Carroll Shelby, performance legend, dies

Photo courtesy Ford

Less than a month after he took to Facebook to dispel rumors about his impending death, performance legend Carroll Shelby has died. He was 89.

According to a press release sent out Friday afternoon, Shelby died yesterday at Baylor Hospital in Dallas. The cause of death was undisclosed, but in his Facebook announcement, he did reveal that he had been hospitalized over the previous months with pneumonia. He has in the past received both a heart transplant and kidney transplant.

“We are all deeply saddened, and feel a tremendous sense of loss for Carroll’s family, ourselves and the entire automotive industry,” said Joe Conway, president of Carroll Shelby International, Inc. and board member. “There has been no one like Carroll Shelby and never will be.”

Shelby is survived by his three children Patrick, Michael and Sharon, his sister Anne Shelby Ellison of Fort Worth and his wife Cleo. Funeral plans are not currently available. Donations to the Carroll Shelby Foundation are encouraged in lieu of flowers.

Photos courtesy Carroll Shelby Foundation

Photos courtesy Ford

UPDATE: From Edsel B. Ford II:

Today, we have lost a legend in Ford Motor Company’s history, and my family and I have lost a dear friend. Carroll Shelby is one of the most recognized names in performance car history, and he’s been successful at everything he’s done. Whether helping Ford dominate the 1960s racing scene or building some of the most famous Mustangs, his enthusiasm and passion for great automobiles over six decades has truly inspired everyone who worked with him. He was a great innovator whose legend at Ford never will be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.

UPDATE: ShelbyAutos.com has a bio, and Allpar has a little more on his years at Chrysler.