in the little British AC that would become the Cobra?
He was a true pioneer in modern motorsports.
A little trivia - what engine did he want to put in the little British AC that would become the Cobra?
05-11-2012, 05:32 PM
#7
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Join Date: 11-19-2010
Location: Springfield, Oregon
Posts: 620
RIP
Had the great opportunity to personally meet him in the late 90's....I believe 97 thru 99. He was working with GM on an Oldsmobile sport car, that ultimately had very limited sales. And never really panned out. To bad, it was innovative. I think a few are still around the country and sell for around $100K+.
Nice guy and absolutely loved anything that moved fast. cars, trucks, planes, boats.....can't say anything about women !!
Had the great opportunity to personally meet him in the late 90's....I believe 97 thru 99. He was working with GM on an Oldsmobile sport car, that ultimately had very limited sales. And never really panned out. To bad, it was innovative. I think a few are still around the country and sell for around $100K+.
Nice guy and absolutely loved anything that moved fast. cars, trucks, planes, boats.....can't say anything about women !!
I think his greatest accomplishment was spearheading Ford's win over Ferrari at Le Mans.
05-11-2012, 11:10 PM
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Later they went to 289's and finally the 427 Side Oiler.
05-14-2012, 12:09 AM
#10
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Join Date: 04-09-2006
Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada
Posts: 7,037
I just heard about it, reading a local paper - o'man, he was something wasn't he!! The automobile industry, fans etc., are going to miss him.
http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/...2/1018/OPINION
http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/...2/1018/OPINION
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