Road Cars - Shelby
Shelby American, Inc. is a legendary American automotive manufacturer that is best known for its high-performance sports cars, particularly the Shelby Cobra and Shelby Mustang.
Founded by legendary car designer and driver Carroll Shelby in 1962, Shelby has built a strong legacy in both motorsport and the production of powerful, iconic road cars. Carroll Shelby was a successful race car driver who became an automotive icon after he was forced to retire from racing due to a heart condition in the early 1960s.
Shelby transitioned into car design and production, using his experience in motorsport to create cars with extreme performance capabilities.
Shelby American, Inc. was founded in 1962 in Los Angeles, California, where he began his work creating performance cars based on Ford vehicles. One of Shelby’s most iconic creations is the Shelby Cobra. This car was initially based on the AC Ace, a British sports car, but Shelby wanted to create a more powerful, American version.
Shelby Cobra 427 The Cobra was a dominant force in both endurance racing and sports car racing, competing in events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans, where it made a lasting impact.
Shelby’s partnership with Ford was another major milestone in Shelby’s history. The collaboration started with the 1965 Ford Mustang, where Shelby was tasked with turning the popular Mustang into a performance machine.
Shelby American has a rich history in motorsports, particularly in sports car racing and endurance racing. The company built race versions of the Cobra and Mustang to compete in events such as the Le Mans 24 Hours, Sebring 12 Hours, and the SCCA National Championship.