Shelby American Collection

Imagine a place where the history of America's greatest automotive victories comes to life. The Shelby American Collection is a unique non-profit museum located in Boulder, USA. It is entirely dedicated to the legacy of the legendary designer and racing driver Carroll Shelby. Here, under one roof, are gathered the rarest examples of cars that once redefined the concepts of speed and design.

The museum's collection is considered one of the most significant in the world. Among the gems of the collection, you can see the famous Shelby Cobras, including the very first 1962 production model, the elegant Daytona Coupes, and the revolutionary Ford GT40s that conquered the track at Le Mans. Every car here is not just a means of transport, but a true work of engineering art, preserving the spirit of the 1960s racing renaissance.

In addition to the impressive fleet of cars, the museum houses an extensive collection of memorabilia: rare photographs, authentic racing logs, and personal items from the pioneers of motorsport. Strolling through the halls in the shadow of the majestic Rocky Mountains, visitors can immerse themselves in the gripping stories of the rivalry between Henry Ford and Enzo Ferrari. This is a must-visit destination for anyone who appreciates the aesthetics of classic muscle cars and the power of American engines.

To confirm visit details or organize group tours, you can use the following contact information:

In the museum's main hall, legends await: from early AC Bristol prototypes to the famous 427 Cobras. Here, you can see the Ford GT40 (including the chassis driven by the famous Ken Miles) and rare modifications of the Shelby Mustang GT350 and GT500. Each car is displayed so that guests can examine technical features, interior finishes, and aerodynamic body shapes in detail.

History buffs should take the time to study the archival materials. The museum walls are adorned with unique photographs and race reports that reveal dramatic stories from the life of the Shelby American team. Personal tributes to drivers and artifacts related to Carroll Shelby's own career are on display, allowing you to literally feel the atmosphere of last century's pit lanes.

If your visit coincides with the Labor Day holiday weekend, you can attend the annual party and large-scale car show, where owners of rare cars from across the country gather. For those feeling lucky, the museum regularly holds a charity raffle, where the grand prize could be a modern sports car, such as a Ford GT. It is also a great place to chat with the volunteers—true experts ready to spend hours sharing fascinating facts about every exhibit.

The museum is located at 5020 Chaparral Ct in an industrial area in northeast Boulder, right at the foot of the majestic Rocky Mountains. If you are arriving by car from the city center, take US-36 east, then turn onto Arapahoe Ave and follow it to the turn for Chaparral Ct. Free parking is available for visitors on-site.

For those who prefer public transport, bus routes RTD 225 or 228 are suitable. You should get off at the stop near the intersection of Arapahoe and 55th St, after which it is about a 10–15 minute walk to the museum. It’s also worth noting that Boulder is a very bike-friendly city, and the museum is easily accessible via an extensive network of cycling paths.

If you are arriving from Denver International Airport (DEN), the most convenient options are taxis or rideshare services like Uber/Lyft. The trip takes approximately 40–50 minutes (about 45 km). We recommend planning your visit in advance, keeping in mind the museum's specific Saturday-only schedule to avoid traffic entering the city.

The history of this remarkable place began in 1996. The museum's founders, Bill Murray and Steve Volk, were passionate collectors and fans of the brand. The turning point was a call from Carroll Shelby himself, who convinced the like-minded enthusiasts to create a public space to preserve the legacy of the Shelby American team. Thanks to the support of friends and fans, a modest private initiative transformed into a true "shrine" of American motorsports.

The collection focuses on the "Golden Era" of the 1960s, when Carroll Shelby sparked a technical revolution. His idea was bold: take a lightweight European AC chassis and equip it with a powerful American Ford V8 engine. Thus, the Cobra was born—a car that became an icon and forever changed the world of sports cars. Within the museum walls are the authentic machines that forged history on the tracks, including the very first prototype, CSX 2000.

Today, the Shelby American Collection operates as a non-profit organization. It is maintained by volunteers and enthusiasts who strive to keep the memory of the great victories at Le Mans and the clash of titans—Ford and Ferrari—alive. This is not just a warehouse for old cars, but a living archive of triumphs, engineering brilliance, and American success in international racing.

For a standard tour of the main exhibition, most visitors require between 1.5 to 2.5 hours. This is enough time to leisurely admire the legendary cars, study the information displays, and appreciate the collection of memorabilia.

If you are a die-hard motorsports fan, plan to spend about 3 hours here. Diving deep into the history of each model, watching archival video footage, and detailed study of racing records can take quite a while. Don't forget to leave time for photos—the lighting in the hall is excellent for capturing great shots of these rare racing machines.

Please note that the museum operates on a specific schedule focused on weekends. The doors of the Shelby American Collection are open to the public only on Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. During the rest of the week (Monday through Friday, as well as Sunday), the museum is officially closed to visitors.

As the schedule may change due to special events or holidays, we strongly recommend checking for up-to-date information on the museum's official website before your trip. Plan your visit for the first half of Saturday to ensure you have enough time to see all the exhibits before closing.

A visit to the museum can be complemented by exploring other interesting locations nearby. Boulder is famous for its architecture, nature trails, and unique landmarks that allow you to better experience the spirit of Colorado.