Joe B. Sheppard

This car started one incredible racing career. Pictured here is Joe B. Sheppard with his hopped-up 1932 Ford Roadster in front of his family home on Moody St. in Tampa. Known for its Ardun conversion and two-speed Zephyr rear, this vehicle not only fueled his passion for racing but also marked the beginning of his journey as the 'Tampa Hot Shoe.' This image captures a young Sheppard, poised and ready, embodying the spirit of adventure that would define his legendary contributions to motorsport. Photo from The Sheppard/Shea Collection.

A photo of Joe and his father Jack Sr with the Lotus Eleven that won LeMans in 1956. Joe's father called the factory and bought it for Joe to run in the USA. He was practically unbeatable in it. Photo from The Sheppard/Shea Collection.

Joe B. Sheppard (August 11, 1928 - October 13, 2019) was an influential figure in American auto racing. He was an esteemed mechanic and left an indelible mark on the world of motorsports from his humble beginnings in Tampa, Florida. Known affectionately as the "Tampa Hot Shoe," Sheppard's career was propelled by his passion and skill, which were ignited during his youth.

Early Life and Origins

Joe Sheppard's journey into the world of racing began in Tampa, where his family operated Sheppard Import Motors on Howard Avenue. The business, which specialized in import cars, provided a nurturing ground for his burgeoning interest in automobiles. Joe's racing career was sparked by a pivotal road trip in a 1932 Ford, featuring an Ardun conversion and a two-speed Zephyr rear, which he undertook with a high school classmate in 1947. This trip, which stretched from Tampa to California and back, included memorable stops in Southern California, San Francisco, and the Bonneville Salt Flats.

Racing Career

Joe's professional racing career took off in the mid-1950s when he began racing for prominent manufacturers such as Lotus, Porsche, and Maserati. His significant achievements started with Lotus, where he raced alongside founder Colin Chapman. In 1957, they won at Sebring in a Lotus Eleven, marking a defining moment in his career. A class win followed this victory in 1960 at Camoradi, piloting a Porsche 356 Carrera Coupe. One of his most notable victories came in 1958 when he won the prestigious Paul Whiteman trophy, an accolade previously awarded to Carroll Shelby.

In 1959, Joe's racing prowess reached its zenith when he won the final sports car race in Cuba, just weeks after his father acquired the second-to-last Porsche 550 RS 1500 factory competition car (#0144). With this vehicle, Joe was nearly unbeatable, showcasing his skills not only as a driver but also as an expert mechanic.

Joe B. Sheppard's Cars

Joe B. Sheppard's 1932 Ford Roadster