Shelby American is honoring the 100th anniversary of its founder’s birth with a small run of Centennial Edition Mustangs. Only 100 of the 2023 model year supercharged Carroll Shelby Centennial Edition Mustangs will be available through Shelby American in Las Vegas, with a few available through official mod shops around the world. The world is celebrating the 100th anniversary of Carroll Shelby’s birth, recounting his many accomplishments,” said Joe Conway, CEO of Shelby American. “Though he had never flown before, he became one of the most skilled pilot instructors in the US Army Air Force. Carroll never took a single management class but created a successful team with some of the most talented drivers, development experts, fabricators and production people in the world. From his wins behind the wheel to his business successes and philanthropic initiatives, Carroll earned every victory.”
Carroll Shelby grew up with modest means in East Texas during the Great Depression, never finished high school, and survived several business disappointments. Though Shelby’s poor health ended his budding racing career, his determination never waned. He became the second American driver to win Le Mans overall. He captured America’s first FIA sports car world championship, and his auto manufacturing company changed the perception of American vehicles worldwide. His formula for performance changed the course of the entire automotive industry.
“Carroll never claimed to be an engineer, designer or mechanic,” said Gary Patterson, president of Shelby American. “He believed he was best at putting people together. From the group of hot rodders he banded together to take on the world’s racing elite to the car company and Team Shelby club he founded, Carroll understood that motivated people can achieve almost anything.”
The new Carroll Shelby Centennial Edition Mustang was designed to properly celebrate the legend.
“This new, limited-edition car celebrates Carroll Shelby and honors his many achievements,” said Vince LaViolette, Shelby American Vice President of Operations and Chief of R&D. “To properly honor him required us to build a car that was truly born to run. Our new Carroll Shelby Centennial Edition Mustang is a well-balanced car that is far more than just a horsepower upgrade. We also sharpened the handling and enhanced the styling of the world-class 5.0L V8 Mustang GT. It delivers all the performance that Carroll required to have his name on a car. We’re so confident that he’d approve that we are throwing in a black Stetson like the one he wore, with each car.”
In addition to many business, aviation and racing endeavors, Carroll Shelby funded charity programs throughout his lifetime and established a foundation to help kids win the race for life. Each of the new Centennial Edition cars will include a donation to the Carroll Shelby Foundation. #shelbyamerican #carrollshelby #shelbymodshop #fordperformance
