Michael Satterfield
Carroll Shelby International, Inc., and Ford Motor
Company will celebrate the incredible life of Carroll Hall Shelby at the
Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles on May 30, 2012. The two-day event will feature a display of significant cars, an opportunity for fans to film a message about Mr. Shelby, a special ceremony, and other activities. Carroll Shelby passed away on May 10, 2012, at Baylor
Hospital in Dallas.
“Carroll Shelby changed the course of history and touched the lives
of millions through his racing, his companies, and his charity,” said Joe
Conway, president of Carroll Shelby International, Inc. and board member. “He challenged us and our friends at Ford Motor Company to honor his legacy by continuing this work. We wanted the first step to
being a celebration of this exceptional man for everyone who shares his passion for performance.”
The champion racing driver, entrepreneur, pilot, philanthropist,
manufacturer, and race team owner embodied the American spirit. He
founded Carroll Shelby International, Inc. a publicly held corporation
that now owns car company Shelby American, Inc. and Carroll Shelby
Licensing Inc. Carroll Shelby’s relationship with Ford Motor Company beginning in the 1960s propelled Shelby and his cars into the hearts of people worldwide with iconic models like the Cobra, GT350, and GT500.
“Carroll Shelby was a legend in the history of Ford Motor Company,”
said Edsel B. Ford II, member of the Board of Directors of Ford Motor
Company. “He was a close personal friend and I will miss him very much. We’re honored to be part of this important tribute celebrating
the many contributions and achievements of a true innovator.”
Shelby’s favorite organization was the Carroll Shelby Foundation™,
which provides medical assistance for those in need, including children,
as well as educational opportunities for young people through automotive and other training programs. It also benefits the Shelby
Automotive Foundation. Donations to the Carroll Shelby Foundation are encouraged in lieu of flowers at www.carrollshelbyfoundation.org.
The museum will display the first Shelby Cobra, a 2013 Ford Shelby GT500, a selection of Shelby American’s 50th
Anniversary vehicles, a Series 1 and other significant Shelby cars from
the past five decades. They will be exhibited throughout the facility
and will be accessible for viewing as part of general ticketed
admission.
A guest list for the invitation-only service is being developed due to space limitations. People involved with Shelby’s interests, from chili cook-offs to aviation, autos, philanthropy, and societal groups will be invited. Guest speakers will include Mr. Shelby’s close friends. More facts will be released on www.carrollshelbyfoundation.org and www.shelbynation.com. Details will not be available from the Petersen Museum or any Shelby organization.
Thursday, May 30th at
Petersen Automotive Museum
6060 Wilshire Blvd
Los Angeles, CA
