Carroll Shelby: Barrett-Jackson looks back at a friend, his iconic life and a legacy for the hobby
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. May 14, 2012 — The world lost an automotive icon, Barrett-Jackson lost a friend.
Carroll Shelby, who passed away on May 10, was more than the namesake manufacturer behind some of Barrett-Jackson’s most memorable auction moments. His persona, brilliance, and even his trademark hat, defined auction history and raised millions of dollars for charity.
“As heartbroken as I am about his passing, I’m proud to have called Carroll Shelby my friend and mentor,” said Craig Jackson, Chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. As CEO, Jackson was often beside Shelby on the block.
“My daughter, Shelby, carries his name proudly,” Jackson said. “He personified the American Dream and he embodied the passion, creativity and ingenuity that fueled a new era of automotive enthusiasm. That spirit will live on, in every American muscle car that crosses our auction block. He will forever be missed.”
Barrett-Jackson President Steve Davis, a long-time friend of Shelby’s, added, “This is a tremendous loss for the automotive industry and the Barrett-Jackson family. Throughout every one of Barrett-Jackson’s 41 years, we treasured our time with Carroll. He was at our side during some of Barrett-Jackson’s most memorable moments. But on days like today, we’re even more humbled and grateful for our countless private moments with our friend.” Davis also said, “One of the highlights of my career was working with Carroll on the Series 1 project as well as the Limited Edition Barrett-Jackson Shelby Mustang project.”
A very special Barrett-Jackson moment occurred in 2009, when boxing legend Muhammad Ali arrived at Barrett-Jackson in Scottsdale. Ali had admired Carroll and his cars and the two legends had the opportunity to come together at the unveiling of the Limited Edition Barrett-Jackson Ford Shelby Mustang. It was clear that these legends had a mutual respect of each other’s accomplishments.
These moments – the moments when Carroll was talking to a friend, an admirer or a collector, or taking a few minutes to sign the hat of an adoring child, or shake the hand of a lifetime fan –will be missed most.
“For us, it’s hard to imagine a Barrett-Jackson without Carroll Shelby. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Carroll’s family, friends and colleagues,” Jackson said. “Heaven better have his garage ready.”
Significant Shelby Moments Over The Auction Block
- $5.5 Million – Super Snake CSX 3015 – Scottsdale 2007
- $742,500 – Shelby’s Own 1969 GT500 convertible – Scottsdale 2008
- $600,000 – First Retail 2007 GT500 – Scottsdale 2006
- $313,500 – 1949 MG TC Roadster (Carroll’s First Race Car) – Las Vegas 2008
About Barrett-Jackson Auction Company
Established in 1971 and headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Barrett-Jackson specializes in providing products and services to classic and collector car owners, astute collectors and automotive enthusiasts around the world. The company produces the “World’s Greatest Collector Car Events™” in Scottsdale, Palm Beach, Fla., Las Vegas and Orange County, Calif. For more information about Barrett-Jackson, visit www.barrett-jackson.com or call (480) 421-6694.
Each description contained herein is provided by the consignor for the purpose of describing the item offered for sale. The accuracy of a description is the responsibility of the consignor and Barrett-Jackson is not responsible for any errors contained in a description or for the failure of a consignor to produce any item for sale. Please conduct your own inspection before making a purchase and refer to the Barrett- Jackson website for complete terms and conditions of sale.
Media Contacts
Sanaz Marbley, 818.657.9099, smarbley@jmprpublicrelations.com
Jarrod Holland, 910.431.3322, jholland@jmprpublicrelations.com
Up Agency:
Stacy Pearson, 602.577.6888, stacy@writetoup.com
Tiffany Jarratt-Shultz, 480.586.6711, tiffany@writetoup.com
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