Carroll Shelby Dead At Age 89

Jack Baruth
by Jack Baruth

One of the most colorful figures in American automotive history is gone. According to multiple sources, Carroll Shelby, International announced today that Mr. Shelby died yesterday, in Baylor Hospital (Dallas, TX).

Mr. Shelby will forever be remembered for the Cobra and Shelby Mustang cars of the Sixties, but he remained surprisingly relevant well into the Nineties, inspiring efforts like the Shelby Charger, Shelby Lancer, and Dodge Viper. Although his final years were beset by scandal and an increasingly Byzantine series of lawsuits against everyone from “cloners” to his own fan club, the man’s contributions to the art, science, and passion of hauling ass in affordable cars are undeniable.

Rest in peace, Mr. Shelby.

Jack Baruth
Jack Baruth

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  • Brunsworks Brunsworks on May 12, 2012

    Sad news. He was one of the classic wild men of motoring, and he found new and interesting ways to make cars go fast and run off with our imaginations. While he is sure to continue to influence the automotive world for years to come, let's hope that his name is not misapplied.

  • Zackman Zackman on May 12, 2012

    I grew up with the likes of his turning Mustangs into something respectable on the street and track. While I was never a Ford fan back in the 60's 'til recently, I respected what he did with various machinery. I wonder what he could have done with my W body Impala...just kidding! Another legend gone...do any young people care while they sit in their Civics, Scions, Subies, Lancers and such? I hope they put aside thier IPods for a moment and think about what he made possible.

  • MRF 95 T-Bird MRF 95 T-Bird on May 12, 2012

    Drove by my neighborhood Ford dealer today in my T-Bird where there are always a few Shelbys parked out front and said a prayer for Mr.Shelby. Lo and behold a few miles away a late model GT500 white/blue stripes cruised by in the opposite lane.

  • Donkensler Donkensler on May 13, 2012

    I was a 9-year-old car freak (I honestly can't remember when I wasn't one) when the Cobra came to notice in '63. I was thrilled that a Ford-powered car could beat the mighty Vette (a Ford fanboy even then), and then it got even better when the Cobra won the World Championship and the GT40 won Le Mans, beating mighty Ferrari. Over almost 50 years, I had lots of vicarious enjoyment from Shelby and his cars. Although his only involvement with the new GT500 may have been as inspiration for the Ford engineers, let that car serve as his epitaph.

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