“The Shelby and Barrett-Jackson relationship began with my grandfather, who loved the adrenaline rush of the auction block,” said Aaron Shelby, co-President of the Carroll Shelby Foundation and board member of Carroll Shelby International. “Over the years, together we’ve raised money for the charity that Carroll founded, unveiled new vehicles and even created an exclusive Barrett-Jackson edition Shelby GT in 2008. I’m excited to help sell this very special car, which will help young adults win the race for life by learning skills to thrive in the auto industry.”
This Continuation series Shelby GT350 was started as an original 1960s era Ford Mustang with factory VIN and original title. Legendary GT transformed the pony car into a Shelby GT350 under an agreement with Carroll Shelby Licensing.
“Carroll Shelby was a close friend who spent a great deal of time at Barrett-Jackson,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “It’s an honor to help raise money for his charity by giving someone the opportunity to own this beautiful convertible. I share Carroll’s drive to empower young people with the skills to succeed in the auto industry and look forward to welcoming Aaron Shelby to the auction block for what promises to be an historic moment.”
The convertible was built for and donated to the Carroll Shelby Automotive Program at Northeast Texas Community College by Barry Smith, owner of Legendary GT Continuation Cars. The body is finished in Wimbledon white with all new fiberglass panels including reinforced shock towers and Shelby specific parts. The engine is a 302 Ford small block with a 4-speed top loader manual transmission. New old stock, refurbished, original or remanufactured parts were used including the differential, brake system, suspension, fuel system, cooling and wiring harness.
Final assembly features Shelby unique parts including the original style wheels, tires, convertible top, windshields, side windows, window hardware, dash gauge cluster, console, taillight assembly, fog lights, grille, emblems, seats, carpeting, body seals, roll bar, steering column and bumpers. The car will be listed in the official Shelby Registry.
“Barrett-Jackson created an incredible platform that enables non-profit organizations to raise much needed funds and increase awareness,” said Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “We look forward to auctioning this amazing continuation Shelby GT350, which will fund the automotive technology education of a new generation of enthusiasts. It’s an honor for us to help the school that Carroll Shelby so passionately supported.”
One hundred percent of the hammer price will benefit Northeast Texas Community College Foundation by providing scholarships for students enrolled in the Carroll Shelby Automotive Program at NTCC. It is a school that Carroll Shelby supported near his East Texas birthplace.
When the Carroll Shelby Automotive Technology Program enrolled its first class in 2008, Carroll Shelby said, “I want to help young people improve their lives through the industry that has been so good to me. By giving them valuable new skills, they can be proud, productive members of society.”
“We’re excited that Barrett-Jackson agreed to auction the Shelby gifted to us by Barry Smith and Legendary GT,” said Jon McCullough Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Northeast Texas Community College. “This beautiful car will help fuel studies by students who want a career in the automotive industry. Carroll Shelby would have been 101 years old in 2024. We’re continuing his rich legacy by teaming with Barrett-Jackson to raise money for the automotive technology program he approved.”
Located at the Northeast Texas Community College, the Carroll Shelby Automotive Technology Center offers young people an opportunity to learn valuable skills in the automotive field. The intensive, hands-on curriculum in a state-of-the-art facility is designed to train mechanics to enter the workforce immediately upon graduation. Current programs include the AAS degrees in Automotive Repair, a certificate in Auto Body Repair and a Diesel program.
Collectors interested in registering to bid on the Shelby GT350 and the entire Scottsdale Auction docket may do so here.