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Shelby American to Celebrate 60th Anniversary at Carlisle Ford Nationals

Shelby American will celebrate its 60th anniversary at the Carlisle Ford Nationals presented by Meguiar’s on June 3-5, 2022, in Carlisle, Pennsylvania with a concept vehicle introduction, factory display and Team Shelby East Coast Grand Nationals integration.

“Shelby American has become an international symbol of high-performance motoring during the past 60 years,” said Gary Patterson, president of Shelby American. “We’ll honor that reputation by displaying our past, present and potential future at the Carlisle Ford Nationals including the Shelby Super Snake, Shelby Mustang Mach-E concept and supercharged muscle trucks. A huge number of Team Shelby members will join the East Coast Grand Nationals to watch us unveil a concept car in the historic Shelby display.”

After retiring as a Le Mans-winning driver, Carroll Shelby established Shelby American in 1962. His first car was the Ford small block powered Shelby Cobra roadster, which he promptly took racing, according to Shelby American, and was followed by the Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe, which won its class at Le Mans in 1964. Shelby American introduced an all-new big block Ford motored Shelby Cobra and high-performance version of the Ford Mustang (Shelby GT350). Over the years, Shelby has offered sports cars, trucks, hot hatches and muscle cars.

A highlight of the weekend will be the introduction of a Shelby concept car by Patterson, surrounded by Team Shelby members, at 3 p.m. ET on June 3, the company said. The event is open to the media, as well as anyone attending Carlisle Ford Nationals, inside Building T. According to Shelby American representatives, the concept is a tribute to one of the most celebrated cars in automotive history and will gauge the demand for a limited series of the vehicle.

“We are honored that Shelby American has chosen the Carlisle Ford Nationals as the host location for their special unveiling,” said event manager Ken Appell. “This event is recognized by many as the best of its type and its annual growth would not be possible without our guests and partners like Shelby American. I can’t thank the Shelby American team enough for being with us and I encourage you to make your way to Carlisle next month, not only for this historic unveiling but to experience first-hand THE biggest all-Ford-themed car show in the world.”

In addition to the Ford Nationals events, Team Shelby is holding its annual East Coast Grand Nationals with track sessions at Pocono Raceway and other activities, including a parade to the Carlisle Fairgrounds on Friday, June 3. Team Shelby will have its own hospitality area and is encouraging Shelby owners to attend with their vehicles to break the record for the most Shelby vehicles in one place, the company said.

Ford Motor Company is returning with walk-arounds focused on the Ice White Mach 1, Ice White Mach-E, Shelby GT500, Raptor and more, the automaker said, and will have a display dedicated to electrification showcasing both the Mach-E and Shelby Mach-E GT. Patterson will be part of Ford’s presentation that includes the Mustang Shelby GT500 and the Ford Mustang Mach-E.

A.J. Hecht

A.J. Hecht is the managing editor of THE SHOP and host of the In Gear with THE SHOP podcast. Have an idea, a tip, or a question you’d like to see answered? Contact A.J. at ahecht@cahabamedia.com.

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