It would be impossible to discuss America’s love of classic cars without mentioning the West Coast’s Largest Antique Auto Show and Swap Meet, the Pomona Swap Meet & Classic Car Show. Participants come to buy classic cars, to sell them, or just to enjoy the array of beauties on display.

It would be equally impossible to discuss classic American sportscars without mentioning the name Carroll Shelby.  This American icon unabashedly loved horsepower and he proved it over and over by putting big engines in small cars.

And to think that if it hadn’t been for an epidemic of limberneck disease that wiped out all of his chickens in 1950, the world of automotive design might never have heard of Caroll Shelby.  It was his failure as a chicken farmer that left Shelby free to pursue his great love – fast cars.

Shelby began as a racecar driver competing in Formula One for two seasons. His short racing career culminating with a win in 1959 at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Then in 1959, this Sports Illustrated’s Driver of the Year for 1956 and 1957 retired from driving due to health issues.

His retirement, however, only redirected his love of speed and power. Shelby obtained a license to bring the British AC Cobra to America, he fitted it with a V8 engine, and the Shelby Cobra was born. After that, his close friendship with Ford’s Lee Iaccoca led to another iconic American sportscar, the Shelby Mustang. First produced in 1965, the Shelby GT-350 still holds a special place in the hearts of sportscar enthusiasts. Finally, Shelby moved on to projects with Dodge, producing the Viper and the Dodge Shelby Charger. His involvement with racing continued as he strove to design high-performance cars worthy of competition.

Sadly, Carroll Shelby died on May 10, 2012 at the age of 89. The failed chicken farmer will be forever remembered as the man of vision who transformed the American auto industry.

Help carry on the legacy of Shelby’s love for high performance classic cars by coming to the Pomona Swap Meet & Classic Car Show. It is devoted to classic car enthusiasts like Shelby and boasts the West Coast’s largest gathering of antique cars, parts and accessories. Come check out the next show in Pomona on January 13th, or if you can’t wait until then to find a Shelby-inspired car, check out the Pomona Classifieds.