Shelby to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award

In 1956 and 1957 Shelby Mustang visionary Carroll Shelby was named Sports Illustrated’s Driver of the Year. Yesterday it was announced that Shelby will receive the 2008 Automotive Executive of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award on April 16th. The award will be presented at an invitation-only luncheon at the Detroit Athletic Club.

Amy Boylan, president of Shelby Automobiles said, "Everyone at Shelby Automobiles is proud of Carroll’s distinguished career. Carroll Shelby earned his stripes behind the wheel as a world class driver and at the helm of a highly successful auto manufacturing company. It’s a privilege to work for a living legend who is still one of the most important driving forces in the automotive industry today."

Previous winners include Jim Press, Bill Ford, Jr., Dieter Zetsche, Rick Wagoner, Henry Ford II, Robert Eaton, Thomas Stallkamp, Roger Smith, Harold E. Poling, Lee Iacocca, and John DeLorean. In addition to the many Shelby Mustangs he's created, Shelby is responsible for the Cobra, Series 1, Ford GT40, Viper, and Ford GT. In his driving career, he has won the 24 Hours of Le Mans and set land speed records on the salt flats at Bonneville. He is the only man to ever win LeMans as a driver, team owner, and manufacturer.

The award has recognized excellence in automotive leadership since 1964. Of course, I can't think of a person more deserving of this honor.

Photo of Carroll Shelby Courtesy of DNV and the Automotive Industry Action Group