Aug 29, 2008

Carroll Shelby's First Race Car up for Bids

A historic 1949 MG TC, which was the first race car ever driven by legendary racer and specialty-car manufacturer Carroll Shelby, will be sold during the inaugural Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event in Las Vegas, on October 15-18. A portion of the proceeds from the sale will benefit one of Shelby’s charitable endeavors. Shelby piloted the MG to a surprise victory in a road race in Norman, Okla., in 1952 -- a win that set the stage for his prolific career.

Later that fateful day, Shelby drove the MG TC for a second race in Norman, piloting it to another victory against the much more powerful Jaguar XK120s. The back-to-back victories led to one of the most storied careers in motorsports, which pinnacled in 1956 and 1957 when Shelby was named Sports Car Illustrated’s “Driver of the Year.” He went on to build the legendary Shelby Cobra and Shelby Mustang, along with a slew of other vehicles.

“My good friend in Dallas, Ed Wilkins, owned the car and let me drive it in the race,” Shelby recalled recently. “Because it was early in my career, I still had a lot to learn but knew how to go fast. This MG changed my life, because from that point forward, I knew that I wanted to be involved with racing and sport cars.”

The dark green MG TC sports the original 1250cc, four-cylinder engine with a four-speed transmission that has since been tuned up to 100-plus horsepower and is race-ready. The new owner will also receive the SCCA Log Book, as well as the original fenders, bonnet and mechanical parts that were stripped from the car for competition. For over 20 years, the MG has been part of the famous Syd Silverman Collection and is well-known on the MG vintage race car circuit.

“We’ve sold some special cars during our 37-year history, but this MG ranks among the most significant vehicles to ever cross the Barrett-Jackson auction block,” said Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “Carroll is an American icon both behind the wheel and under the hood -- an inspiration to enthusiasts of all ages.”