Carrol Shelby, R.I.P.
May 11, 2012 9:28 PM Subscribe
Carroll Shelby - racing driver, winner of the 1959 Le Mans 24 Hour, legendary engineer and/or designer of the V8 AC/Shelby Cobra, the original Dodge Viper, the Oldsmobile Shelby Z, and the Shelby Series 1 - passed away on Thursday night, aged 89.
While he may be best known for stonkin' big V8s, he also turned his hand to making small cars get up and go. In his hands, the Dodge Omni - the first E-W engined FWD car built in the US, and originally derided for its small size and poor handling - became, with the addition of Shelby-designed suspension modifications and a turbocharger, the Omni GLH (for "Goes Like Hell").
Oh, and there's the little matter of turning one of Ford's great racing failures into perhaps the most famous American Supercar of all time. After 2 years of miserable results, with Shelby's modifications (including replacing the original 255ci V8 with 427ci plant) the GT40 finished 1-2-3 in the 1966 Le Mans race, and went on to win in 1967, 1968, and 1969.
While he may be best known for stonkin' big V8s, he also turned his hand to making small cars get up and go. In his hands, the Dodge Omni - the first E-W engined FWD car built in the US, and originally derided for its small size and poor handling - became, with the addition of Shelby-designed suspension modifications and a turbocharger, the Omni GLH (for "Goes Like Hell").
Oh, and there's the little matter of turning one of Ford's great racing failures into perhaps the most famous American Supercar of all time. After 2 years of miserable results, with Shelby's modifications (including replacing the original 255ci V8 with 427ci plant) the GT40 finished 1-2-3 in the 1966 Le Mans race, and went on to win in 1967, 1968, and 1969.
I love this place.
posted by wrapper at 9:34 PM on May 11, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by wrapper at 9:34 PM on May 11, 2012 [1 favorite]
. vrooom .
posted by drewbage1847 at 9:34 PM on May 11, 2012
posted by drewbage1847 at 9:34 PM on May 11, 2012
This post is better.
posted by ocherdraco at 9:36 PM on May 11, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by ocherdraco at 9:36 PM on May 11, 2012 [1 favorite]
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Owning a 1968 Cobra KR500 and a 1969 GT350 were the twin vehicular high points of my father's life. One of the best memories I have is being about 10 years old and cruising down a 2 lane blacktop with my old man on the way to the US131 Dragway for Thundernationals; I distinctly remember glancing over at the speedometer and realizing we were casually doing 110MPH like it was a Sunday morning ride to church.
He's had other fast cars--mostly corvettes--since then, but the truth is, those cobras were the most bad-assed vehicles he or anyone he knew back then ever owned.
Thanks, Carrol, for the muscle and the memories.
posted by Chrischris at 9:42 PM on May 11, 2012 [8 favorites]
Owning a 1968 Cobra KR500 and a 1969 GT350 were the twin vehicular high points of my father's life. One of the best memories I have is being about 10 years old and cruising down a 2 lane blacktop with my old man on the way to the US131 Dragway for Thundernationals; I distinctly remember glancing over at the speedometer and realizing we were casually doing 110MPH like it was a Sunday morning ride to church.
He's had other fast cars--mostly corvettes--since then, but the truth is, those cobras were the most bad-assed vehicles he or anyone he knew back then ever owned.
Thanks, Carrol, for the muscle and the memories.
posted by Chrischris at 9:42 PM on May 11, 2012 [8 favorites]
(Agreed, this post is much better.)
Many years ago I wasn't much of a fan, but the man was larger than life and genuinely accomplished.
posted by maxwelton at 9:51 PM on May 11, 2012 [1 favorite]
Many years ago I wasn't much of a fan, but the man was larger than life and genuinely accomplished.
posted by maxwelton at 9:51 PM on May 11, 2012 [1 favorite]
A great man has died. Another one of those influential heroes we weren't even aware were still alive.
posted by RapcityinBlue at 9:56 PM on May 11, 2012
posted by RapcityinBlue at 9:56 PM on May 11, 2012
I am surprised this made it into the blue. But not as surprised as I am that Mr Shelby lived to 89.
posted by glaucon at 10:06 PM on May 11, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by glaucon at 10:06 PM on May 11, 2012 [1 favorite]
Thanks for being gracious, maxwelton. Let me include the Esquire article and quotes from your post, because they're better than mine.
posted by Pinback at 10:11 PM on May 11, 2012
posted by Pinback at 10:11 PM on May 11, 2012
I was just thinking of him the other day and wondering if he was still with us. Si monumentum requiris, circumspice, at least if you're anywhere near people who love cars.
posted by Sidhedevil at 10:27 PM on May 11, 2012
posted by Sidhedevil at 10:27 PM on May 11, 2012
I was a mustang fan as a child (seriously, awkward stacks of mustang magazines) and loved the cobra ... also, I ate his chili for years. The name Shelby will live with me forever.
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posted by mapinduzi at 12:03 AM on May 12, 2012
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posted by mapinduzi at 12:03 AM on May 12, 2012
"the most famous American Supercar"
...that happened to be built in England.
posted by yellowlightman at 12:11 AM on May 12, 2012
...that happened to be built in England.
posted by yellowlightman at 12:11 AM on May 12, 2012
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posted by victory_laser at 1:07 AM on May 12, 2012
posted by victory_laser at 1:07 AM on May 12, 2012
His disregard for human life rivals that of Colin Chapman and Adrian Newey. Although, like those mentioned, this sport is made by guys like him. Where is that article about like problematic things when you need it?
posted by basicchannel at 1:23 AM on May 12, 2012
posted by basicchannel at 1:23 AM on May 12, 2012
Growing up, I had that classic Cobra poster on my wall. Next to my puzzles of kittens and strawberries and Slaughter.
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posted by iamkimiam at 1:56 AM on May 12, 2012 [1 favorite]
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posted by iamkimiam at 1:56 AM on May 12, 2012 [1 favorite]
The man knew how to make cars go fast, really fast. What a legend; he will be missed.
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posted by caddis at 3:04 AM on May 12, 2012
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posted by caddis at 3:04 AM on May 12, 2012
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Thank you for posting this on the Blue. Here's a tribute post from Autoblog (with a couple of excellent videos of old interviews with Shelby).
posted by Kevtaro at 3:10 AM on May 12, 2012
Thank you for posting this on the Blue. Here's a tribute post from Autoblog (with a couple of excellent videos of old interviews with Shelby).
posted by Kevtaro at 3:10 AM on May 12, 2012
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posted by From Bklyn at 3:21 AM on May 12, 2012
posted by From Bklyn at 3:21 AM on May 12, 2012
The man knew how to make cars go fast, really fast.
He also understood the value of branding and how much the name "Shelby" added to the image of cars that did not go actually go very fast at all. And some that do. The guy was a absolute force in the industry without every really making a go of it on his own.
posted by three blind mice at 3:53 AM on May 12, 2012
He also understood the value of branding and how much the name "Shelby" added to the image of cars that did not go actually go very fast at all. And some that do. The guy was a absolute force in the industry without every really making a go of it on his own.
posted by three blind mice at 3:53 AM on May 12, 2012
His disregard for human life rivals that of Colin Chapman and Adrian Newey.
That's a pretty inappropriate comment, you know.
posted by Skeptic at 4:19 AM on May 12, 2012
That's a pretty inappropriate comment, you know.
posted by Skeptic at 4:19 AM on May 12, 2012
Somewhere in the back of a cabinet, I have a bottle of Carrol Shelby extra-virgin olive oil.
posted by cropshy at 4:20 AM on May 12, 2012
posted by cropshy at 4:20 AM on May 12, 2012
A friend had one of the Shelby Omni GLH, and it did indeed go like hell. But the quickness was only part of that car; it had a handling package that was just flat great. Fun as hell to drive.
But Shelby wasn't done with the Omni. There was a two-door version, and he expanded on the turbocharged GLH by adding an intercooler. This model was the GLHS (Goes Like Hell Some more.) It was about a second fa it ster to 60 than the GLH. I got a chance to drive one with a modified short-geared transmission (the owner raced it in SCCA). With the short gearing, the car only topped out at 100, but hot damn would it get there in a hurry.
posted by azpenguin at 4:44 AM on May 12, 2012 [1 favorite]
But Shelby wasn't done with the Omni. There was a two-door version, and he expanded on the turbocharged GLH by adding an intercooler. This model was the GLHS (Goes Like Hell Some more.) It was about a second fa it ster to 60 than the GLH. I got a chance to drive one with a modified short-geared transmission (the owner raced it in SCCA). With the short gearing, the car only topped out at 100, but hot damn would it get there in a hurry.
posted by azpenguin at 4:44 AM on May 12, 2012 [1 favorite]
...cars that did not go actually go very fast ...
Your link says that car topped out at 155 mph. I haven't gone that fast in a ground vehicle, so to me, it's fast.
posted by Kirth Gerson at 5:07 AM on May 12, 2012
Your link says that car topped out at 155 mph. I haven't gone that fast in a ground vehicle, so to me, it's fast.
posted by Kirth Gerson at 5:07 AM on May 12, 2012
> "the most famous American Supercar"
> ...that happened to be built in England.
No man — this part is referring to the GT40, not the Cobra.
posted by Tom-B at 5:44 AM on May 12, 2012
> ...that happened to be built in England.
No man — this part is referring to the GT40, not the Cobra.
posted by Tom-B at 5:44 AM on May 12, 2012
A friend tells a story of meeting Carrol Shelby at a car show in Memphis in 1965. He was standing near a Cobra. My friend asked if the car came with any options, and Carroll told him they would measure his height and bolt the seat at the factory. He asked what sort of guarantees came with the car and Carrol looked at him and said, "I guarantee it will outrun anything on the road."
posted by grimjeer at 5:48 AM on May 12, 2012 [4 favorites]
posted by grimjeer at 5:48 AM on May 12, 2012 [4 favorites]
First, the AC Cobra is simply the most beautiful car ever. I know Shelby didn't design the body, but he did pick it.
Second, as a many-year competition chili cook, I feel it's important to remember that Carrol Shelby founded the ICS (International Chili Society), a great non-profit that hosts chili cookoffs to raise money for charity. Gearhead and philanthropist.
RIP.
posted by Benny Andajetz at 5:59 AM on May 12, 2012
Second, as a many-year competition chili cook, I feel it's important to remember that Carrol Shelby founded the ICS (International Chili Society), a great non-profit that hosts chili cookoffs to raise money for charity. Gearhead and philanthropist.
RIP.
posted by Benny Andajetz at 5:59 AM on May 12, 2012
. . . . . . . . (leaves us all eating his dust). Great contributions to Motorsport, thanks.
posted by arcticseal at 6:42 AM on May 12, 2012
posted by arcticseal at 6:42 AM on May 12, 2012
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I remember being impresses as hell when Shelby drove the pace car for the '91 Indianapolis 500 less than a year after a heart transplant.
posted by octothorpe at 7:13 AM on May 12, 2012
I remember being impresses as hell when Shelby drove the pace car for the '91 Indianapolis 500 less than a year after a heart transplant.
posted by octothorpe at 7:13 AM on May 12, 2012
The AC Cobra is the only car I have ever lusted for. Someday I will own one, even if it's a copy. Thanks, Mr. Shelby.
A friend had one of the Shelby Omni GLH, and it did indeed go like hell. But the quickness was only part of that car; it had a handling package that was just flat great. Fun as hell to drive.
My '85 GLH was my one and only performance car before the kids appeared and forced me into practical cars. Yes, it was fast and fun to drive as long as you were prepared for the turbo lag and the torque steer when it finally spooled up. Caught me unawares on the way home from the dealer.
posted by tommasz at 7:28 AM on May 12, 2012 [1 favorite]
A friend had one of the Shelby Omni GLH, and it did indeed go like hell. But the quickness was only part of that car; it had a handling package that was just flat great. Fun as hell to drive.
My '85 GLH was my one and only performance car before the kids appeared and forced me into practical cars. Yes, it was fast and fun to drive as long as you were prepared for the turbo lag and the torque steer when it finally spooled up. Caught me unawares on the way home from the dealer.
posted by tommasz at 7:28 AM on May 12, 2012 [1 favorite]
No man — this part is referring to the GT40, not the Cobra.
If you read your Wikipedia link, the GT40 was made in England.
posted by Kirth Gerson at 7:47 AM on May 12, 2012 [1 favorite]
If you read your Wikipedia link, the GT40 was made in England.
Overseen by Harley Copp, the team of Broadley, Lunn and Wyer began working on the new car at the Lola Factory in Bromley. At the end of 1963 the team moved to Slough, near Heathrow airport. Ford then established Ford Advanced Vehicles Ltd, a new subsidiary under the direction of Wyer, to manage the project.Ford Advanced Vehicles Ltd was also in England.
posted by Kirth Gerson at 7:47 AM on May 12, 2012 [1 favorite]
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posted by no relation at 7:58 AM on May 12, 2012
posted by no relation at 7:58 AM on May 12, 2012
I have had an enormous crush on the AC Cobra for, I don't know, most of my adult life. Gorgeous, primitive ... no, focussed cars. Big engine, short wheelbase, no air conditioning or power steering. Visually, the car is elegant and brutish.
posted by zippy at 11:14 AM on May 12, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by zippy at 11:14 AM on May 12, 2012 [1 favorite]
A true legend. Here is the Dallas Morning News obituary.
posted by mrducts at 11:32 AM on May 12, 2012
posted by mrducts at 11:32 AM on May 12, 2012
Somewhere in the stacks of automotive ephemera I have sitting in my study upstairs I have an old Road & Track that details the build of the Cobra he built for Bill Cosby (and himself). He was truly a speed freak's speed freak. Rev in Peace.
posted by 1f2frfbf at 11:32 AM on May 12, 2012
posted by 1f2frfbf at 11:32 AM on May 12, 2012
Normally an Omni is a piece of shit, an econobox with a 1.6-liter engine. But for a higher sticker price you can get an Omni GLH, which has aerodynamic trim and 2.2 liters and, for afew hundred more, an Omni GLH Turbo , which has all of that plus a turbocharger. GLH, bythe way, stands for Goes Like Hell. Honest. When the blower is singing, the engine puts out as much power as a small V8. Add big fat racing tires and alloy wheels and you have yourself a poor man's Porsche, the most lethal weapon ever developed for the Boston traffic wars. Sure, spend three times as much and you could get a car that goes a little faster, but who is seriously going to thrash a vehicle that costs that much? Who'll risk denting it? But if it's an Omni, who cares?
-- Neal Stephenson, Zodiac
posted by jfuller at 2:07 PM on May 12, 2012 [3 favorites]
-- Neal Stephenson, Zodiac
posted by jfuller at 2:07 PM on May 12, 2012 [3 favorites]
My daughter's name is Shelby. I can't begin to say how much Carroll Shelby meant to me.
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posted by mr_crash_davis at 2:46 PM on May 12, 2012 [4 favorites]
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posted by mr_crash_davis at 2:46 PM on May 12, 2012 [4 favorites]
His disregard for human life rivals that of Colin Chapman and Adrian Newey.
Um. What? Chapman, I can see deserving that statement, but Adrian Newey sure as hell doesn't.
If you read your Wikipedia link, the GT40 was made in England.
Precisely. It wasn't even made by Ford, but was a Lola design just with a Ford engine. There really haven't been too many successful US car designs in racing at all. They just don't seem to be able to make something that can compete with anything other than another US design.
posted by Brockles at 6:00 PM on May 12, 2012 [1 favorite]
Um. What? Chapman, I can see deserving that statement, but Adrian Newey sure as hell doesn't.
If you read your Wikipedia link, the GT40 was made in England.
Precisely. It wasn't even made by Ford, but was a Lola design just with a Ford engine. There really haven't been too many successful US car designs in racing at all. They just don't seem to be able to make something that can compete with anything other than another US design.
posted by Brockles at 6:00 PM on May 12, 2012 [1 favorite]
MeFi protocol be damned - a "." just seems inapropriate for a man who was never at a full stop.
posted by NotMyselfRightNow at 6:12 PM on May 12, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by NotMyselfRightNow at 6:12 PM on May 12, 2012 [1 favorite]
An ironic coincidence -- at lunch Thursday, coming out of the restaurant, a bunch of old-timers were standing around a beautiful blue convertible, talking with one of their party, now seated at the wheel, preparing to depart. Unlike the rest in my group, I recognized this ride to be an actual '68 AC Cobra, and I was able to scoot around and peer into the cockpit and verify that yes, just as Bill Cosby claimed, the speedometer went up to 250 mph. Then with a roar, he drove away.
posted by Rash at 11:14 PM on May 12, 2012
posted by Rash at 11:14 PM on May 12, 2012
RIP ... and may you have all the horsepower that you ever dream of in the afterlife
posted by Meatafoecure at 1:06 AM on May 13, 2012
posted by Meatafoecure at 1:06 AM on May 13, 2012
Cosby was actually 100% honest in 200 mph: he was a close friend of Shelby and he did own, for an evening, CSX 3303, one of the two (barely) street legal "Super Snakes", the "Cobra to End all Cobras", a twin-supercharged 427 cin, 800 bhp monster, which actually did kill its next owner (not George Wallace, alas), as he flew over a cliff and into the Pacific Ocean.
posted by Skeptic at 2:18 AM on May 13, 2012
posted by Skeptic at 2:18 AM on May 13, 2012
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