CARROLL SHELBY’S EXTRAORDINARY LIFE TO BE CELEBRATED IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

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 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 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.