martinfan5 Posted May 11, 2012 Share Posted May 11, 2012 (edited) Carroll Hall Shelby, the Texan who created the famous Shelby Cobra and uncounted other high-performance machines that turned the auto world on its ear, and made it a whole lot more fun for 50 years, died in Dallas Thursday night at age 89. He had been hospitalized for pneumonia. Shelby, who affected the aw-shucks demeanor of the chicken farmer he once was, said, "I never made a ###### dime until I started doing what I wanted." What he wanted was, if you will, power for the people, automotively speaking. Beyond just his efforts in the small world of hot-rodding, Shelby influenced how Detroit automakers thought about high-performance, and he proved that hard work and bit of guile can make a hero. The litany of significant cars he created is long, running from the original 1962 AC Cobra - small British sports car with a big (for the times) Ford engine - through a sojourn at Chrysler and a stint with GM via a failed Oldsmobile-powered car, back to Ford. He was involved with development of Ford's GT 500 Mustang, the 2013 version of which is certified as the most-powerful regular-production car in the world. Rumors began circulating about a health problem when the affable auto man failed to appear as scheduled at the New York auto show in early April to promote his latest creations, the 950-horsepower Shelby 1000 and the 1,100-hp Shelby 1000 S/C. Shelby published an update on his Facebook page in late April to say, in the vein of Mark Twain's "the reports of my death are greatly exaggerated," that he had been hospitalized for pneumonia, but was "resting comfortably with family and working on getting better."(USA Today)(5-11-2012) Edited May 11, 2012 by martinfan5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe Handley Posted May 11, 2012 Share Posted May 11, 2012 I know he wasn't liked by all, but I'm sad to see him go. He probably lived 3-4 times as long as he was expected to. R.I.P. Carroll...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Johnny Posted May 11, 2012 Share Posted May 11, 2012 (edited) I know he wasn't liked by all, but I'm sad to see him go. He probably lived 3-4 times as long as he was expected to. R.I.P. Carroll...... He definitely beat the odds!!! Godspeed Carroll Shelby Edited May 11, 2012 by Johnny Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jantrix Posted May 11, 2012 Share Posted May 11, 2012 The Godfather of Horsepower. Rest in Peace. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rmvw guy Posted May 11, 2012 Share Posted May 11, 2012 His name will live on forever in the automotive world much like Elvis to rock and roll. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuperStockAndy Posted May 11, 2012 Share Posted May 11, 2012 RIP man, you really contributed a lot to racing Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bartster Posted May 11, 2012 Share Posted May 11, 2012 peace Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nate Posted May 11, 2012 Share Posted May 11, 2012 RIP Mr Shelby!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TooOld Posted May 11, 2012 Share Posted May 11, 2012 Carroll Shelby was a true pioneer in motorsports . He loved his cars , and he eventually gave his approval to all of us who built replicas of his Cobras . He will be missed . God Speed . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wisdonm Posted May 11, 2012 Share Posted May 11, 2012 Thanks Carroll for your wonderful cars. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Misha Posted May 11, 2012 Share Posted May 11, 2012 Indeed sad news having followed his career since the 50s when he was an upcoming driver ace here and in Europe. He transformed America's approach to automotive performance and supported it till his final days. His remarkable heart surgery and his genourousity to bettering the health of others, especially children marks him as a modern humanitarian that is rare these days. Monterey speed week this year will be all the more poignant as Shelby and Cobra are the featured marque. We all will mourn Carroll's passing with our own memories, mementos, and, of course models... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kitbash1 Posted May 11, 2012 Share Posted May 11, 2012 Sad day indeed. RIP . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Austin T Posted May 11, 2012 Share Posted May 11, 2012 This is a sad day indeed,He made some amazing advances in the automotive community.May he rest in peace. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wagoneer81 Posted May 11, 2012 Share Posted May 11, 2012 Rest in Peace, Old Man... Your contributions to this society and to the automotive industry will not be forgotten! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
'08SEAL Posted May 11, 2012 Share Posted May 11, 2012 Rest In Peace Carroll. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boreham Posted May 11, 2012 Share Posted May 11, 2012 R.I.P. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1930fordpickup Posted May 11, 2012 Share Posted May 11, 2012 He will be missed by millions ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deja-view Posted May 11, 2012 Share Posted May 11, 2012 (edited) He won't R.I.P. He'll be trying to find something to drive.....or build it himself. Man, did he give us some amazing cars. He and Lee Iococca should be bronzed and stood up for all to see and thank for things like this: Hosted on Fotki Hosted on Fotki Edited May 11, 2012 by deja-view Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted May 11, 2012 Share Posted May 11, 2012 Sad day indeed. RIP and may his family find comfort in their time of mourning. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deja-view Posted May 11, 2012 Share Posted May 11, 2012 And, these: Hosted on Fotki Hosted on Fotki Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigphoto Posted May 11, 2012 Share Posted May 11, 2012 R.I.P. Carroll. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slantasaurus Posted May 11, 2012 Share Posted May 11, 2012 Where are they ever going to find a hearse fast enough to make him happy ??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Intmd8r Posted May 12, 2012 Share Posted May 12, 2012 This is a sad day for automotive enthusiasts around the world. I've never met the guy, but can't help but feel a loss here. Rarely in modern times does a single man like Mr. Shelby have such a lengendary legacy. But what can I say that hasn't already been said about the man. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kris Morgan Posted May 12, 2012 Share Posted May 12, 2012 Godspeed Mr. Shelby Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamesW Posted May 12, 2012 Share Posted May 12, 2012 Where are they ever going to find a hearse fast enough to make him happy ??? Right here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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