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Carroll Shelby dead at 89

Old May 11, 2012 | 03:39 PM
  #1  
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Unhappy 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
Old May 11, 2012 | 03:56 PM
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Tyler Harvey's Avatar
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That's sad to hear Mike, always loved the Shelby Cobras.

R.I.P.
Old May 11, 2012 | 03:58 PM
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Never been a big ford fan, however I do admire the powerful cars he designed.

R.I.P. He will always be a legend in the automotive world.
Old May 11, 2012 | 04:17 PM
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R.I.P. Carroll, you made some insane machines.
Old May 11, 2012 | 04:34 PM
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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 !!
Old May 11, 2012 | 05:30 PM
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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?
Old May 11, 2012 | 05:32 PM
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Krash Kadillak's Avatar
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Originally Posted by Snoopy
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 !!
The Shelby Series1:


I think his greatest accomplishment was spearheading Ford's win over Ferrari at Le Mans.
Old May 11, 2012 | 11:10 PM
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843de's Avatar
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Originally Posted by cosmic1
A little trivia - what engine did he want to put in the little British AC that would become the Cobra?
Survey says....The Super Turbo-Fire 283 V8 from Chevrolet with 230hp at 4,800 rpm, breathing through two Carter 4-Barrel carbs. Chevrolet balked at his request because they didn't want competition taking away the Corvette's thunder, but Ford was more than willing to supply 260 cube HiPo V-8's.

Later they went to 289's and finally the 427 Side Oiler.
Old May 11, 2012 | 11:19 PM
  #9  
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Unhappy

Truly was a living Legend.. RIP

I remember his personal "Super Snake Cobra" going over the Barret-Jackson auction block & setting a record sale price!!
Old May 14, 2012 | 12:09 AM
  #10  
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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
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