The golden age of the American muscle car is long past, and for those who lived through it, it may seem impossible that it has been over 50 years since the first HEMI V8’s and fiberglass dragsters. But it has, and many of these legends are getting older, though no less impressive. Perhaps no company better represents this graceful aging than Carroll Shelby and Shelby American.

The annual Shelby Bash this year is particularly special, celebrating a half-century of Shelby automobiles this week, with a celebration running from this Wednesday through Sunday in Las Vegas, home of Shelby American.

As you might imagine, a gathering of this magnitude transcends generations, and Shelby owners young and old will bring their classic and contemporary Mustangs to the bash. The event will include track events, factory tours, and dinners as a part of its celebration. It has been sold out for several months now, and there are many a caravan heading out to this bash from every corner of the country.

This is hardly the only celebration of the Shelby this year though. Tracks, museums, and auctions throughout the country and the year will be throwing all sorts of parties to celebrate the Shelby Cobra. It is a good year to be a Shelby owner, that’s for sure, and this 50th birthday bash in Las Vegas is a great way to get it started.