“Goes Like Hell”. That was Carroll Shelby’s motto for the Dodge Omni GLH. Now, standing here at the Shelby Museum in Las Vegas, we’re about to dive into the world of a man who lived life at full throttle.
The Shelby Museum. It is more than just a collection of cars. It is a tribute to Carroll Shelby. He was a racer, designer and an automotive icon. This is where the Shelby story comes to life.
Carroll Shelby was a racer first. He raced in the United States, England and Mexico. In 1957, Sports Illustrated named him Driver of the Year. His racing career ended due to a heart defect. But Shelby’s passion for speed didn’t stop there.
Unable to race, Shelby shifted his focus to building race cars. He partnered with AC Cars. They provided him with a chassis for a Ford V8 engine. This partnership led to the birth of the AC Cobra. Shelby American was eventually formed. It produced iconic models like the Shelby GT and the Super Snake.
Here at the Shelby Museum, you will find a car show on steroids. The Shelby Heritage Center was established in 2013. It showcases up to 40 Shelby creations. You can see original prototypes and models that collectors dream about. It is an automotive enthusiast’s mecca.
The Shelby Museum is next to the Shelby production facility. If you take a guided tour, you can witness the manufacturing process. The Shelby Heritage Center is home to everything Shelby in Las Vegas.
Inside, the Shelby Museum displays Shelby vehicles. They range from the first Cobra CSX2000 to prototypes of Series 1. You can see some of the latest Shelby creations. The Shelby Museum also hosts events. The venue can accommodate over 350 guests for a banquet. It features an audio-video system with a large screen.
Visitors can explore the Shelby Museum through self-guided tours. The guided tours provide a behind-the-scenes look at the production facility. Plus, you get a gift bag filled with Shelby merchandise.
Before you leave the Shelby Museum, check out the gift store. It sells Shelby merchandise. You can find replicas of the Shelby Mustang, collectibles, apparel and memorabilia.
So, as we conclude our visit to the Shelby Museum, remember Carroll Shelby. He was more than a race car driver. He was a visionary. His creations continue to inspire car enthusiasts around the world. He definitely made cars that “Go Like Hell”.