Carroll Shelby lived a very full life. Racing, making cars, and generally being a legend was a daily norm – and all that before breakfast. Unfortunately, I awoke to the horrible news that he had passed on at age 89 on Thursday of this week. He made a splash in the automotive world by, and is probably best known for, making the Shelby Cobra. We all know the story – he took a light British car, the AC Ace, and stuck a giant Ford engine in it, and went on to beat Ferraris and generally cause mayhem.
In our tribute to Shelby, I created this ride with cues from many of our most cherished Shelby machines. Based off a Dodge Viper, which is basically a modern Cobra anyway, the rims, exhaust, lights, and bumpers are Cobra-inspired. The roof-line is pulled from the GT350. Shelby made his mark on so many more machines – even Dodge Chargers and Omnis – but the Cobra, Viper, and GT350 are arguably his most successful.
Shelby made a career out of taking manufacture’s vehicles and making them go fast. While I wouldn’t call it a career, we like to take manufacturer’s vehicles and make them look awesome. We don’t yet hold legendary status, but I would like to think that Shelby would appreciate our work.
Here’s to a legend. Rest in peace, Carroll Shelby.
I’m sure that he would have been impressed by your rendition of the three in one. Nice job and kudos for the timeliness of your drawing. That was quick.
I think he not only liked to go fast in his cars, but in his life also. I heard on the news he was married seven times. He had style. As you said rest in peace.