Shelby American

Carroll Shelby’s journey began modestly as a chicken farmer in rural Texas. He made a remarkable entry into the world of auto racing, surpassing the top drivers of his time and clinching victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1959, all while still clad in his farming attire. Despite a severe heart condition that nearly claimed his life and forced him to step away from racing, Shelby founded Shelby American. He gathered a diverse group of hot-rodders to bring his innovative sports car designs, like the Shelby Cobra, to life. Under his leadership, Ford and the GT40 achieved multiple triumphs at Le Mans, defeating Ferrari. The cars Shelby developed, piloted by some of the most legendary drivers in racing history, solidified his enduring legacy. He remains the only individual to have won Le Mans both as a driver and a manufacturer, and he is still the sole American car manufacturer to have secured the World Manufacturing Championship.