Carroll Shelby passes away

[maurice19]

Carroll`s conception of what a sports car was certainly set the standard for the competition and lit up my life when I was a young adult.
I am thankful for his contributions and he will be missed

Maurice

[RET_COP]

I will show my Cobra proudly tomorrow, many will know why. Thank you Carroll Shelby. RIP

[BruceSnyder]

Mr. Shelby,

You left your mark on the world. You will always be remember.

[289fia_cobra]

I was suspecting this might happen since talk of being in bad shape a couple of weeks ago made me think he might not make it to the August bash at Laguna Seca.

As echo'd already, love him or hate him, you have to give this bigger than life human being RESPECT for doing things, getting things done. He helped in the creation of one our most beloved vehicles. Real or replica, it doesn't matter... these cars will live on as tribute to one of the hardest working auto enthusiast I've had the luckiest pleasures of meeting him. My daughter has his last name as a lasting reminder. And how lucky was Ford/Lee Iacocca to have this icon to create a legend in the Mustang ranks.

I will miss this man a lot. There should be a moment of silence this August at Laguna Seca. I really hope to be there this summer.

And my condolences to Carroll Shelby's family.

sidebar: I got the news around lunch time today. as luck had it, I typically drive my FFR to work on Fridays so on my way home, I thought of Shelby, smiled at the thought of driving something he had developed some 50 years ago... replica, yes, but the driving experience is as authentic as it will get. I smiled all the way home today.

[Excaliber]

Well,,,, this is an historic event. Not the end of an era, the end of many different era's as Shelby continually came up with a new game plan over his life.

The car world won't be quite as colorful as it was before.

[gjcomb]

I had the opportunity to meet Carroll Shelby twice; well, both times were by accident!

The first time was when my wife and I traveled to Los Angeles to attend a CHP 11-99 Foundation dinner that was held at the L.A. Petersen museum in early 2000-2001. The place was packed with some great drivers and contributors to the sport and ol' Shelby was right in the middle of this group.

My wife must've seen my gaping mouth open with saliva dripping down (no, I wasn't tipsy from drinking wine) while looking at all these great racing personalities there, and she commented "Do you want an autograph from Carroll Shelby"?! I, of course, said "sure, but there is no way I'm gonna even get close to the guy". Then she says - no problem! Sure enough, my wife grabs my hand, goes around a few tables and goes right up to Mr. Shelby and introduces herself and I. I stepped back briefly to gather my thoughts since I was tongue-tied and could not get a word to come out. I also could not hear what was being discussed given all the other noise and conversations going on, but after she shakes his hand, both Mr. Shelby and her are laughing and talking as if they've known each other for a long time. Mary does get his autograph and Mr. Shelby has to get a kiss in return!! A few moments later, she is back with Mr. Shelby's signature on the evening's program and a napkin.

I was definitely curious, and so I asked Mary how she got Mr. Shelby to smile and chat as he did. She said it was nothing, really - she mentioned to him that she was the administrator to Dr. Mendez, the founder for the Kidney & Pancreas Transplant Center Foundation in Los Angeles, and that Dr. Mendez sent his greetings and hoped he was doing well. Dr. Mendez was the surgeon who performed Mr. Shelby's kidney transplant some years earlier; Dr. Mendez and his twin brother were the pioneering doctors who performed kidney transplant procedures that are commonplace worldwide today.

The second time was a few years ago when a buddy of mine and I went to DenBeste's Motorsports in Windsor, CA for a NorCal Shelby function and also to buy a couple of bottles of wine labeled under the Shelby name - Andy had his Samoan Husky there and after walking around the area for a while, began to get a little feisty. I moved away for a moment to check out a few cars that were on display in the front parking lot; in the meantime, I saw through the side of my eye this older individual stop by and start talking to Andy while also petting his dog. Of course, I kinda shuffled over to listen to them talk, not even thinking or recognizing that it was Mr. Shelby himself who went on and on about dogs and how great they are. My friend mentioned something about calling his dog Shelby, and it still never hit me that it was Shelby himself talking to my friend. I happen to say "hello" and smile, and then he moved on and walked into the warehouse where the Shelby cars and wine bottles were at. My friend kept asking me "know who that was?" and I gave that blank look until he mentioned his name...

I also had the opportunity to have my dash signed by Mr. Shelby - the interesting experience was with my dash when I had left it at the Shelby booth for signature in Fontana (during a SAAC meet at Fontana Raceway). Back then, it was $25 (or a little more - can't remember now) for Shelby to sign your item. The young lady handling the booth mentioned that Shelby was not going to be available for signatures, but all items would be signed and sent back to their owners. So, I left my dash there and waited like a little kid for my stuff to return. 3 weeks later, my dash shows up, but the Carroll Shelby's name in upside down. Somehow, I guess he thought the bottom of the Cobra dash being straight was supposed to be up and the curve side down. When I called Gardena to mention the error, the lady remembered me and my dash (I was the only guy who brought his dash for signature!) and this was corrected. I did not have to pay for freight.

Mr. Carroll Shelby will be missed by all of us...I am sadden this day has come.

George

[CSX 4039]

He didn't sell millions of cars, the Cobra was made for only a few years, nor did he sell his cars worldwide. His TV ads did not blanket the 10 o'clock news and football games. But, nevertheless, his name will be remembered right up there with the biggest names- Dusenberg, Ferrari, Chevrolet..., as long as they are putting internal combustion engines and 4 rubber tires on the open road. Not many people of any generation or occupation can say that.

[1blackbb66]

I'm stunned.
It seemed he would live forever. What an amazing man. He will be missed.

Ray

[brandell1301]

Prayers go out from my family to his family and friends during this time!

[Caldon]

Well, I can only "second" the thoughts and wishes to Carroll and his family that have already been written on this post. Speaking as a Sunbeam Tiger owner, thanks Carroll and George Boskoff, T. Sutton and the rest of your guys in the shop. In 2003, from June 19-21, CS made it to S. Lake Tahoe for the 40th Anniversary of the Tiger prototype at the XXVII Tigers United event "Tigers at Tahoe". I attended an intimate dinner with CS, Cleo, George, T. Sutton, and three other fellows that I've forgotten their names but know that they had been assigned by CS on the "427" and "GT40" projects. A "Q & A" followed the dinner. As it turns out, Cleo's red Tiger was there and was only 8 Tigers "older" than mine according to our VIN #s. CS spent the next day at our show and shine in the park and held a marathon signing session where people had arm loads of stuff for him to sign. He did so without hesitation, made people at ease when talking to him AND there was NO fee for any of his autographs. We'd heard that his signing fee was NOT waived very often. He signed several things for me including my Tiger bible, "The Book Of Norman". After the signing session, CS walked around the entire field and would stand with you by your Tiger and you'd be able to take a picture with him. He did that for virtually everyone there! After re-introducing myself (as the fellow pilot from the autograph sessions), we put an arm around each other, took the picture, and I thanked him for all he'd done and asked him to take care of himself. He said he would.

[la cobra]

Rip carroll you were part of the greatest generation

[wannaGT]

Steve Jobs...
then Dennis Ritchie

...and now Carroll Shelby.

How many kicks can my heart take?

Carroll, may you have peace. Know that in life you are appreciated, and that you leave us all something we would not have had, but for you - Inspiration.

To family, and friends - I share your loss.


One Irish toast coming up... I lift my glass in your honor.

[skipbaker]

He lived a full life and will be missed. His inspiration will live on for many years to come.

Skip

[Cobra Joe]

We lost a great man , an innovator , a legend in the auto industry.
But he will never be forgotten every time we fire up our cobras.

[Cobranut]

I only met Mr. Shelby once, back in 2001 when he autographed my Cobra. His vision and determination made a huge difference in what we all drive today. You'll be missed.
Our prayers are with your family. R.I.P.

David

[AutoSmith]

May you rest in peace, Mr. Carroll Shelby. You helped create some pretty cool cars, and you were a great racecar driver!

[Samir]

A legend in his own time passes leaving a legacy that will never be forgotten.

RIP Mr. Shelby, and sincerest condolences to all his loved ones.

[pastenseverb]

CS, thanks for helping me live my dream.

[Muldoon]

Joanie and I will very much miss Carroll
Shelby in our household.

[keane]

RIP from over the pond, just stripping the trans out otherwise would have taken the 545 for a blast. Dave