Wanna Buy a Shelby?

Carroll Shelby's first racing car is going on the block at Barrett-Jackson's Las Vegas auction in October, and it's a humble 1949 MG-TC. That's right, Ol' Shel got his break in a British car.

Shelby raced the car in Norman, Oklahoma in 1952 and won two races that day. Here's an excerpt from The B-J press release:

"We've sold some special cars during our 37-year history, but this MG ranks among the most significant vehicles to ever cross the Barrett-Jackson auction block," said Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. "In 2007, we sold the ultra-rare 427 Shelby Cobra Super Snake, followed by Carroll's personal '69 GT500 convertible this year in Scottsdale. Now, we're offering collectors a chance to nab the race car that started it all for the legend over half a century ago, while also benefitting one of his charities. Carroll is an American icon both behind the wheel and under the hood - an inspiration to enthusiasts of all ages."

Shelby also fired up the MG TC for the day's second race in Norman, driving it to another victory against the much higher-profile Jaguar XK120s. The back-to-back victories led to one of the most storied careers in motorsports, which pinnacled in 1956 and 1957 when Shelby was consecutively named Sports Car Illustrated's "Driver of the Year." He went on to build the legendary Shelby Cobra and Shelby Mustang, along with a slew of other vehicles that have become performance icons.

"My good friend in Dallas, Ed Wilkins, owned the car and let me drive it in the race," noted Carroll Shelby. "Because it was early in my career, I still had a lot to learn but knew how to go fast. This MG changed my life, because from that point forward, I knew that I wanted to be involved with racing and sport cars."

The dark green MG TC sports the original 1250cc, 4-cylinder engine with a 4-speed transmission that has since been tuned up to 100-plus horsepower and is race-ready. The new owner will also receive the SCCA Log Book, as well as the original fenders, bonnet and mechanical parts that were stripped from the car for competition. For over 20 years, the MG has been part of the famous Syd Silverman Collection and is well known on the MG vintage race car circuit.

There's plenty of time to get your bidder's credentials. If you make it to Vegas, send me a post card!