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Carroll Shelby -- Auto Executive of the Year and Lifetime Achievement Award

Carroll Shelby was honored for his legendary exploits with one of the most prestigious awards in the auto world when he received the 2008 Automotive Executive of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award recently. The fantastic crystal cup was presented to him during an invitation-only luncheon at the Detroit Athletic Club on April 16. The Automotive Executive of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award has recognized excellence in automotive leadership from OEM executives since 1964. Past winners include Jim Press, Bill Ford, Jr., Dieter Zetsche, Rick Wagoner, Henry Ford II, Robert Eaton, Thomas Stallkamp, Roger Smith, Harold E. Poling and Lee Iacocca. The award is presented by DNV Certification and sponsored by the Automotive Industry Action Group. The award nominating committee is composed of auto industry media, various industry analysts and automotive supplier CEOs.

Luminaries from the auto industry crowded to meet the man himself and watch Mr. Shelby receive his accolades. Those on hand included Edsel Ford, Mark Fields, Robert Parker and many other key executives from Ford Motor Company. In addition, industry insiders from around the globe jockeyed for an opportunity to meet the icon during a reception before the event. Shelby representatives included Cleo Shelby, Shelby Autos (SAI) president Amy Boylan, SAI Marketing Communications Vice President Jim Owens and Team Shelby representatives Robert Lane and Sharon Elliott.

"Everyone at Shelby Automobiles is proud of Carroll`s distinguished career," said Amy Boylan, president of Shelby Automobiles. "Carroll Shelby earned his stripes behind the wheel as a world class driver and at the helm of a highly successful auto manufacturing company. It`s a privilege to work for a living legend who is still one of the most important driving forces in the automotive industry today." This is the first time in a decade that the Automotive Executive of the Year`s annual honoree was recognized for lifetime achievement.

“As Mr. Shelby celebrates his 85th birthday, it’s the perfect time to honor him with this Lifetime Achievement Award,” said Robert Djurovic, DNV Certification’s director of auto services–North America and chairman of the nominating committee. “His ongoing energy and commitment amazes us all. As he has done throughout his career, he continues to push the envelope—as well as everyone in the industry—to new levels of performance.”

In her presentation, MC Carla Kalogeridis noted that, “Mr. Shelby’s inspiration and vision have made him the force behind many of the industry’s most beloved automobiles, including the Cobra, Series 1, Ford GT40, Viper, Ford Shelby Mustangs and the Ford GT. He captured three national sports car championships and earned a spot on the Aston-Martin racing team. In his driving career, he has won the 24 Hours of Le Mans and set land speed records on the salt flats at Bonneville. He is the only man to ever win LeMans as a driver, team owner and manufacturer. In addition to being named Sports Illustrated’s Driver of the Year in 1956 and 1957, his countless achievements in motor sports led to his induction into the Automobile Hall of Fame and the International MotorSports Hall of Fame. In 2006, Motor Trend named Carroll Shelby one of the 50 most important people in the auto industry in its first annual ‘power list’.’

While accepting the award, Shelby highlighted his valued partnership with Ford Motor Co. His company’s recent collaboration with Ford resulted in the return of the Shelby Hertz edition car, the Shelby GT500, the Shelby GT and the revered Ford Shelby GT500KR, which was revealed at the 2007 New York International Auto Show.

As part of the luncheon, Mr. Shelby was interviewed by Ms. Kalogeridis, who fielded questions from the crowd for the automotive super star. The questions ranged from advice for young people that are beginning their career in the business to the likelihood of a hybrid Shelby. As usual, Mr. Shelby answered with the humility, candor and humor that helped him win over captains of industry and royalty worldwide during his career. When asked to name his favorite car of all time, Shelby replied, "The next one that we’re building," showing his focus on the future of automotive design rather than resting on laurels of the past. As to whether or not the industry will see a new Ford Shelby Cobra, Shelby acknowledged great competition and profitability concerns in super cars. But in the same breath, he noted the public’s need to see this kind of car and stated, “We (Ford and Shelby Automobiles) have our plans. I think we’ll get around to it and hopefully not in the too distant future.”

In perhaps one of his more controversial comments, Shelby responded to a question from the audience regarding the future of hybrid vehicles. "Hybrid technology is basically a stop-gap-it's not the ultimate solution," he said. "There will never be a Shelby hybrid car." When asked to speculate on the automotive industry’s future, Shelby stated, “I have a lot of faith that we, in America, have what it takes. We have to think international[ly] and [I believe] that America is going to come back. The greatest time is now.” As advice to current and potential automotive leaders, Shelby recommended, “Follow your passions and you’ll be alright. Do what you want to do. It’s an old story, but it’s so true.”

During a pre-luncheon reception for a few of Mr. Shelby’s close friends, Djurovic told the guest of honor that Detroit Congressman Joe Knollenberg had read Shelby’s accomplishments into the Congressional Record. This gesture touched the former army aviator who served during World War II. “I’m so proud of this country and everyone that serves her,” explained Mr. Shelby. “To have some of my successes, which really represent the hard work of so many fine people, entered into the official Congressional record is a humbling and wonderful gift. This is something I will always remember.”

The Shelbys left loaded down with gifts. The March/April 2008 issue of AIAG's Actionline magazine featured an exclusive in-depth interview with Mr. Shelby by Ms. Kalogeridis; a mounted copy of the magazine was given to Mr. Shelby at the event. In addition, a painting of Mr. Shelby was presented to Mr. and Mrs. Shelby. 

"I've had a lot of fun over my life with cars and I'm not done yet," said Shelby. "Much of my success has been due to wonderful people who joined one of my racing teams or companies. That holds true today with the great team building exciting cars at Shelby Automobiles. I'm honored to receive this award because it also recognizes all of their hard work and tenacity."