In the early 1960s, Ford made a famous failed attempt to buy Ferrari, after which a corporate vendetta was launched culminating in the successful Ford GT40 program. Spearheaded by Carroll Shelby, the GT40 would come to dominate the 24 Hours of Le Mans for four years in a row, cementing Shelby’s place as a racing legend and Ford as a company not to be trifled with.

Tom Cruise is no stranger to racing…

The story also spawned an awesome book, Go Like Hell, a phrase Shelby himself was known for saying. Autoblog reports that the book is spawning a movie adaptation that could see none other than Tom Cruise play the part of Carroll Shelby. We wonder what Shelby would have to say about that? 

This latest movie announcement comes at a time of increased interest in the golden age of racing, particularly the 1960s and 1970s. Ron Howard’s Rush met with mixed emotions this summer, and the “Snake and Mongoose” movie about the famous rivalry between two American drag racers was well received by gearheads across America.

With Shelby’s recent passing, a movie starring the famous car designer seems long overdue. His cars have been featured in some of the biggest movies of the last half-century, and Shelby’s real world accomplishments never cease to amaze. With a big name like Tom Cruise attached, and a rich (and real) story to work off of, it seems like Shelby will finally get the big screen treatment he deserves. After all, Cruise is no stranger to racing, having driven Red Bulls Formula 1 car and