Carroll Shelby: Creator of the Shelby Cobra Dies at 89

Carroll Shelby was an American race car driver and automotive designer. Born on January 11, 1923, in Leesburg, Texas, he was a pilot in World War II.

He won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1959 driving for Aston Martin. After retiring due to a heart condition he built the Shelby Cobra by putting a Ford V8 into a British AC Ace, and he developed the Shelby Mustang GT350.

He also was a chili businessman and founded a children's heart charity after a heart transplant. Shelby died in Dallas, Texas, on May 10, 2012, at age 89.

Achievements: Le Mans winner (1959), creator of the Cobra.

Birth: January 11, 1923 - Leesburg, Texas.

Profession: Automotive designer and racer.

Interesting Facts: He had a heart transplant in 1990.