Cobra owners to commemorate legendary designer at Concours de Nice

More than 75 original Shelby Cobras, Mustangs and vintage race cars will return to South Coast Plaza this Sunday to commemorate motorsports icon Carroll Shelby.

The 38th annual Concours de Nice honors both Shelby and the 50th anniversary of the car he created, said Robert Stockwell, president of the Cobra Owners Club of America, Orange County chapter, which is hosting the free event.

Shelby died May 10 in Dallas after being hospitalized with pneumonia. He was 89, according to the Los Angeles Times.

“He was really was a visionary, but he also was a really down-to-earth and a funny guy,” said Stockwell, who had known Shelby through the car club for more than 40 years.

“It’s a great loss,” he added.

The event will feature vintage cars, popular music from the 1950s and ‘60s, and world champion driver Bob Bondurant as the master of ceremonies, according to the club website.

Shelby’s wife, Cleo Shelby, will also be in attendance to present the Lady’s Choice award, Stockwell said.

“At this event you’re going to be able to look really closely at these cars — cars which you maybe have seen on the freeway for a few seconds or in pictures, but never get to look at up close,” Stockwell said.

— Sarah Peters

Twitter: @speters01

If You Go

What: 38th annual Concours de Nice

Where: The Park Mall, adjacent to the Westin South Coast Plaza hotel

When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday

Cost: free

Information: https://www.cocoaoc.org