Colorado Has a Shelby Auto Museum And It’s Amazing
With all the museums that Colorado has, one stands out as being very unique: It's all about Shelby cars, and more.
As the museum puts it, it is a must-see for all Shelby, Ford, and history enthusiasts, not only in Colorado but across the region. The Shelby American Collection has some of the rarest, most valuable and authentic cars on display anywhere in the world.
It really is something to see; so, I went.
Like any museum, the Shelby American Collection Museum takes you back in time; to the 1960s, when Carroll Shelby and his American Team. It also celebrates Enzo Ferrari, Henry Ford and other icons of the industry and of racing lore.
Boulder Colorado Has a Shelby Auto Museum
Technically, the collection/museum is in Gunbarrel, as it's located at 5020/5035 Chaparral Court; not far east off of Highway 119, a little south of Highway 52.
I was prepared to look for what was described as a "non-descript" building, and I wasn't let down. If it didn't have a sign on the side of the building, you would think you were parking at a dental facility.
One thing to keep in mind - the museum is only open on Saturdays. I was there on a nice Saturday in early fall, and it was a little busy, but not jam-packed. It could be that people just don't really know of it.
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I only heard about the collection/museum when I saw in the news that they had opened their expansion- across the parking lot. That expansion has a "special' collection of about 16 Ford GTs and Ford GT40s; which you can book meetings at, as well.
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The main museum really is amazing; they have over 60 vehicles ranging in style, year, model and "vibe." They have a seating area where you can watch movies/documentaries that they show about racing and Shelby's history.
There are artifacts (aside from the cars) all over. They have merchandise you can purchase, and a great staff of volunteers running it all.
Your $10 admission is well worth it, whether you're a Shelby/Ford/Cobra fan or not.
Inside Colorado's Big Shelby Auto Museum
Gallery Credit: Dave Jensen
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Gallery Credit: Big Rob TSM