Carroll Shelby, legendary race car driver, team owner and car builder, was born on this day in 1923. Though he is perhaps best known for his role in the creation of the Shelby AC Cobra and the Shelby Mustangs of the 1960s, the history of Carroll Shelby covers so much more. His career spanned decades of racing, engineering and production feats.
Shelby’s need for speed dated back to the 1930s when he cruised around his high school town in Texas in a modified Willys. After graduation, he only went faster, serving in the Air Army Corps during WWII, earning his wings as a test pilot and flight instructor. Upon discharge, he held positions in the oil fields and on a poultry farm before giving auto racing a serious go.
Above: The first AC Cobra, CSX2000, at the Shelby Museum. ByJaydec...