Carroll Shelby (Carroll Shelby International photo)

May 12, 2012

Legendary race driver and Shelby Cobra sports car designer Carroll Shelby has died at age 89.

Shelby's company Carroll Shelby International says Shelby died
Thursday at a Dallas hospital. He had received a heart transplant
in 1990 and a kidney transplant in 1996.

The one-time chicken farmer had more than a half-dozen
successful careers during his long life including car manufacturer
and African safari tour operator.

Shelby first gained fame in the automotive world by winning
France's grueling 24 Hours of Le Mans sports car race with a
teammate in 1959.

He then combined a Ford V-8 engine with a British sport car
chassis to make the Cobra, which debuted in 1962.

Shelby also later worked on Chrysler's high-powered Viper sports
car.