Here are some of the statements being released honoring the late Carroll Shelby, who died in Texas on Thursday at age 89.
The following statement is attributable to Edsel B. Ford II, member of the Board of Directors of Ford Motor Co. and great-grandson of Henry Ford, founder of Ford Motor Co.:
"Today, we have lost a legend in Ford Motor Company's history, and my family and I have lost a dear friend. Carroll Shelby is one of the most recognized names in performance car history, and he's been successful at everything he's done. Whether helping Ford dominate the 1960s racing scene or building some of the most famous Mustangs, his enthusiasm and passion for great automobiles over six decades has truly inspired everyone who worked with him. He was a great innovator whose legend at Ford never will be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends."
Jamie Allison, Director, Ford Racing:
"In the history of our company there are a handful of men who have stamped their imprint on the heart and soul of what we do at Ford Racing and Carroll Shelby is definitely one of them. I'm just so fortunate to have had the opportunity to meet him and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. We at Ford and his legions of fans will have a silent moment to reflect on what he's done for the company. It's personal for me and I'm sure it's personal for many fans."
For more from Ford Motor Co., click here.
Bud Liebler, head of marketing and public relations during the period when Shelby was Chrysler's partner:
"Carroll Shelby was everybody's friend and everybody's hero , a man's man and every man. There was nobody at Chrysler who didn't like him immensely,look up to him and love being in his presence, including Lee Iacocca who.counted Carroll as a close personal friend and ally.
"I remember being at the press launch of the original Viper at Laguna Seca when Carroll asked me if I'd like to go around the track with him. Are you kidding me? This was shortly after a heart and maybe a liver transplant and we're flying around the track at 160 miles per hour or so, Carroll has one hand on the wheel, a cigar chomped down between his teeth, and I'm thinking to myself 'this guys got all these artificial parts and he's got my life in his hands!'
"But there was nothing artificial about Carroll. He was the real deal all the way and he will absolutely be missed. There won't be anyone like him."
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