Carroll Shelby and his signature
This lettering is not only immediately recognizable to fans. It was signed by Carroll Shelby (1923 to 2012).
And this certainly not unknown American was, after all, the creator of the Shelby Cobra and the Shelby Mustang, as well as various other car icons. He was also a fairly successful racing driver, winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1959 in an Aston Martin. A heart condition prevented a long racing career, but he remained active as a car manufacturer and apostle of high-horsepower sports cars well into old age.
And so he was often seen at car meetings or auctions, where he left his signature on the fender or glove cover for cash. Whether it was an original Shelby Cobra or a much cheaper replica didn't matter to Shelby as long as he was paid for the autograph.
It is said that it was even possible to send him the glove cover and a few banknotes, whereupon the replacement part was returned to him a short time later, enhanced with a signature.
