In the new feature film Ford v Ferrari, Matt Damon, who hails from Massachusetts, tries his hardest to “talk Texan” in his starring role as Carroll Shelby. I knew Carroll for the last half century or so, and can say it was close, but no cigar.

Shelby moved to California in the mid-’50s to be a race driver and started several businesses there. In addition to building the eponymous Cobra and Mustangs in the ’60s, he owned several other businesses including a race tire dealership and wheel companies. Early on, he learned the charm of laying on the Texas accent as he met newcomers, selling them on the man and not just the products he sold. Shelby kept the accent fresh by visiting his ranches in Texas.

The Carroll Shelby glossary is on Hemmings Daily.