A Collection of Carroll Shelby’s Greatest Ford Creations
Carroll Shelby worked with all three US automakers at different points in his career. His most famous cars were built in collaboration with the Ford Motor Company.
The Legendary Shelby Cobra 427
Among the many coveted cars built by Carroll Shelby, the legendary Shelby Cobra 427 is arguably the most iconic. This car held a special place in Shelby’s heart as it was a testament to all that the late innovator strived to create — raw, dominating power, aggressive design, and a lasting impact on the automotive industry.
Engine: The Shelby Cobra 427 boasts a powerful 7.0L V8 engine that packs a mean punch at 425 horsepower. Coupled with a lightweight chassis, the Shelby Cobra 427’s monstrous speed and acceleration made it a force to be reckoned with on and off the track. The 427 FE engine became popular in the 1960s as the first power plant for the Big Block Cobra.
Design: It’s easy to spot a Shelby Cobra 427 just by its unique curves and signature racing stripes. Built with a lightweight structure, Shelby’s hand-formed aluminum frame and hand-laid fiberglass, this car hit all the marks needed for an epic performance machine: style, agility, and power.
Significance: The big block Shelby Cobra is considered the most iconic American sports car in history. Introduced in 1965, the Shelby Cobra 427 was initially designed with the goal of beating the new big-block Chevy Corvette, as well as Ferrari and other European cars on the racetrack. It is considered the crown jewel of the Carroll Shelby car collection and embodies his relentless pursuit of pushing the limits of automotive design and performance.
The Rare Ford GT40
Often considered a symbol of American engineering excellence, the GT40 holds a significant place amidst motorsport history. While Shelby American did not build the GT40, Carroll’s company transformed it into a winner.
History: Any win at the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans is an impressive feat, but winning four consecutive times is a historic accomplishment. The GT40 raced to victory four years in a row, from 1966 to 1969, a monumental moment for American manufacturers. The GT40 successfully dominated the 24 Hours of Le Mans and shockingly dethroned Ferrari, who had been the dominating force at Le Mans up until that point.
Performance: The Ford GT40 initially featured a 4.7L V8 engine, a signature of American performance. Later models used the same proven 427 FE engine found in the big-block Shelby Cobra. With a powerful engine, coupled with its sleek, low-slung design, Shelby made the GT40 a true contender in racing during endurance races such as Le Mans — where endurance, aerodynamic efficiency, and high speeds are critical.
Shelby’s Role: Carroll Shelby’s experience as a military test pilot during World War II and his impressive career as a race car driver laid the foundation for an expertise in performance tuning, engineering, and race strategy that was unmatched. His innovation and strategic focus transformed the Ford GT40 into a car that dominated endurance racing like Le Mans in the 1960s. The GT40 represents Shelby’s personal triumph as this car helped build the American motorsport legacy.
The Shelby GT350: A Personal Favorite
It’s hard to choose favorites within a collection of iconic vehicles, but the Shelby GT350 is said to have been one of Carroll Shelby’s favorites. This car embodied a driving motivation and philosophy for Shelby: blending powerful track performance with showstopping street handling.
Design: Carroll Shelby was brought on by the Ford Division Manager, Lee Iacocca, in 1965 to transform the Ford Mustang into a sports car with a winning performance image. Shelby took the existing Mustang design and created the Shelby GT350, a beastly car equipped with a 4.7L small-block V8 engine. His redesign led to a car that was lighter, more agile, faster, and increasingly more powerful than the original. It wouldn’t be a Carroll Shelby design without his signature modifications, including a functional fiberglass hood scoop, race-tuned suspension, and a Brock-designed aero front valance.
Performance Legacy: The Shelby GT350 earned its sports car and performance image on road race circuits across America. It competed in the Sports Car Club of America’s B Production Class against the Corvette Stingray, Jaguar XKE, Sunbeam Tiger and various Ferrari models, securing the B Production National Championship in 1965. Nearly six decades later, the Shelby GT350 is still one of the most celebrated sports cars. Its enduring legacy as a road-legal race car with elite precision handling and acceleration has earned its place in automotive history.
The Legacy of Carroll Shelby's Ford Powered Cars
A great collection celebrates automotive innovation and is often marked by rare and unique cars. The group of Ford-powered cars Shelby created goes far beyond that; it is a true testament to his contributions to the automotive and racing world and a representation of the innovator’s passion for American engineering, powerful speeds, and dominating performance. Carroll Shelby’s legacy has inspired and influenced manufacturers, racers, enthusiasts, and collectors for decades.
Explore more about Carroll Shelby’s legendary cars and shop exclusive Shelby merchandise at the Shelby Store.
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