Carroll Shelby

Fri 11 May 12 22:35

Carroll Shelby

He traveled one of those interesting Anglo-American trajectories. Given the circumstances, I imagine that we can set aside the matter of marque, and simply allow for some appreciation.

Carroll Shelby promotional film, 1960s
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06Pjw6Iiwxg

Sun 13 May 12 10:34

RIP.

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Blue-with-white-stripes 1976 manual L82 since 1995
"A stiff upper lip is always well dressed when accompanied by mountains of torque and an indomitable will." -unsprung

Sun 13 May 12 11:20

Re: Carroll Shelby

A man of many achievements - the idea of marrying USA 8 cylinder engines to lightweight UK cars was nothing new - just thing about Railton on the '30s and Allard in the early '50s - the difference was that the Cobra was now a proper 'sports' car rather than a GT car. Perhaps the 'legend' of the Cobra ultimately was more about the replica's than the proper cars! - Am I right in thinking that he also had some involvement with Rootes group choosing the 260/289 engine for the Sunbeam Tiger?

Last edited by roscobbc on Sun 13 May 12 11:22; edited 1 time in total. [16 %]
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'68 coupe - 4 speed - 3.08 - F41 - 489 cu in - 528 bhp @ 5850 rpm - 565 ft/lbs torque (766 Newton Metres) @ 3850 rpm - (225 bhp & 465 ft/lb Torque @ 2500 rpm)

Act like a juvenile before turning senile !

Sun 13 May 12 12:40

Re: Carroll Shelby

Remember going to olympia motor show in about 1968 with my dad ( I think the last production year for the 289 / 427 ) We parked I think above Olympia, in a multi storey, loads of exotica, obviously exhibitor cars. I was collecting the brochures on the exotics Ferrari etc., I most loved Cobras and wanted a Cobra brochure, the stand was cordoned off and I knew if I asked I would probably get refused, so I asked my Dad to ask - next thing I knew he was on the stand and looking over a Cobra with a Salesman, he got me the brochure and told me that the Salesman had asked if it was still raining outside and did he want to go for a test drive there and then - hence some of the exotics in the carpark, my dad refused I was gutted.

The one and a bit page brochure was a testament to the racing pedigree of the Cobra.
It was virtually a list of all the ledgendary races it had won listing dates and places.

Not sure if Shelby was involved with the Tiger, but I think the V8's were slotted in under contract at the Jensen factory in West Bromwhich.

Memorable Ride of my life as a passenger in a 427 Tiger ( I think 1967 ) I was just 17 and in awe, the driver had just opened it up from the lights going through the gears on a long straight - the acceleration was huge compared to my 875cc Imp and I remember I was amazed at the slow gear changes, whilst still maintaining the momentum.

Great cars!

Motor magazine did a road test on a 427 Cobra in 1967, they wrote that the first two days it rained, so they didn't take it out, because they didn't like power boating,
it accelerated in 4th gear from 40 to 100mph quicker than an E Type using the gears.

Carroll Shelby - Thank you!

Last edited by Daytona Vette on Sun 13 May 12 15:11; edited 1 time in total. [0 %]
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Barry - Daytona Vette

Sun 13 May 12 16:14

Re: Carroll Shelby

I still have an interview with Carroll Shelby on an old VHS tape.. I love his matter of fact, laid back manner in which he innovates such awesome cars..

Shelby and Ian Garrard, (Rootes Sales manger for USA) fitted a Ford 260 (just!) into an Alpine sportscar and Jensen had the job of producing them subsequently. Nice cars, great idea, shame about the rust.

The Legend will live on, that's for sure...

Tue 15 May 12 03:36

Ben wrote (View Post):RIP.

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Timon (EX '69 Stingray, C6 & 748) - CAMARO SS-RS & Triumph Speed Triple
A pint?! Make mine 6 litres ...

http://www.studio5.co

Tue 15 May 12 09:44

Re: Carroll Shelby

Another motoring legend gone, very sad.

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I smile because I don’t know what the hell is going on!!!

Tue 15 May 12 14:42

Coincidentally, the latest 'Classic American' mag features him significantly.........must be nice to leave a 'mark' on history llike that.
Wish I could!
J.C. (1911)

Tue 15 May 12 18:06

Re: Carroll Shelby

A true legend, RIP Caroll Shelby.

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CCCUK & NPCC member
www.jonnybens.com - www.npcc.be - www.corvette-fame.com