Carroll Shelby: The Authorized Biography
By Rinsey Mills
This book takes on even greater significance with its subject’s recent passing. Billed by its publisher as “the story every enthusiast has always wanted to read,” this thoroughly researched biography of American automotive icon Carroll Shelby is the culmination of a five-year project by its author, who begins his story by describing a disciplinary incident from Shelby’s youth, then tells of his first speeding ticket—at age 14!
The text charts the growth of road racing in the USA during the 1950s and traces Shelby’s early driving career, including his tenure with the Aston Martin team he led to victory at Le Mans and the World Sportscar Championship in 1959. The story of his creation of the Cobra naturally follows, as does his successful leadership of Ford’s Le Mans assault. Unavoidable is the saga of heart trouble that drove him from cockpit to pit lane and ultimately to a transplant performed by a physician who told him he’d never seen a heart so ravaged.
The basic story is very familiar and often retold, but the detail to be found here is remarkable and makes this book worthy of inclusion in any enthusiast’s library. Available for US$35 from enthusiast bookstores or directly from its North American publisher Motorbooks at www.motorbooks.com
