R.I.P Carroll Shelby

[Bullethead]

He lived an amazing life, to the fullest. Safe travels, Carroll.

Had (or made) the opportunity to meet him at the Monterey Historics in '94 or '95. I'd aquired a big envelope of great old racing photos, large original prints... one of them was a shot of Shelby in the Aston being passed at the '59 Portugese GP by Masten Gregory in a Cooper. He had the usual line of autograph seekers but I spotted George Stauffer; he led me over behind the table and introduced us.
I showed him the photo. "Where'd you find these?" I told him, and asked what he remembered about the race. Chuckled "that car was a piece of shit" as he signed it... then quietly said "You'll have to make a long-distance call for his autograph. Nice guy... heart gave out too young." He looked through some of the other pics while we chatted but the line I was holding up was long, so thanked him for his time and gave a contribution to his heart charity. Probably should donate again in memoriam.

[John Straub]

A sad day indeed!

John

[50/50]

An American Original. What Ben Franklin might have been if he was around cars.
Cut a deal with Ford and an English Car (carriage) manufacturer. Establish a storied brand. Never happen now. Different Times.

My 6 degrees of separation: in 2006 I answered an ad for a car in the Forum. The seller was a consumate car guy named Gene Asbury. He was entering a new phase in his life after being diagnosed with stomach cancer. He had a fantastic outlook and the sale of his beloved S was a temporary detour along the way.
After many multi hour, rambling phone calls we reached an agreement, part of which was the use of his registration to do the Pines to Palms drive.

After picking us up at the Long Beach Airport we set out on the 101 in his Vw Van in traffic and he pulls out his Samsonite Attache which is stuffed with car photos. Among the stories is when he got an interview with the Shelby American Co. for a sales job in 1965. He goes to a hanger at LAX and it is loaded with Mustangs. Long story short, he gets the position. But being a newly wed, decides that he is going to make a career as a Stock Broker and turns Shelby down.
Six months later he is out looking for a new career. Gene said that it was one of his greatest regrets.

Sadly less than a year after our dealings, Gene lost his battle with cancer.

Maybe now thay can take a spin and reconcile what could of been.

50/50

[Jens]

AC Cobras, Shelby Mustangs, GT 40s, Daytona Coupes... some of my all-time favorite cars. Defeating Ferrari arrogance. A true American sport car hero.

[Zuluracerx]

They are leaving us one by one. It's sad to me. Who is our modern Carroll Shelby?

[Bummler]

His last days driving he kept nitroglycerin tabs in his breast pocket to treat his angina as he drove...

I had the pleasure of meeting him whilst performing my docent duties at the Petersen. My youngest daughter and he share the same heat surgeon, we talked about that. He was quite the competitor, he could sell ice to Eskimos.

He is one of the pioneers of our hobby, we were so fortunate to have lived during his time...

Vaya Con Dios...

[YTNUKLR]

Definitely one of those who made a ding in the Universe. Thanks, Mr. Shelby.

[Fritter]

The heart problem alone would have stopped lesser people in their tracks. To overcome/accomplish all he did in his life despite his obstacles is truly amazing. I remember reading about his heart transplant over 20 years ago, and he lived for a long time despite that. Kidney transplant too, I believe. Amazing person, sad day.

[Jim Garfield]

He's been living on borrowed time for years, and apparently enjoying the hell out of every minute of it. He was a heck of a business man, and fortunately for us, his business interest was making cars that kicked ass. Truly an original thinker, we won't see his kind in our lifetime again. RIP Mr. Shelby, it was a pleasure to see it all happen.

[mcampuzano]

He was "born again" after his accident at the Carrera Panamericana in Mexico

His car and his plate: