LOS ANGELES--May 19, 2012: Carroll Shelby International, Inc., (Pink Sheets: CSBI) 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.
“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.”
"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 be 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 Carroll Shelby Foundation.
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 the foundation's website. Details will not be available from the Petersen Museum or any Shelby organization.
About Shelby American, Inc.
Founded by legend Carroll Shelby, Shelby American manufactures and markets performance vehicles and related products. Now a subsidiary of Carroll Shelby International, Inc., the company manufactures authentic continuation Cobras, including the 427 S/C, 289 FIA and 289 street car component vehicles. The company offers the GT350, GT500 Super Snake and GTS post-title packages for the current generation Ford Mustang. For more information, visit Shelby American.
About Carroll Shelby Licensing, Inc.
Automotive manufacturer and entrepreneur Carroll Shelby is one of the most famous and successful high performance visionaries in the world, and he has spent the last 50 years establishing and protecting his name, trademarks and car design rights. He founded Carroll Shelby Licensing Inc. in 1986, which holds the exclusive right to license the Shelby trademarks and vehicle design rights for some of the most famous muscle cars and high-performance vehicles ever produced. CSL also holds trademark rights for Shelby-branded apparel, accessories and collectibles. For more information about the company or licensing opportunities, call (310) 914-1843, or fax (310) 538-8189 or write to Carroll Shelby Licensing, Inc., 19021 S. Figueroa St., Gardena, CA, 90248, or visit Carroll Shelby.
About The Carroll Shelby Foundation
The Carroll Shelby Foundation was created by legendary racer and automotive manufacturer Carroll Shelby. Headquartered in Gardena, Calif., the Foundation is dedicated to providing medical assistance for those in need, including children, educational opportunities for young people through automotive and other training programs and benefitting the Shelby Automotive Foundation. For more information visit Carroll Shelby Foundation. .
