Today marks one year since innovator, leader and friend, Carroll Shelby moved on to the next world. Carroll loved to celebrate the past, but always focused on the future. In keeping with his spirit, please honor his memory by getting out your car and truly enjoying it. While you’re out, snap a picture and send it to us. Please share your favorite Carroll Shelby story or memory on our wall. God Speed Carroll Shelby, we will never forget you.

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Join us on Saturday, May 11th at 1 p.m. PDT at the Carroll Shelby Foundation Headquarters in Gardena, or join your local Mustang Club and post your Rev Your Engines tribute video online at www.Facebook.com/CarrollShelbyTribute. For more information about the Carroll Shelby Tribute and Car Show, check out www.CarrollShelbyTribute.com

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Carroll Shelby Annual Tribute and Car Show Celebration in Southern California to Benefit the Foundation

 

GARDENA, Calif. – April 18, 2013 – Los Angeles Shelby American Automobile Club (LASAAC) will celebrate the incredible life of the automotive legend with the first annual Carroll Shelby Tribute and Car Show on May 11, 2013, one year after his passing. The one day event, which will benefit the Foundation, will take place at the Carroll Shelby Foundation Headquarters at 19021 S. Figueroa St. Gardena, CA 90248. It will feature a Ford and Shelby car show, awards ceremony, panel discussion led by Rick Titus, a Texas style chili bar, special guests and an engine rev salute.

 

“Carroll Shelby changed the course of history and touched millions of lives through his racing, his companies and his charity,” said Randy Richards, LASAAC president. “He challenged us to honor his legacy by continuing his work. This annual event will be a celebration for everyone who shares Carroll’s passion for performance and pursuit of excellence, while also supporting causes he truly believed in.”

 

Event gates open at 10 a.m. PDT, and while there is no charge for admission, a $10 donation to the Carroll Shelby Foundation includes a show decal. Attendees will feast their eyes on some of the rarest Shelby cars from the past five decades. Shelby owners interested in displaying their cars can find the registration form on the Carroll Shelby Foundation website for a $20 donation.

 

After the overwhelming worldwide participation at last year’s rev salute at the Petersen Automotive Museum during the Carroll Shelby Memorial, enthusiasts again are encouraged to join fans across the globe at 1 p.m. PDT with the “Rev Your Engine” salute to the life and astonishing career of Carroll Shelby.

 

“We’re so excited to share this tribute of an American legend with all of the Shelby and automotive fans around the world,” said Jenni Shreeves, Executive Director of the Carroll Shelby Foundation. “Carroll genuinely valued the people who admired and owned his cars. Giving them a chance to be a part of the ‘Rev Your Engine’ salute around the world is truly what he would want.”

 

A panel discussion led by Titus will begin at the main stage, with special guest panelists to include famous racers Don Prudhomme, John Morten, Alan Grant and other special guests.

 

LASAAC will bestow awards to the top vehicles from each class, from vintage GT350s and GT500s, to original Cobra’s, GT40s and even the Dodge Shelby models from the 80s.

 

Throughout the day, exclusive Shelby Legacy Collection items will be for sale, with proceeds benefiting the Foundation, as well as an array of Shelby branded apparel items.

 

The Carroll Shelby Tribute and Car Show will be presented by LASAAC, along with sponsors DenBeste Motorsports, McCluskey Ltd., Galpin Motorsports and Retrosports.

 

To learn more about the Carroll Shelby Foundation, make a donation or order an item with the exclusive commemorative signature, follow the link to www.carrollshelbyfoundation.org.

 

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President of Shelby American John Luft Unveils New Shelby Raptor Muscle Truck at the New York International Auto Show

 

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Alan Taylor with The Drive gives a rundown of the new Shelby's introduced at the New York International Auto Show

 

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Shelby American Delivers BIG Power in a BIG Package, Unveiling the Ultimate Muscle Truck at the New York Auto Show Today

LAS VEGAS – March 28, 2013 – Shelby American, a wholly owned subsidiary of Carroll Shelby International Inc., (CSBI.PK), today unveiled the new Shelby Raptor, one of the most powerful, exciting and collectible off-road production trucks, during the New York International Auto Show. The Shelby Raptor marks the return of the Shelby muscle truck and is based on the 2013 Ford SVT Raptor with enhanced power and handling, topped with “Shelby Style” inside and out.

 

“As a native Texan, Carroll Shelby loved powerful trucks,” said John Luft, president of Shelby American. “Carroll connected his love for trucks with his passion for performance on several projects, with the first one over 30 years ago. The latest Shelby truck was created to conquer any terrain with serious velocity.”

 

Shelby American takes the impressive Ford SVT Raptor and adds some “Shelby Magic” to create the ultimate muscle truck. By forcing air through a 2.9 liter supercharger mounted on the massive 6.2L V8 engine, and then out of the Shelby Borla exhaust system, Shelby American takes the stock 411 HP rating and kicks it up to 575 HP. A six-speed automatic transfers power to all four wheels and features a manual mode to give the driver complete gear selection control.

 

“Aerodynamically speaking, the Raptor was engineered for maximum performance,” said Gary Patterson, vice president of operations for Shelby American. “We spent our efforts improving the power, cooling and handling systems because every Shelby is built to excel under even the most extreme conditions.”

 

Equipped with 35-inch Goodrich All-Terrain tires and optional custom wheels, the Shelby Raptor stays connected to any ground it faces. The “Off-Road” mode calibrates the transmission, stability and traction control systems to operate in harmony under high-speed off-road situations. In addition, any of the three Shelby graphics packages will help set it apart from every other rig on the road.

 

“The Shelby Raptor was an absolute thrill to test across the Nevada desert,” said Vince LaViolette, Shelby American’s test driver. “The suspension system allows the Raptor to go over, around or through just about any obstacle. When more power is needed, just stroke the gas to spool up the supercharger and make the big tires rip.”

 

The post-title package starts at $17,995, not including the base Raptor. A limited production of 100 Shelby Raptors will be built per model year and each will be numbered and documented with a unique Shelby CSM number and entered into the official Shelby Registry.

 

“The Shelby American line up now has something for everybody,” added Luft. “We continue to offer the legendary Cobra sports car, along with our GTS, GT350, Super Snake and Shelby 1000 based on the current Ford Mustang and Ford Shelby GT500 vehicles. We took a page out of our history by bringing back Carroll’s beloved front wheel drive ‘pocket rocket’ with the Shelby Focus ST. Since Shelby American’s first official appearance was at the New York Auto Show over 50 years ago, it’s fitting that our ‘biggest and baddest’ product unveil of the year, the Shelby Raptor truck, would occur in Manhattan.”

 

Shelby American is now accepting orders for the limited edition Shelby Raptor truck. Those interested in reserving a truck should contact the sales team at (702) 942-7325 or visit www.shelbyamerican.com.

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Shelby American Brings World's Most Powerful Street Production Muscle Car Back to the New York Auto Show

LAS VEGAS – March 22, 2013 – Shelby American, a wholly owned subsidiary of Carroll Shelby International Inc., (CSBI.PK), will introduce the 2013 version of the most powerful production, street legal muscle car in the world on March 28, 2013, at the New York International Auto Show. The company will have on display its 2013 Shelby 1000 S/C version with 1,200 horsepower, which is based on the Ford Shelby GT500. Beginning with Ford’s new massive 5.8L V8 power plant, the 2013 Shelby 1000 puts unprecedented horsepower to the pavement, while running on pump gas.

 

“The 2012 Shelby 1000 was launched to great acclaim at the New York Auto Show last year to celebrate our 50^th anniversary,” said John Luft, president of Shelby American. “We’re bringing back the Shelby 1000 to New York, but with Ford’s new 2013 Shelby GT500 as the base car. With its new engine, launch control, adjustable suspension and other new enhancements, we’ve created a car with even more capabilities. The 2013 Shelby 1000 incorporates everything we’ve learned over five decades of creating high-performance vehicles.”

 

While the stock 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 offers 662 HP, Shelby American strips the 5.8 liter engine down to the block, strengthens the internals and then cranks up the power. Combining a finely tuned adjustable suspension with a performance cooling package, big brakes and serious horsepower, the Shelby can outperform exotics costing three-to-four times more.

 

“The 2013 Shelby 1000 is the most powerful production muscle car on the market,” said Vince LaViolette, Shelby American’s test driver. “But this car cannot be defined by just its amazing power. The steering provides wonderful feedback and the car tracks beautifully, giving it an athletic feel. It attacks corners, ripping through them with minimal body roll and tremendous grip. Yet the Shelby 1000 can be so docile that you can cruise it down the streets of Manhattan.”

 

The 2013 Shelby 1000 S/C track version runs on pump gas and is rated at 1,200 HP. The post-title package starts at $154,995, not including the base GT500. A limited production of 100 2013 Shelby 1000’s will be built and each will be numbered and documented in the official Shelby Registry.

 

Shelby American will also unveil another vehicle at the New York International Auto Show. Like the Shelby Focus ST, it will not be Ford Mustang based.

 

Shelby American is now accepting orders for the limited edition 2013 Shelby 1000. Those interested in reserving a car should contact the Shelby American Sales team at (702) 942-7325 or visit www.shelbyamerican.com.

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The New 2013 Shelby GT500 Super Snake Breaks Mid-Tens in the Quarter Mile

LAS VEGAS – March 07, 2013 – Shelby American, a wholly owned subsidiary of Carroll Shelby International Inc., (CSBI.PK), has released its quarter mile report for 2013 Shelby GT500 Super Snake. Staying true to the Shelby name, the new 850 HP Super Snake produced a series of mid ten-second quarter mile runs in excess of 135 mph at Bradenton Motorsports Park in Bradenton, Fla.

 

After unleashing 850 horses on the drag strip, the independent test driver concluded that, “the 2013 Super Snake is one of the most amazing Mustangs we’ve driven and is the fastest and most responsive Mustang we’ve tested to date. It makes every bit of the advertised 850 horsepower, and we put it to the test on the track. It produced a series of mid-10-second runs at over 135 mph, which is staggering performance for a 50-state-legal, emission compliant vehicle. Our best run clocked a 10.66 second time at 137 mph with Nitto NT555R street tires.”

 

With Ford’s 2013 Shelby GT500 boasting 662 HP right off the line, the Ford Racing Whipple or optional Kenne Bell supercharger upgrade from Shelby American takes the Super Snake to the next level. Combining serious power with a finely tuned suspension package and Shelby performance cooling package, this car is a game changer.

 

“The 2013 Super Snake’s impressive quarter mile test numbers, using pump gas and street tires, ranks it among the fastest production cars available,” said John Luft, president of Shelby American. “But it’s more than just raw power and ridged track performance. Owners can drive this car every day with its docile and comfortable ride in normal traffic situations.”

 

The independent tester added that, “with a drag race setup the Super Snake would likely produce quarter mile runs in the nine second range, yet it maintains all the comfort and features of any new Shelby. Even the Launch Control worked flawlessly. Clutch actuation is smooth and precise and the suspension provides enhanced performance without sacrificing ride quality."

 

The 2013 Shelby GT500 Super Snake post-title package starts at $28,995.00 for the 662 HP version and $39,995.00 for the 850 HP model, not including the base car.  Only 500 of these cars will be built, all at the Shelby American factory in Las Vegas.   Customers can build their dream Shelby Super Snake online with the “Build-One” program at http://shelbyamerican.com/buildhome.asp.  Those interested in a car can also contact the Shelby American sales department at (702) 942-7325 or go to www.shelbyamerican.com.

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2013 Shelby GT500 Texas Mile Top Speed Test

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United States Postal Service Features 1967 Shelby GT500 as Part of New Muscle Car Forever® Stamp Series

Celebrated AFAS artist Tom Fritz chosen to design the collection of five Forever® stamps

GARDENA, Calif. – Feb. 26, 2013 – Carroll Shelby Licensing Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Carroll Shelby International Inc. (CSBI.PK), Automotive Fine Arts Society member Tom Fritz and the United States Postal Service unveiled a new Forever® stamp featuring a 1967 Shelby GT500 from the Muscle Car Stamp series. Created by award-winning artist Tom Fritz under the art direction of Carl T. Herrman, the Guardsmen Blue with Wimbledon White stripes Shelby is one of five stamps in the U.S. Postal Service’s Forever® stamps collection.

 

“The ‘67 Shelby GT500 is one of the most celebrated muscle cars in the world,” said Tracey Smith, Carroll Shelby Licensing president. “Carroll Shelby’s father was a postal worker and allowed him to ride around on his mail runs, so we’re excited to see one of his automobiles being featured in such a prestigious collection from the U.S. Post Office. It’s a beautiful tribute to the legacy of Carroll Shelby and his contributions to automotive history.”

 

The ‘67 GT500 featured on the stamp honors the original muscle car manufactured by Shelby American. Powered by a 428-cubic-inch, 355-horsepower Police Interceptor engine, the monstrous Shelby featured a rear spoiler, grille-mounted headlights and rocker panel stripes. With only 2,048 built in 1967, the Shelby GT500 is both exceptional and rare.

 

The 1967 Shelby GT500 is one of five vehicles featured in the Muscle Car Forever® stamps series, which were unveiled at the Daytona 500 by racing legends Richard and Kyle Petty, and U.S. Postmaster General Patrick R. Donahoe on Friday, Feb. 22, 2013. The Muscle Car Forever® stamps are the third issuance in the “America on the Move” stamp series from the U.S. Postal Service.

 

“The ‘67 Shelby is as legendary as the man who built it, so I wanted to keep with the traditional paint scheme and iconic look of one of the most popular muscle cars of all time,” added Fritz. “It was a tremendous honor to be the artist chosen to create the Muscle Car Stamps. Now my work will be among the special Forever® stamps that people will collect and pass down from generation to generation.”

 

Recently, Fritz teamed up with Carroll Shelby Licensing on a painting titled “Carroll Shelby,” which is currently available for purchase as canvas print editions and posters. Originally commissioned by Road & Track to create a piece for its August 2012 issue, Fritz captured the essence of Shelby’s past and present in his beautifully-crafted masterpiece.

 

A portion of the proceeds generated by the sale of the “Carroll Shelby” painting will benefit the Carroll Shelby Foundation, which was established by Mr. Shelby to provide financial support for children battling life-threatening diseases and to promote continuing education. Those interested in purchasing the painting and/or posters can do so online by clicking here.

 

To view and purchase the Muscle Car Forever® stamps, visit USPS.com. To learn how to become an official Carroll Shelby brand licensee, log on to www.ShelbyLicensing.com or call (310) 914-1843.

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Shelby Cobra Featured in Priceline Commercial Alongside William Shatner and Kaley Cuoco

 

GARDENA, Calif. – Feb. 21, 2013 – Carroll Shelby Licensing Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Carroll Shelby International Inc. (CSBI.PK), teamed up with priceline.com to ensure that expert “Negotiator” William Shatner has the coolest wheels to make the best deals for travelers across the country. In the latest commercial from priceline.com to promote its Express Deals(sm) hotel reservation service, Shatner and his daughter, played by The Big Bang Theory’s Kaley Cuoco, roar across the screen in a big block Shelby Cobra.

 

“The Shelby Cobra is one of the most recognized and iconic performance vehicles of all time,” said Tracey Smith, Carroll Shelby Licensing president. “It represents all the best attributes of the Shelby brand and we’re thrilled to see it featured in such a cool way. The Cobra makes a great stand-out visual for priceline.com’s message with a fun nod to pop-culture.”

 

The Cobra 427 plays an important role in the TV commercial as Priceline Negotiator William Shatner drops his daughter off with a clan of monks at a mysterious dojo on the top of a deserted mountain. Twenty years later, and cruising in the same fashionable wheels, Shatner picks up his matured daughter played by Cuoco. She is now as savvy as her famous father in finding consumers the best travel deals.

 

“The choice of a Shelby perfectly complemented our message,” said priceline.com Chief Marketing Officer Brett Keller. “The Negotiator is a suave, super-spy type character and needed sophisticated wheels to match. William Shatner and Kaley Cuoco appeal to multiple generations, and we needed an automobile with timeless appeal that resonates across all those age groups. The Cobra is a perfect fit.”

 

Express Deals is priceline.com's newest and most family-friendly hotel reservation service that can save travelers up to 45 percent without bidding on a room. With Express Deals, customers choose the city, neighborhood and star-level hotel they want, see its amenities and, in some cases, even specify the bedding they want. Visit www.priceline.com for the best deals on hotels, flights, rental cars, vacations and cruises.

 

To learn how to become an official Carroll Shelby brand licensee, log on to www.ShelbyLicensing.com or call (310) 914-1843.

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R.I.P. Phil Remington

We were saddened to learn of Phil Remington’s passing on Feb. 8, 2013. He will reign among the greatest of heroes for everyone who loves speed.

 

It is impossible to overstate Phil’s contribution to Shelby American. A master with the wrench, he combined the uncanny ability to fabricate anything, manage a team of craftsmen mechanics and build fast, powerful cars.

 

With his contributions, Shelby American achieved stellar success on and off the track with such memorable cars as the Cobra, GT350 and the Ford GT40. We will keep the Remington family in our prayers while feeling fortunate that he had such an impact on all of our lives.

John Luft

President

Shelby American, Inc.

 

Phil Remington Official Obituary

All American Racers is sad to announce that Phil Remington passed away in his sleep Saturday morning, February 9th, just 2 weeks after his 92nd birthday.

"Rem” joined AAR in the fall of 1968 after an already stellar career in the motor racing world. He was universally admired and recognized as the greatest fabricator of his time. Until his health started failing last summer Phil never missed a day of work, he was an example both professionally and personally to legions of young people who studied under him and who worked by his side.

It will be difficult for us to walk by his old wooden workbench on the shop floor and not hear the sound of his hammer or see a smile break out on his face having just finished his latest masterpiece. Our heartfelt condolences go to his daughter Kati, his son-in-law Dave and his two grandsons Tynan and Brady.

On the occasion of his 80th and 90th birthdays we wrote tributes to Phil which we think capture the man and his life and work, we like to present some excerpts here:

Watching Tom Hanks try to get off the island in the movie "Castaway" a few years ago, all we could think of was "Where is Rem?" Had the legendary Mr. Fix-it, motor racing’s best known fabricator been there, they would have been off that island in no time. Phil would have known how to hammer together a boat from bark and build a make-shift helicopter from old socks. He was a one man fire brigade which the top factory racing teams called upon when in trouble.

In 44 years at our company, nobody remembers Phil missing a day of work. His ability as a fabricator, designer, draftsman, engineer and all- technical -problem - solving- genius has inspired three generations of racers be it behind the wheel, in the pits or on the shop floor. A huge number of alumni of AAR's Remington University have gone on to establish their own often formidable careers in the racing industry.

Born in 1921 in Santa Monica, cradle of the hotrod civilization, Phil served as a flight engineer in the South Pacific in World War II. After the war he started racing hotrods on the dry lakes. A severe motorcycle accident which almost cost him a leg, finished this particular career and launched another. He found out what he could do with his hands, a hammer and a piece of metal. And he could do it faster and better.

And so the journey began which took him around the world with the greatest racing teams of the day. He was with Lance Reventlow in Monte Carlo when he ran the first American F I car, he helped the Ford Shelby Cobra Team win the Championship over Ferrari in 1965, he was in the pits when Dan Gurney and A.J. Foyt won Ford's biggest victory at Le Mans in 1967, he joined Holman and Moody on the Southern circuit and led an endurance test for Ford Motor Company through hazardous Afghanistan in the middle 50s. He was at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway when the Gurney Eagles dominated the Indy car scene in the early 70s. He saw Bobby Unser drink that precious bottle of milk after winning the Indy 500 in 1975 in an Eagle which Rem helped build and naturally he was at Daytona, Sebring and Watkins Glen when the GTO Celicas and GTP Eagles won IMSA Championships. Phil - literally - had a hand in every victory.

Modest, handsome, outspoken, politically incorrect, proud, fiercely competitive, cantankerous, enthusiastic and blessed with a wicked sense of humor, he became a respected and beloved elder statesman at the company. After his wife Joy died in 2000, he lived on his own shunning any talks of help or of retirement. Last spring at 91 years of age, Phil was part of the AAR crew which built the DeltaWing - what a fitting finale to a great life in the motor racing industry!

Justin Gurney, AAR CEO, said Phil's merciless work ethic and can-do attitude reverberated throughout the shop and will continue to be a shining example in the future. "Most of us in the younger generation have known Mr. Remington for our entire working lives. Considering his robust health almost to the very end, we were tempted to think he would live forever. We have been in awe of his talents and afraid of his scorn. If something was not done to his exact specifications, the hammer came down... If for instance he did not like the music emanating from somebody's radio, he would not hesitate to saw it in half during lunch hour. Next time we hear thunder, it might just be Rem with his homemade hammers repairing the Pearly Gates."

Dan Gurney called Phil AAR's ‘Rock of Gibraltar'. "He was a marvel, an old salt and an inspiration to young and old. We owe him a ton of gratitude for all the good things he has done for us and many other racing teams through the last half century. He was an original and can never be replaced. God's speed Rem, we love you and we will miss you every day".

 

Further data on Phil Remington's life and career can be found on our webpage www.allamericanracers.com An article “Mr. Fix-it” by Preston Lerner which appeared in the July edition of Sports Car International Magazine in 1980 is posted in the "archive" section.

 

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Carroll Shelby Foundation and COTA: Saving a Child, One Organ at a Time

What is a hero? The Merriam-Webster dictionary describes it as an individual who shows great courage and is admired for his (or her) achievements and noble qualities.  To a young child battling a deadly disease, an organ donor can be the single most important hero in his or her life. It can also be the single most expensive – and heart wrenching – challenge a family faces during their lifetime.

 

Imagine telling your child that you can’t afford the life-saving surgery that they need. It’s unthinkable, especially for the heroes who direct the Carroll Shelby Foundation and the Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA). To help alleviate the stress and burden of exhausting medical bills, they teamed up in recent years to accomplish what some families believe to be impossible – funding an organ transplant.

 

To continue its ongoing battle against deadly extremities that attack healthy organs, the Carroll Shelby Foundation donated a hefty $25,000 to the Children’s Organ Transplant Association on Monday, Jan. 14. Established to help families and their volunteers through every step of the organ transplant fundraising process, COTA’s first patient dates back to July 1985, when a community rallied together to raise $100,000 for a local toddler’s liver transplant. 

 

Today, both COTA and the Carroll Shelby Foundation follow the same principles of helping those in the greatest times of need. Only a couple years after COTA was founded, the Carroll Shelby Foundation was established by automotive icon and legend Carroll Shelby after his life-saving heart transplant. The Foundation has grown to provide medical support to both children and organizations at home and around the world; it also offers educational opportunities for young adults who want to advance their automotive trade skills.

 

Feel inspired through these acts of kindness? You can be a hero too by signing up to be an organ donor today and potentially giving the gift of life! Log on to www.CarrollShelbyFoundation.org or www.COTA.org to learn more about these incredible non-profits.

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Historic Goodwood Revival Donates $8,355 to the Carroll Shelby Foundation in Honor of Founder

GARDENA, Calif. – Feb. 1, 2013 – Established by automotive icon and racing legend, Carroll Shelby, The Carroll Shelby Foundation received a $8,355 donation from the 2012 Goodwood Revival, which honored the automotive legend during its historic festival from Sept. 14-16, in England this year. The revival hosted a special race on Saturday, Sept. 15, called the Shelby Cup, to pay tribute to Carroll’s most distinguished vehicle – the Shelby Cobra.

 

“The Goodwood Revival’s celebration of Carroll Shelby’s life during the festival was remarkable,” said Jenni Shreeves, executive director of the Carroll Shelby Foundation. “It was touching that so many of his international supporters wanted to honor him and his contributions to racing.”

Considered by many to be one of the world’s most important motor racing events, the Goodwood Revival is a three-day festival commemorating racing from the 1920s through mid-’60s. This year, the revival honored automotive icon, manufacturer and racecar driving legend Carroll Shelby.

For one time only, the finest collection of significant and authentic racing Shelby Cobras ever assembled in the UK gathered for “The Shelby Cup.” To mark the 50^th anniversary since Carroll Shelby’s introduction of the initial versions of this cult sports car, the 2012 Revival featured a grid exclusively made up of 30 Cobras including the special-bodied aerodynamic Cobra-based coupés. This special all-Cobra race was a 45-minute two-driver competition, with driver changes in the pits between 15 and 30 minutes. Race entrants helped generate funds for the donation to the charity.

To learn more about the Carroll Shelby Foundation, make a donation or order an item with the exclusive Carroll Shelby commemorative signature, follow the link to www.carrollshelbyfoundation.org.

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50th Anniversary of the Ford GT40

While this year is a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Ford GT40, we should all remember that Carroll and his team of "hot rodders" at Shelby American transformed the GT40 into the race winning, world-dominating champion that we all love.

This GT40 was the first car to win a major race sporting the now iconic Gulf Orange-and-Blue Racing Livery.

And if all this isn’t enough to make a car a star, add to that a stint under the stewardship of Steve McQueen. After an impressive racing career, 1074 was sold out of the John Wyer Associates’ team stable and leased to McQueen’s Solar Productions for use as a high-speed camera car for the filming of his magnum opus motor sport epic, Le Mans.

For more on this story check out what Octane's Matt Stone has to say about the famous GT40!
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MCQUEEN TAKES HOME 1964 CONTINUATION SHELBY COBRA FROM THE CARROLL SHELBY FOUNDATION!

Even though he's not related to "The King of Cool," Pennsylvania resident Ronald McQueen is the new owner of a 50th Anniversary Shelby Cobra, which was the grand prize of the 2012 Win-A-Shelby raffle!

A special thanks to everyone who purchased a raffle ticket!

Proceeds from the sale of the tickets benefit the Carroll Shelby Foundation.

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Shelby American Talks a Walk on the "Wild Side" While Repeating History at the North American Auto Show

Shelby American Revives Legendary “Pocket Rocket” and Ups It’s Muscle Car Game 

Detroit – Jan. 15, 2013 – Shelby American, Inc., a division of Carroll Shelby International (CSBI.PK), unveiled today its new 850 horsepower 2013 Shelby GT500 Super Snake “Wide Body” as well as the new performance tuned Shelby Focus ST  at the North American International Auto Show. The two cars represent bookends in the lineup of high performance vehicles available from Shelby American.

 

“Carroll Shelby’s innovative and aggressive hot-rodder spirit lives on at Shelby American today. ” said John Luft, president of Shelby American. “His Cobra redefined the sports car genre and then Shelby turned what some called a ‘secretary’s car’, the Mustang, into the fire-breathing GT350. A few years later, Shelby practically invented the American ‘pocket-rocket’ with the four-cylinder turbocharged, front wheel drive Shelby GLH. This year, we’re returning to our roots with a pair of game-changing cars that will rewrite the rules for American performance.”

 

Shelby American takes the stock 662 horsepower 2013 GT500 and boosts its performance to a street-legal 850 horsepower while keeping it 50 state emissions legal and tuned on 91 octane pump gas. Adding Shelby’s new Wide Body option puts all that power to the pavement, and the rest is history. 

 

“Now with 13 inch rear and 10 inch front wheels that are wrapped in serious rubber, the car launches and handles like the super car it is,” added Gary Davis, vice president of production at Shelby American. The optional wide body package isn’t just a cosmetic change, it now gives the Super Snake much more traction and makes it easy to exploit the Shelby’s potential right past the competition.”

 

Customers can choose between Satin Black, Gloss White, Silver, Blue and Red stripes. Offered now for the first time, wheel options include a rear-only or front and rear “wide body” packages.

 

Even though the new Wide Body Super Snake will have the chops to lead the muscle car pack, it is the return of Carroll Shelby’s beloved “Pocket Rocket” that may be the biggest news in Detroit.

 

“Carroll Shelby ignored critics who said the turbo four Omni couldn’t be an affordable performance car in the 1980s,” noted Gary Patterson, vice president of Operations/Sales. “He proved them wrong with an impressive, lightweight four cylinder performer. Ford Motor Company’s new Focus ST is the perfect platform for the rebirth of the front wheel drive turbo four cylinder Shelby. It is a car that Carroll wanted to build before his passing and is a worthy successor to his ‘Pocket-Rocket’ GLH.”

 

Designed in the Shelby skunkworks and tested extensively at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, the front wheel drive Shelby Focus ST is a driver-focused masterpiece of performance with a budget minded price.

 

New Ford Racing suspension pieces lower the car while the wheels and tires improve grip and traction. The bigger Shelby spec brakes with drilled rotors enhance the stopping power; along with the sound of the Shelby/Borla exhaust makes it uniquely Shelby. Inside, the car has a complete Shelby branded custom interior, Shelby shifter and finished off with the unique Shelby CSM badge. On the outside, the Shelby is easily identified by its functional hood vents, hydro-carbon front and rear grille inserts, Shelby lettering and rear Hydro-carbon spoiler. Three visual graphics packages are offered, ranging from “traditional” Shelby stripes to more edgy Shelby checkered flag splash or competition graphics.  Under the hood, Shelby American adds stylish hydro-carbon components and is developing an optional performance tune expected to significantly increase horsepower.

 

The post-title package for the 2013 Shelby GT500 Super Snake starts at $28,995 (662 hp) and $39,995 (850 hp). The wide body option adds another $17,995, not including the base GT500.  The 2013 Shelby Focus ST post-title package begins at $14,995 not including the Ford Focus ST and will be limited to 500 per model year.

 

Shelby American is now accepting orders for the limited edition cars. Interested parties should contact their sales team at (702) 942-7325 or visit.

 

About Shelby American, Inc.

Shelby American manufactures and markets performance vehicles and related products. The company builds authentic continuation Cobras, including the 427 S/C, 289 FIA and 289 street car component vehicles. Shelby American offers the Shelby 1000, GT350, GT500 Super Snake, and GTS post-title packages for the current generation Ford Mustang, as well as the 2013 Shelby Focus ST. For more info, visit www.shelbyamerican.com.

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Goodwood Revival Celebrates the Great Dan Gurney

While a great deal of attention has been devoted to Shelby American’s 50^th anniversary, there were other key milestones commemorated in 2012. One that is especially important to Shelby fans spotlighted the incredible career of Dan Gurney. This year, the Goodwood Revival in Chichester honored the 50th anniversary of Gurney's 1st Grand Prix win driving a Porsche in 1962 at Rouen.

A racing legend, Gurney’s contribution to motor racing is incalculable.  He is considered one of the most versatile drivers of all time  with a tally of four World Championship Grand Prix wins, and three additional F1 races,  as well as overall and GT victories at the World  Championship Sports Car  races at Daytona, Sebring,  Targa Florio,  Nuerburgring, Le Mans and Goodwood.  He also won five NASCAR 500 mile races, seven in Indy car and just about every form of sports car/Canam/Transam competition on the planet. 

Winning the 1967 Grand Prix of Belgium in the Eagle - Gurney and Weslake’s V12 set a mark in American motorsports which has not been equaled since. Gurney remains the only US citizen to drive a car of his own construction into the winner's circle of a Grand Prix event.

As a manufacturer and team owner, his cars excelled in Champ Car racing, winning the National USAC Championship and the Indy 500 several times.  In sports car racing, Gurney’s always spectacular Eagles claimed several IMSA titles and outright victory in the Sebring 12 Hours and Daytona 24 Hours.

Of course, Shelby fans will always connect him to some of the company’s greatest victories. Having raced against Shelby as a driver in the late 1950s on the Southern California sports car circuit, he joined Shelby American in 1963 and gave the team its first big victory at Bridgehamton piloting the Cobra roadster.

When Shelby took a team of Cobras to Europe to race against Ferrari, Porsche and Jaguar on their own turf in 1964, Gurney joined Phil Hill, Bob Bondurant, Ken Miles, Jerry Grant and others to garner victories for the Cobra team. Teaming with Bob Bondurant they  won the GT category in the 1964 24 Hours of Le Mans in the Daytona Cobra Coupe; Dan alone did it again at  the Goodwood World Championship sports car race two months later.  

He and A.J. Foyt gave Carroll Shelby and Ford Motor company their biggest win ever: the 1967 24 Hour Le Mans race.  It is the only time in American motor sports history so far that an American Team with American drivers in an American car using an American engine has won this prestigious race.  

While Dan will forever be immortalized for the Gurney bubble and Gurney flap, he's also the man behind the tradition of spraying champagne from the winner's podium after a race--a tradition he started in 1967 after winning Le Mans with Foyt. Who could forget the image of Gurney spraying Carroll Shelby and Henry Ford II at the same time?  

Gurney was celebrated throughout the Goodwood Revival. The 1960’s tongue-in-cheek presidential campaign was resurrected complete with banners, faithful supporters and buttons. Gurney graciously signed autographs while he and his wife Evi mingled with crowds on the event grounds.

The crowning moment arrived  when a marvelous collection of cars driven or built by Dan took to the circuit, including a Ferrari 250 TR59/60 and Max Balchowsky’s immortal Buick-powered Ol’ Yeller II road racing special. Gurney and Lord March celebrated in style on the track in a bright red Ford Mustang convertible fitted with presidential campaigning livery.

Gurney’s Shelby ties were very much represented, from the GT40 to the Daytona Coupe which he raced and won with at Goodwood in 1964, a win Lord March saw as a young boy trackside. Bob and Pat Bondurant flew in from America to drive an original 289 Cobra in the Gurney tribute. Even the ’69 Boss powered Shelby he raced in 1969 was on the track.

It was a wonderful weekend to recall the exploits of a man who will always be held in high esteem by the Shelby Nation.

Images graciously provided by Luc Ghys (http://jalbum.net/nl/users/pedro917) and Ivar Engerud.

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Known for his impeccable talents as a sculptor, Automotive Fine Arts Society (AFAS) member Richard Pietruska honored the legendary automotive icon, Carroll Shelby, and the 50^th anniversary of the Shelby Cobra with his amazing Cobra sculpture featured here.

“2012 is a special year for automotive enthusiasts around the world,” said Pietruska. “It marks the 50th anniversary of the Shelby Cobra, an iconic sports car that will always be remembered for its battle against Ferrari. To commemorate this occasion, I have created new sculptures and brought back a few old works of these legendary vehicles as a tribute to the renowned Cobra Ferrari Wars.”

 

Pietruska has won many awards, including his most recent, Award of Excellence at the 2012 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance as well as three Peter Helck Awards over the years.  He is also a highly respected professor at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena where he has been teaching for more than 25 years. For more on Richard Pietruska and his fine art work, click here or visit http://rpmart.com

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The Carroll Shelby Foundation and Automotive Fine Arts Society member Tom Fritz have joined forces to honor Carroll Shelby and raise money for a worthy cause. Fritz's painting "Carroll Shelby" is now officially licensed and available for purchase as a canvas or poster print edition, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Carroll Shelby Foundation. Those interested in purchasing the painting and/or posters can do so online or by clicking here.

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Check out CNET's road trip to the Las Vegas factory where history is created!

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13576_3-57469119-315/for-shelby-50-years-of-blowing-other-cars-doors-off/

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Celebrating 50 years of the Shelby Cobra in Ponoma, California

To mark the 50th Anniversary of the Cobra, a massive Shelby Cobra reunion was held at the Wally Parks N.H.R.A. Motorsports Museum in Pomona, California, where hundreds of Shelby enthusiasts and Cobra owners flocked for the celebration last weekend. Click HERE and take a look at AutoBlog's photo gallery and coverage of the festivities!

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CARROLL SHELBY FOUNDATION HOLDS RAFFLE FOR THE LAST AVAILABLE SPECIAL EDITION 50th ANNIVERSARY COBRA

Shelby fans have one last chance to own the 50th anniversary Shelby Cobra through year-long raffle

The Carroll Shelby Foundation is offering fans a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to win a 50th anniversary Shelby Cobra. Throughout 2012, which marks the golden anniversary of the Shelby Cobra and Shelby American, people can enter a raffle for the chance to put this rare vehicle in their own garage. The 50th Shelby Cobra up for raffle made its first appearance at Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction™ in Scottsdale Jan. 17-22, 2012.

Click on the link below to get more details!

http://www.shelbynation.com/page/carroll-shelby-foundation-holds-raffle-for-the-last-available-spe

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Shelby American Celebrates 50 Years of High Performance with Special Anniversary Edition Cars

 

To honor its 50th anniversary, Shelby American™, a wholly owned subsidiary of Carroll Shelby International Inc., (CSBI.PK), is unleashing a new line of Anniversary Edition Shelby GTS, GT350® and Super Snake® vehicles. Only 50 white and 50 black of each post title Shelby model will be manufactured, making it an instant collector's item and an iconic piece of automotive history.

"Few thought that Shelby American would make it in the car business for 50 years," said Carroll Shelby. "We built the first Cobra in a rented garage and then GT350's in an old hanger. But our company is still here, manufacturing the best cars that I've ever made. The next 50 years will be even better for Shelby American."

 

Follow the link for the full story!

http://www.shelbynation.com/page/shelby-american-celebrates-50-years-of-high-performance

The Carroll Shelby Foundation built a "Real Life" version of the Shelby GT 500 Super Snake EA Need for Speed edition.... This one of a kind Super Snake will be auctioned benefiting the Carroll Shelby Foundation... Details to come...

 

Check out this great video of the automotive legend Carroll Shelby!