There are just not enough words to describe Carroll Shelby’s accomplishments in over 50 years of America’s automotive history. He was a race car driver and entrepreneur, who had brilliant, innovative design ideas. Even though he passed away in 2012, Shelby’s legacy lives on… and soon, through the 40,000 square-foot Shelby Automotive Museum in Gardena, California, his life’s work will be on display to the general public.

The museum will be located right next to the Shelby engine plant, where Shelby spent much of his last forty years. Before passing, Shelby envisioned a place where the public could be educated about high performance cars through a behind-the-scenes approach to the the nitty-gritty of the auto industry. The Shelby Automotive Museum will do just that, and the public will have the opportunity to see some of the finest performance cars ever made, with the bulk of the displays being made up of Shelby’s personal collection, including an AC Ace-based Shelby, Chrysler Shelbys, and a Ford Mustang Shelby GT500.

The Shelby Automotive Museum will also feature a 15 foot high sculpture of a Cobra, and  “Shelby’s Snake Pit,” a 5,000 square-foot area dedicated to archival documents, trophies and memorabilia from Shelby’s esteemed career. Although the Snake Pit will be primarily for sponsors and VIPs, the public is expected to be given access through special events and guided tours.

Set to open in early 2015, the Shelby Automotive Museum is sure to become a must-see pit stop for any auto enthusiast visiting Southern California.