In the Beginning of Creation... before Shelby there was the AC-Bristol

[Austexican]

1957 AC Ace-Bristol for sale.

http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/carsforsale/ac/ace_bristol/1673283.html?refer=news

[skullandbones]

So CS didn't really have an original idea, he just knew how to out gun the other guys with a bigger motor! It's fun to see the evolution of this story. Thanks, WEK.

[Austexican]

Carroll Shelby had more than one original idea. The really important one was that he thought he could succeed in assembling a team of dedicated and proficient designers, fabricators, mechanics, suppliers and sponsors (Ford) in achieving a Manufacturer's Championship in a European racing series. That had not been accomplished by an American team.

[OnyxCobra]

He was just another hot rodder - take a light car stick a big motor in it and race the wheels of it - apart from that he got lucky !

[Jester]

FWIW: Luck has been defined as the basic interaction of preparation and opportunity.