As it revitalizes its global headquarters campus, Ford is taking down the name of the iconic racer and entrepreneur Carroll Shelby from two local roads, substituting the historic title for names that better represent the automaker’s modern lineup.
Carroll Shelby Way West will be rebranded to Raptor Way, while Carroll Shelby Way East will transition to Navigator Avenue. The renaming is set to occur in May, coinciding with Ford’s plans to begin transforming its Product Development Center into laboratories, conference areas, Ford Racing offices, and a fitness center for employees. This initiative, which will also see Village Road renamed to Mustang Alley and South Pond Road to Bronco Bend, is slated for completion by 2029.
Ford announced the street name changes in an update on April 9 regarding the renovation of its 350-acre campus in Dearborn, Michigan, which will additionally witness the replacement of the famed Glass House office building with a new facility.
“Ford has opted to rename several private roads to reflect iconic Ford products, as part of our comprehensive strategy to integrate our employees’ work into our campus design,” stated a Ford spokesperson in a communiqué to Automotive News when queried about the revisions by the industry trade journal. “We are consistently assessing further opportunities to connect with our Ford legacy.”
Carroll Shelby Way was established in 2012, when Ford gained approval from the City of Dearborn to rename the two road segments following Shelby’s passing in May that year (Ford is reportedly collaborating again with the city to rename the roads). At that time, a Ford statement indicated that the street name would serve as “a daily reminder of Carroll’s way” for engineers.
The new titles are a more accurate representation of Ford’s current focuses. While the automaker continues to produce performance vehicles, full-size trucks and SUVs are at the core of its operations. The F-150 remains the top-selling light-duty vehicle in the U.S., and the more expensive variants of its foundational platform, like the Raptor and Lincoln Navigator, bring in higher profit margins alongside that volume.
Moreover, although Shelby’s collaboration with Ford in the 1960s is renowned, he always operated independently and kept Ford at a distance from the 1970s to the 1990s following a fallout with the company. A less notable partnership with Chrysler ensued. It was only in the early 2000s that Shelby was welcomed back into the fold, with his name reappearing on Mustangs and a few concepts.
Ford is no longer utilizing the Shelby name for the Mustang, leaving that to Shelby American. However, Ford’s updated headquarters won’t feature a Dark Horse Drive or GTD Road, which seems fitting for a car manufacturer that has moved away from the 1960s era of Total Performance. Ford is now in its Total Truck phase.
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**Ford Renames Streets at Carroll Shelby Way Campus**
In a notable effort to honor the legacy of automotive luminary Carroll Shelby, Ford Motor Company has formally renamed several streets within its Carroll Shelby Way Campus. This initiative reflects Ford’s dedication to celebrating its rich history and the noteworthy individuals who have influenced the automotive sector.
The Carroll Shelby Way Campus, situated in Allen Park, Michigan, stands as a crucial center for Ford’s engineering and design teams. By renaming the thoroughfares, Ford seeks to acknowledge Shelby’s contributions to performance vehicles and motorsports. Carroll Shelby, famed for his work with the Shelby Cobra and his collaboration with Ford in the 1960s, was instrumental in establishing Ford’s standing in the performance car arena.
The newly designated streets include “Shelby Drive,” “Mustang Lane,” and “Performance Boulevard,” each embodying significant aspects of Shelby’s enduring legacy and Ford’s performance-driven philosophy. These names not only pay homage to Shelby but also continuously remind employees and guests of the innovative spirit propelling Ford’s mission.
The renaming ceremony was graced by Ford executives, employees, and Shelby family members, who expressed their appreciation for the acknowledgment of Carroll Shelby’s influence on the automotive landscape. The occasion featured speeches that highlighted Shelby’s accomplishments, including his role in the creation of the Ford Mustang and the legendary GT40, which notably excelled at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
In addition to the street renaming, Ford intends to incorporate educational initiatives and displays within the campus that spotlight Shelby’s contributions and the legacy of performance vehicles. This endeavor aspires to inspire future generations of engineers and designers to continually push the boundaries of automotive advancement.
Overall, the street renaming at the Carroll Shelby Way Campus reflects Ford’s commitment to honoring its past while anticipating the future of automotive superiority. By celebrating figures like Carroll Shelby, Ford reinforces its focus on performance, innovation, and the lasting legacy of American automotive culture.