Video: Shelby's 1000+ hp GT500 prototype is real

A few weeks ago we caught wind of a possible new Shelby prototype, a twin turbo powered GT500 that would exceed 1000 horsepower. And now we have a real, live prototype to show you.

Nicknamed "Code Red," this uber powerful GT500 was created in a collaboration between Shelby American and Nelson Racing Engines. The (obviously) modified 5.4 liter has been breathed on courtesy of twin 61mm Turbonetics turbochargers, a duel fuel setup (to run race gas as well as pump gas), and an electronic boost controller.

Other goodies include 14 inch Baer brakes, adjustable suspension, 10 point roll cage, 9 inch rear, and an estimated $100,000 price tag. There's no word on possible production of Code Red, so for now we can only dream and admire the glorious sounds it makes in the video below.

Final specs released for Shelby GT350 Mustang

Shelby has released the final specs on its reborn GT350 Mustang. The base package features 430hp, up just a little from the stock 5.0's 412. To this, you can add a Whipple supercharger that will boost the ponies up to 525. The "R" tuned version ups the ante all the way to 625 horsepower.

Every version of the GT350 features numerous upgrades to suspension, brakes, body styling, badges, and the requisite dash plaque to let you know you are driving something special.

Pricing for the conversion starts at $26,995 for the base model. Adding the Whipple will up the cost to $33,995. The R tune costs another $750 over the supercharged package. Check out all of the details in the press release below.

SHELBY AMERICAN RELEASES FINAL SPECS AND NEW 600+ HP OPTION FOR 2011 GT350
10/7/2010

• 2011 Shelby GT350 supercharge package has 525 HP; normally aspirated has 430 HP
• 624 horsepower optional
• All 2011 GT350s are built at the Las Vegas facility and documented in the official Shelby Registry


LAS VEGAS – October 7, 2010 – Shelby American, a wholly owned subsidiary of Carroll Shelby International Inc. (CSBI:PK) has released the official performance specs of the supercharged and normally aspirated post title packages for the Shelby GT350, as well as a new higher horsepower option for the 5.0 liter powered car. With up to 624 horsepower on tap via an optional "R" tune, the 2011 Shelby GT350 is one of the most powerful limited production cars in the world.

"Our goal was to build the ultimate small block muscle car," said John Luft, president of Shelby American. "The results show that the Shelby GT350 takes American performance to an entirely new level. In recent tests, the standard supercharged car hit 60 miles per hour in just 3.7 seconds and ran the quarter in 12 seconds flat at 121.4 mph, all while generating 1.05g of lateral acceleration and stopping from 60 mph in only 107 feet. We believe the 'R' tuned GT350 will be even faster."

The normally aspirated GT350 is available in standard Ford Mustang GT trim for SCCA racing or 430 in the optional tune. The standard supercharged version is rated at 525 horsepower while the "R" tune option delivers 624 horsepower. All versions include Shelby performance suspension, brake, tire/wheel, and interior and exterior styling enhancements that make the GT350 as fast on the curves as it is in the straightaways.

In addition to the optional "R" tune for the supercharger, Shelby American will offer a solid blue painted hood stripes as well as finished rear bumper stripes. A Watts link rear suspension, upgraded stereo, track-oriented brakes and other options are also available on the Shelby.

Standard GT350 package components include:
• Shelby/Ford Racing/Whipple black finish supercharger (supercharged version only)
• Shelby/Ford Racing suspension
• Shelby Caster camber plate kit
• Shelby/Baer 6 piston front brake kit with exclusive nickel anodized finish
• Shelby/Baer ERADISPEED rear rotor and brake pad upgrade
• Front and rear brake duct and cooling kit
• Shelby/Borla unique center exit exhaust
• Shelby/Cragar 19" alloy wheels shod with Goodyear performance tires
• Front fascia including traditional "running pony" badge
• Rear fascia including exclusive GT350 45th anniversary badge
• Unique tail light trim
• Rear deck lid filler panel
• Side Rockers with functional integrated brake cooling ducts
• Exclusive GT350 Guardsman Blue vinyl over-the-top and side stripes
• "Powered by Ford" fender mounted badges
• Serialized engine plate
• Shelby Engine cap set
• Serialized Dash plate with Shelby GT350 sequential serial number
• A-Pillar mounted gauge package
• Embroidered Carroll Shelby Signature front seat headrests
• Exclusive GT350 45th anniversary embroidered front floor mats
• Shelby GT350 45th Anniversary windbreaker jacket
• Carroll Shelby signed passenger airbag cover (subject to availability)

Optional equipment:
• Polished supercharger
• Shelby/Baer 6 piston rear brake upgrade
• Watts link rear suspension
• Goodyear street race tire package
• Painted over the top and side stripe kit
• Shelby/Kicker premium sound system
• Leather seating surfaces with contrasting stitching and red/white/blue insert on front seats
• Tone on tone embroidered GT350 on seat backs
• Console cover and shift boot

Shelby wants to know what you want from them, shows new models including twin turbo GT500

After announcing that they would be focusing more on producing parts than entire cars, Shelby built a brand new speed shop in Las Vegas and has brought its manufacturing in house. And now they have posted a query on their website asking what you want from the company going forward. In the process, they have proposed a few new models including a V6 Mustang and a twin turbo Shelby GT500.

The twin turbo GT500 is code named 2010-04a, and features a setup that promises to exceed 1000 horsepower (at the wheels) and is based on the 2009 and prior model. Other goodies include an adjustable suspension to lay that power to the pavement, a 10 point roll cage, and a widebody kit.

The V6 Mustang is perhaps a model that is long overdue, as the sixer is actually a very potent motor in itself and the majority of Mustang sales feature the smaller powerplant underhood. This car is tentatively called the Shelby GTS, and is already a working prototype. The package features a number of visual upgrades and figures to cost between $9,000 and $12,000.

In addition to these two models, there are a pair of other concepts on the Shelby American site, as well as a repop Cobra concept.

Shelby quer desbancar o recorde de Bugatti Veyron

O Bugatti Veyron Super Sport detem o recorde de velocidade de carros produzidos em série, com 434,211 km/h na pista de testes da Volkswagen ,conseguido nas semana passada. Mas a Shelby que detinha antes o recorde com 412,28 km/h, quer ele de volta.

Em comunicado a Shelby já avisou que esta trabalhando em um novo modelo “capaz de surpreender em todos os sentidos”.

"Estamos a trabalhando em num novo projeto que será mostrado ainda antes do final do verão. Neste momento ainda é cedo para falar, exceto que estamos apostando em todas as frentes”, acrescenta a empresa norte-americana.

Disseram ainda: "Queremos felicitar a Bugatti. Pelo Ultimate Aero ter conquistado o recorde em 2007, sabíamos que era apenas uma questão de tempo até que fosse batido por alguém."

Fotos do SSC Ultimate Aero TT

Classic Recreations Shelby GT500CR revealed

Last year it was reported that Classic Recreations had signed a deal with Shelby to produce new versions of the 1967 Shelby GT500. At that time all we had was a few renderings of what the car would essentially look like. Now we have some pictures the company has released of the new/old Shelby.

New and old parts are mixed together to produce a true modern iteration of the '67. Modern rack and pinion steering, suspension, Baer brakes, and fiberglass panels bring the Shelby into 2010. A 545hp 427ci V8 will ensure that it is considerably faster than the original as well.

Or you can order up a 780hp supercharged option as well. Either way power is routed through a Tremec tranny and 9 inch rear end.





SHELBY GT500CR PROTOTYPE MAKES FIRST APPEARANCE IN VEGAS

Classic Recreations 1967 G.T.500CR makes first public appearance in Las Vegas the same weekend as the NASCAR Shelby American Race

Yukon, Okla. (Feb 25th, 2010) - Less than four months after custom coachbuilder Classic Recreations announced the Officially-Licensed 1967 Shelby G.T.500CR continuation car program at the 2009 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, the first prototype made its debut in the same city but with a very different setting.

Details of the reborn supercar have been a closely guarded secret, but on February 25th, 2010, the first GT500CR prototype was photographed near the Shelby American facility in Las Vegas, prior to an all-Shelby weekend where car owners and NASCAR fans gathered to celebrate the legendary mark during the NASCAR Shelby American GT350 stock car race.

The G.T.500CR is the first official 1967 Shelby Mustang continuation car ever built, and each hand-built vehicle features a 427 cubic inch (7.0L) engine, model specific bodywork, custom paint and hand-stitched upholstery.
Every has an official Shelby serial number, badges and will be included in the Shelby World Registry. The prototype that appeared in Las Vegas is the 545 horsepower Performance Model, featuring a fuel injected, naturally aspirated engine, modern coil-over suspension with rack-and-pinion steering and more.

About Classic Recreations

Classic Recreations founder Jason Engel, and his company's team of skilled technicians and craftsmen, have been modifying and custom fabricating high-performance vehicles for more than 10 years. Each built-to-order G.T.500CR takes approximately four months (nearly 2,500 man hours) of painstaking assembly. Find out more about how to get your own hand built vehicle at www.1967fastback.com.

Video: 2011 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 with SVT Performance Package

The latest Ford Racing email newsletter reveals some interesting tidbits, including the confirmation that the 2011 GT500 will be revealed on Monday, February 8th. The new Shelby will be shown on a live webcast at 1:30pm eastern time.

As we learned from the recently leaked order guide, the newest Shelby will have some nice new options. They include a new aluminum block, optional glass roof, and the new SVT Performance Package. The hoodstripes for the SVT car are skinny compared to the regular GT500, and they also get a 3:73 rear. Stay tuned for much, much more info on Monday afternoon.

Shelby unveils 2011 GT350 Mustang, with video!

To celebrate the 45th anniversary of the original 1965 Shelby GT350, Shelby American revealed an all new GT350 at Barrett-Jackson in Scottsdale Arizona. The new car features a supercharged version of the brand spanking new 5.0 along with a host of performance goodies.

Unlike the GT500 (which is a factory Ford car), the GT350 is an upgraded aftermarket ride available through Shelby. Customers can order a 2011 Mustang and have it shipped to Shelby for upgrades, or they can deliver the car themselves. With the help of the supercharger, power is expected to be north of 500 horsepower.

Rounding out the go fast goodies are a Ford Racing Suspension, Baer brakes, Borla exhaust, Crager wheels, and more. All the body mods are Shelby, and white with Guardsman blue stripes is the only available color combination.

MSRP for the GT350 is $33,995. Of course, that doesn't include the car, which will cost you another $30,000 or so. While a GT350 that exceeds the cost of the GT500 may not seem to make a lot of sense, we expect there to be plenty of buyers anyway.


SCOTTSDALE – Jan. 18, 2010 – Shelby American, a wholly owned subsidiary of Carroll Shelby International Inc. (CSBI:PK), will fulfill the dreams of enthusiasts by returning the legendary Shelby GT350 to its lineup of American performance cars. The Shelby team unveiled a supercharged concept version of the Mustang-based 2011 Shelby GT350 to the surprise of thousands gathered at the Barrett-Jackson Auction Opening Night Gala to honor the 45th anniversary of the first GT350 and first Shelby big block Cobra.

"In 1964, Ford Motor Company asked Shelby American to turn their secretary's car into a race winner to help them sell Mustangs," said Carroll Shelby, founder of Shelby American. "Our Shelby GT350 ruled its class at the track and was feared by GM and Chrysler owners on the street. Enthusiasts have anticipated the GT350's return since it went out of production in 1970. Now my band of hot rodders has created a car worthy of the name."

The concept behind the GT350 was to build a car that is light, nimble and powerful. Beginning with the "small block" 5.0 liter Ford Mustang GT as its base, the Shelby American team worked with experts from Ford Racing, Goodyear, Borla, Cragar and Baer to create a car that is fast and has razor sharp handling. Every segment of the car is enhanced or replaced to create the ultimate balanced performance pony car that is true to the spirit of the 1965-1970 MY Shelby GT350.

"The 2011 GT350 balances heritage with modern necessity," said Shelby American president Amy Boylan. "Former Hot Wheels and Ford designer Larry Wood joined Vince LaViolette, Walter Cardenas, Andrew Smidt and the rest of our Las Vegas team to help integrate 1965-1970 Shelby styling cues with modern aerodynamics. We worked with Ford Racing to supercharge the engine with a goal of 500 horsepower, as well as to sharpen the handling. Baer Brakes helped engineer the fantastic brakes and we shod the GT350 with 19" modern Cragar wheels and super sticky Goodyear tires. This Shelby is truly a complete performance package"

"Since this was one of the most important cars in Shelby's history, everyone stepped up to make sure it meets Carroll's performance standards," added Gary Davis, vice president of production for Shelby American. "After it was hand built in our new design studio, it began extensive testing at Las Vegas Motor Speedway by veteran test drivers Vince LaViolett and Gary Patterson. We're all proud to be part of this milestone Shelby car."

Each GT350 will be clad in traditional white with Shelby Guardsman blue Le Mans stripes and feature the new Ford V8 coupled to a 6 speed manual transmission and center exit exhaust. Blue Shelby GT350 valve covers and billet caps set off the supercharged engine. The Baer brake system features 6 piston kit in the front, as well as 14" ERADISPEED rotors in the rear with cooling ducts for all four corners.

The suspension was upgraded with new Ford Racing springs, struts, sway bars and adjustable caster/camber plates. The car also receives a new front fascia, tail light trim, front splitter, rear deck lid filler panel and rear fascia. Functional scoops are located on the side rockers and hood. GT350 badges on the outside and inside include a Shelby serial number. The A pillar carries a fuel pressure, oil pressure and boost gauge.

The Shelby GT350 is a post title program; a customer purchases a car from their local Ford Dealer, which is turned into a GT350 by the Shelby American Team. A limited number will be built in the 2011 model year. A Ford Mustang GT can be dropped shipped by a Ford dealer to Shelby's Las Vegas facility for conversion or a customer can arrange to have a properly specified car transported to the factory. The Shelby GT350 up-fit completed by Shelby American has a MSRP of $33,995 and does not include the price of the base car.

Customers interested in a Shelby GT350 should contact Roger Sorel at (702) 942-7325 or log onto www.gt350.shelbyamerican.com.

Classic Recreations reveals specs of it's Shelby GT500CR Mustang

At SEMA Classic Recreations announced that it had reached a deal with Shelby to build a continuation version of the legendary Shelby Mustang GT500. Not much was know at that time regarding any sort of specifications of the car.

Thanks to the latest press release below, we have much more information on the GT500CR Mustang. Three models will be offered: the Intro, Performance, and Venom.

The Intro comes standard with a 427ci V8, 150hp nitrous kit, upgraded suspension and steering, Tremec 5 speed tranny, and Baer brakes.

The Performance model ups the ante with better seats, bigger wheels, and a coilover suspension.

The top of the line Venom sports an intercooled supercharger that nets the car 780hp, along with lots of other performance upgrades.

PRESS RELEASE:

Custom coachbuilder Classic Recreations has released preliminary technical details and package specifications for the G.T.500CR, a 1967 Shelby continuation vehicle that was announced opening day of the annual SEMA Show in Las Vegas. All three G.T.500CR models will feature a hand-built 427 cubic inch (7.0L) engine, model specific bodywork, custom paint and hand-stitched upholstery. Every car will have an official Shelby serial number, badges and will be included in the official Shelby Worldwide Registry.

The G.T.500CR will be offered in three models. The "Intro" model is powered by a 545hp fuel injected 427, built in-house at Classic Recreations using top-shelf performance parts and Mass Flo digital fuel injection. A 150hp NOS nitrous oxide system provides extra power when needed. Upgraded suspension and power rack and pinion steering modernize the car's handling, and a Tremec five speed manual transmission sends the power to ZR rated tires on 17x8" Shelby 427 wheels over front and rear cross drilled Shelby/Baer brakes. Inside, the driver will find a custom stereo, climate control and Carroll Shelby Signature seats, gauges, console, and floormats. The exterior is available in five different color schemes and features authentic Shelby Performance parts, such as lights, emblems and a real Shelby Le Mans racing gas cap.

The "Performance" model has all the features of the "Intro", including the 150HP Nitrous system, rack and pinion steering and 160mph speedometer, plus Carroll Shelby Scat Rally series 1000 seats, larger 17x9.5 rear wheels and a Total Control front and rear coilover suspension system for modern sports car handling.

The "Venom" maintains the authentic Shelby look of the "Intro" and "Performance" models, but boosts horsepower to 780hp with an F1-R Intercooled ProCharger supercharged engine. The interior is upgraded with a 200mph speedometer and racing-style bucket seats. The "Venom" also boasts suspension and chassis upgrades as well as 17x11" rear wheels and wider ultra high performance Goodyear tires. Model line specifications and details are subject to change.

Classic Recreations building Shelby GT500CR

Carroll Shelby himself has commissioned Classic Recreations to relaunch a continuation version of one of the most famous muscle cars of all time, the 1967-68 Shelby GT500 Mustang. The very shop that is behind the Eleanor, one of the more famous modern muscle cars of our time.

Not many details are know at this time. Obviously power will be incredible, and you can expect the usual suspension and interior/exterior upgrades to bring the GT500CR into the modern era. Each car will have an official Shelby serial number, badges and will be included in the official Shelby Worldwide Registry.

PRESS RELEASE

Internationally recognized custom coachbuilder expands offerings to include officially licensed Shelby GT500CR continuation vehicles.

Yukon, Okla. (Nov 3, 2009) – Classic Recreations, a noted bespoke coachbuilder known for exotic Mustang supercars that have been shipped all over the globe, has been granted a license by Carroll Shelby Licensing Inc. to build an iconic continuation car based on classic 1967 and 1968 Mustangs: the Shelby GT500CR.

"I am humbled and honored by the opportunity to work with a legend like Carroll Shelby," said Classic Recreations owner Jason Engel. "We pride ourselves on building the finest coachbuilt muscle cars in the world, and I'm thrilled that this new opportunity will allow us to build some of the fastest and coolest supercars on the road today. Other shops build cars. We sit down with a client, listen to their fantasies, and then turn those into reality."

Every Shelby GT500CR will be built with authentic Shelby Performance parts and with input and oversight from Carroll Shelby Licensing and Shelby Automobiles technical staff. Each car built at the Classic Recreations facility will leave the shop with an official Shelby serial number, badges and will be included in the official Shelby Worldwide Registry. More details on the new model will be released shortly.

"We are still working out a few details, but I know Shelby fans will love the new car," Engel said. "It retains the most iconic Shelby elements everyone loves with modern performance and supercar level horsepower. Then add the panache of having a real Shelby GT500CR complete with a serial number and the man's name right on the rocker panel. For Mustang fans, you absolutely can't beat that."

Classic Recreations is the first custom car builder to receive an official license to build the new GT500CR model.

SEMA 2009: Ford shows off pair of GT500s

Ford was really showing off in their booth this year with this pair of GT500s, both old and new. A 1967 and 2010 model sat side by side, perfectly matched with their Wimbledon White paint with Guardsman Blue stripes.

The '67 is a real original, number 3139 in the Shelby Registry. The '10 is a one off, dubbed the Patriot Edition, and features a host of upgrades to make it more closely resemble it's predecessor.

The big news, however, is that this beautiful duo can be yours. The two cars are being raffled off to raise money for the Healing Heroes Network, a charity that benefits injured Veterans. Go here if you are interested.

Retro 2007 Ford Shelby Mustang GT350 shows up on eBay

Back a couple of months ago at Mustang Week in Myrtle Beach, SC, I spotted amongst the hundreds of fox bodies and Roush's a car that made me do a double look. At first glance it appeared to be a nicely done late 60's Mustang, but something wasn't quite right.

After getting around the crowd to take a closer look, I noticed that it was in fact a 2007 Mustang with some interesting retro body work. Retrobuilt constructed this one off as a prototype to produce molds for fiberglass body kits.

And now the prototype is up for grabs on eBay. Current bids are around the $30,000 range, which is certainly a decent price range for a unique and (for now) one off ride.

2010 Shelby Super Snake Mustang takes the crown, and your lunch money

Carroll Shelby has been adding power and handling prowess to Ford's venerable Mustang for generations. In addition to helping out with the GT500, Shelby also lends a hand with the ultimate (for now) 2010 Mustang, the Shelby Super Snake.

The Super Snake doesn't try to play the part of sleeper with it's aggressive paint scheme and body work. Trying to hide it's true intentions is just pointless when you're behind the wheel of a machine sporting a 5.4L V8 pumping out 750hp and 710 lb-ft of torque.

To us, the Super Snake is the ultimate new Mustang not only in power but in looks. It's certainly got an attitude, but it's not overboard or in your face. A lot of tuner 'stangs look tacky, their fiberglass body parts seem like a mere afterthought tacked on to differentiate it from the many others.

For those lucky enough to drive or even own a Super Snake, we can envision many happy backroad adventures. Or just sitting in your climate controlled garage staring at it. Either way, the Shelby Super Snake satisfies in a way none of the other aftermarket Mustangs can - in every way.

2010 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 dyno tested, lives up to it's 540hp rating

It's no surprise that the new GT500 is fast, but it's also no surprise that someone was going to throw the thing on a dyno to confirm rated horsepower. It's a practice that's been going on for many many years, back to when manufacturers underrated power numbers to keep insurance cheap for car buyers.

And some things never change. 5.0 Mustang & Super Fords strapped a 2010 Shelby GT500down and the results were better than expected. The Mustang belted out a stout 478.53 horsepower and 470.43 lb-ft torque at the rear wheels on a hot and muggy day in Florida. The traditional calculation of allowing a 15% loss of power through the drivetrain puts flywheel horsepower at over 560hp.

New Shelby Series II roadsters for sale

Back in the 90's Carroll Shelby sought out to do something much more ambitious than just hot rodding an existing platform - he built an entire car from scratch. The Series 1 featured a lightweight aluminum honeycomb chassis, carbon fiber body, sophisticated coilover suspension and a 4.0-liter V8 created for the Indy Racing League.

Unfortunately building a production car is not easy business, and the high production costs that doubled the car's $100,000 selling price and an engine switch to a 320 hp Aurora based V8 led to only 250 cars being sold.

In 2006 Shelby announced that they would be continuing production of the car, renaming it the Series II. The car featured a revised front end and a price tag of $225,000. Alas, the Series II never materialized due to the high costs associated with recertifying the car with Federal standards.

But there are indeed a few Series II bodies laying around, and Superperformance Distribution has a few for sale. Each is sold without an engine or transmission. Rumor has it that only four examples were ever built, making this potentially a very rare snake indeed.

Daytona Coupe Le Mans Edition

The Shelby Daytona Coupe is a legend, and certainly one of the top American sports cars ever produced. Carroll Shelby's creation rocked the racing world in 1965 when it dominated the circuit and went on to win the FIA GT World Championship. It was the first and only American car to ever do so.

Exotic Auto Restoration out of Southern California has come up with it's own interpretation of the Shelby, the Daytona Coupe Le Mans Edition. Based on the Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe built by Superformance (also designed by Peter Brock), the Le Mans Edition package sports fender flares, wider 18-inch wheels and tires, heavy-duty suspension, billet aluminum hood vents, Alcantara seating, brushed aluminum dash with aircraft-style toggle switches, "Daytona Le Mans" gauges, and a suede Momo steering wheel. Powertrain options include any Ford V8 based on the Windsor 351 block, like the 530-horsepower Roush 402R in the car pictured.

Exotic Auto Restoration is also offering a track-oriented version that also gets a 6-point roll cage, A/C and carpet delete, quick-release steering wheel, upgraded brakes, carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser, Shelby aluminum block 427ci V8with 560 horsepower, and more. Only six will be built, to commemorate the six original racecars.

PRESS RELEASE:

The Daytona Coupe Le Mans Edition by Exotic Auto Restoration - the spirit of Le Mans in your driveway

In 1964, Shelby took the motorsports world by storm with the Daytona Coupe. With a revolutionary design by Peter Brock, the car was capable of reaching an incredible 187 mph on the Mulsanne Straight at Le Mans. In 1965, the Daytona Coupe became the first and only American car to win the FIA GT World Championship, cementing its legacy in motorsports history. Now Exotic Auto Restoration of Costa Mesa, CA is allowing car enthusiasts to bring the legend of Le Mans to their own driveway. Based on the Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe built by Superformance and also designed by Peter Brock, the Le Mans Edition has been upgraded in the spirit of the original racecar.

To enhance both the looks and performance of the Daytona Coupe, Exotic Auto Restoration has designed new body and interior components that blend seamlessly with the rest of the car. "I wanted to give the car a wider, more aggressive stance as well as the capability of turning better lap times," explains George Cunha, owner of Exotic Auto Restoration. Named for the Le Mans 24 Hour race that the Daytona Coupe won in 1965, this package includes the following:

- Group 5 fender flares front and rear
- Wider 18-inch wheels and tires
- Heavy duty Bilstein shocks and H&R springs
- Functional billet aluminum top and side hood louvers
- Reclinable Alcantera suede seats with "Le Mans Edition" embroidery
- Brushed billet aluminum dashboard with aircraft-style toggle switches
- "Le Mans Edition" gauges with 200 mph speedometer and 10k rpm tachometer
- Suede Momo racing steering wheel

Customers can choose from a variety of motors based on the Ford 351 Windsor block. Powering this particular Daytona Coupe Le Mans is a Roush 402R V8 producing 530 horsepower and 515 lb-ft torque mated to a Tremec T56 6-speed transmission.

In addition, a track-oriented version is also available. Only six will be built (two have been pre-sold, leaving four available) in this configuration to commemorate the six original racecars, each featuring an authentic Shelby-built V8. Adding to the standard Le Mans Edition components, this package includes the following:

- 6-point roll cage
- Lightweight wheels with 2.5-inch locking nut
- 14-inch, 6-piston brakes front, 13-inch, 6-piston brakes rear
- Carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser
- A/C delete
- Carpet delete
- Full race seats with 6-point harnesses
- Quick-release steering wheel
- Dash-mounted programmable ignition module
- Dash-mounted brake bias controls
- Shelby aluminum block 351 V8 bored and stroked to 427ci
- 560 horsepower and 530 lb-ft torque
- Tremec TKO-600 transmission
- Full dry sump lubrication system

The Daytona Coupe Le Mans Edition can be seen in person at the Pasadena Art Center Car Classic on Sunday, July 19. For additional information on the Daytona Coupe Le Mans Edition, contact Exotic Auto Restorations at 714-979-7100, on the web at www.carsbyexotic.com or by email at exoticauto@sbcglobal.net .

Shelby Daytona Coupe up for auction in May

A copy of the legendary 1965 Shelby Daytona Cobra Coupe will hit the block on May 22 at the 22nd annual Spring Classic auction in Indianapolis. The auction will be shown live on Discovery's HD theatre, with the Daytona Coupe selling at 8:00pm on Friday, May 18. Mecum fully expects the car to exceed the highest amount paid at a public auction for an American automobile, which is, to our knowledge, the Shelby Cobra Super Snake sold at Barrett-Jackson in 2007 for a total of $5.5 million. The auction house even hopes to reach the eight figure mark. The current record holder for any car is a 1961 Ferrari California Spyder that sold for $10.89 million at RM's auction last year.

The Daytona Coupe being sold, chassis CSX2601, is the fourth of just six built, winning three of eight FIA races it competed in. One of those victories was at Reims in France that earned the points needed for Shelby to clinch the World Manufacturers Championship in the GT III class. The car has been fully restored to its original condition and sports its Reims livery. Bob Bondurant, who piloted the Daytona Coupe to its wins back in 1965 and also owned it shortly thereafter, was reunited with the car at his high performance driving school in Chandler, AZ this weekend. He was joined by Peter Brock, who designed the Coupe, and the two shared stories of the development and racing of the car. Afterwards, Bondurant even put the car through its paces on the track, the first time he had driven it in more than twenty years.

[Source: Mecum Auction]

PRESS RELEASE:

MARENGO, Ill. – High performance collector car specialists Mecum Auction will offer collectors a chance to own a piece of American race history when they auction the 1965 Shelby Daytona Cobra Coupe CSX2601 at the 22nd Dana Mecum Original Spring Classic Auction taking place May 13-17, 2009, in Indianapolis, Ind.
And when this Crown Jewel of American Racing powers across the auction block, Mecum anticipates the championship race car to garner the highest bid ever paid at public auction for an American automobile – eight figures and counting. The Shelby Daytona Cobra Coupe will be sold on live national TV Friday, May 15, 2009, at 8:00 p.m. during the company's series, "Mecum Auto Auction: Muscle Cars & More," on Discovery Communications' popular HD Theater.

The 1965 Shelby Daytona Cobra was one of six cars built by Carroll Shelby to compete against the dominating Ferrari in the F.I.A. (Federation Internationale de l'Automobile) World Manufacturers Championship for GT race class. An experimental coupe body designed by Pete Brock was built on an existing Cobra chassis, immediately increasing the top speed by 25 mph. That car won its first race, the 1964 Daytona Continental (prompting Shelby to adopt the name), and five more coupes were built, including CSX2601.

After competing at Daytona, Monza, Spa and Nurburgring, CSX2601 made history when it clinched the 1965 World Manufacturers Championship for the United States and Shelby American on July 4 in Reims, France.

"Many vintage race cars have a strong American racing history to share – including this vehicle's sister car CSX 2299 – but no car can claim a finer race hour than the Shelby Daytona Cobra Coupe CSX2601," said Dana Mecum, president, Mecum Auction. "The legacy of its World Manufacturer's Championship win stays with us more than four decades later, reminding us of one the proudest moments in U.S. race history and a competitive spirit of victory against all odds."

Driving the car – and America – to victory on that fateful July afternoon was legendary driver Bob Bondurant.
"I won a lot of races with this Daytona Cobra Coupe, but when I crossed the finish line at the Reims race track I yelled 'Yes!' It was a fantastic feeling," Bondurant shared. "I always wanted to race in Europe against the world's best drivers. Winning that World Championship was the crowning achievement of my career. I think it's wonderful that the car is being showcased 40 years later."

The Daytona Cobra Coupe didn't just race, however. At one point, a North Dakota businessman with six gas stations owned the car, and each day, he'd drive the 300-mile round trip to collect station receipts in this race-trimmed Cobra.

"This car is a true slice of Americana, representing a different time in America's past when driving a full-blown race car on the roads didn't turn heads," added Mecum. "The Daytona was also leased to Paramount Pictures for use in the Howard Hawks cult classic 'Redline 7000'."

Now fully restored and wearing its famous Reims livery, the Shelby Daytona Cobra CSX2601 headlines the Original Spring Classis Auction, which is expected to feature 1,250 vehicles.

Held at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, the auction is open to the general public with tickets are available at the door for $10. It will be broadcast live on Mecum's popular television series, "Mecum Auto Auction: Muscle Cars & More" on HD Theater – Discovery Communications' first 24-hour high-definition cable network, offering compelling real-world and motorized content.

The Mecum Auction Company has been specializing in the sale of collector cars, muscle cars and Corvettes for more than 20 years. In spring 2008, the company sold its 50,000th car. Consignment, Bidder, event and accommodation information is available online at www.Mecum.com or by calling 815.568.8888.

Lead designer shares early sketches of the Mustang Shelby GT500

Keeping pace with the flurry of activity surrounding the debut of the 2010 Ford Mustang has left out some interesting details surrounding it's design and what might have been.

Lead Designer Rob Jensen keeps his very own blog at www.RobJensenDesign.com, and he recently sat down with the folks at www.idsketching.com for an interview. He revealed some nice details about the current Mustang's design process, and offered some good advice to those trying to get in the industry.

The best part is that he handed over some early sketches of the GT500 that shows the gestation that the new pony car went before they settled on the final design.

Shelby unleashes 800 hp GT500 Super Snake Prudomme Edition

Last night at the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum in Pomona, California, Carroll Shelby and Co. unveiled what is by far the most radical Mustang ever built for the street.





Named after Don "The Snake" Prudhomme, who drove a top fuel car for Shelby in the 1968 season, the new Shelby features a 750 horsepower (over 800 on race fuel) version of the GT500's 5.4-liter V8 thanks to an upgraded Kenne Bell supercharger.



Other modifications include a custom fiberglass full tilt front end, a Shelby rear drag wing, eight-point roll cage, six-piston front brakes, rear seat delete, coilover springs, custom Bogart wheels, and much more.



Pricing comes in at $99,995 to upgrade a car, or $149,995 for a complete car. Production will be limited to 100 examples. And did we mention that it's street legal?



PRESS RELEASE:



Shelby Automobiles, a wholly owned subsidiary of Carroll Shelby International Inc. (CSBI.PK) has returned to drag racing with a limited edition Prudhomme Edition Super Snake package for the Shelby GT500 Mustang. Carroll Shelby and Don "The Snake" Prudhomme unveiled the program during a private reception at the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum in Pomona, Calif. The drag racing inspired 800 horsepower post title package was a collaboration between Shelby Autos and Don Prudhomme, who successfully drove a top fuel car for Carroll Shelby in the 1968 NHRA season.



Each year, the Automobile Club of Southern California holds a dinner to support the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum on the first night of the Kragen O'Reilly NHRA Winternationals. In honor of the fortieth anniversary of the first race that Mr. Prudhomme drove for Carroll Shelby, the Shelby Autos team unveiled the new drag racing package that they developed together over the past year.



"Don is an exceptional drag racer and I'm proud that he drove my first Top Fuel car in 1968," noted Carroll Shelby. "By leveraging Don's experience, we turned a really good car into a great drag racer that will beat up on the MOPAR and bow tie brigade right out of the box."



The program is a post-title package for 2007-2010 Ford Shelby GT500 cars already in the hands of owners. To create the Prudhomme Edition Super Snake, Shelby Autos pumps up the 5.4L supercharged engine to produce 800 hp on race fuel or 750 hp on 93 octane pump gas. The Shelby includes a Kenne Belle modified air intake sticking out of the hood in the tilt front end, a five-point Impact safety harness and a Borla side exhaust system. A front and rear adjustable BMR racing suspension and drag tires are included to improve traction during launches; optional street tires are available. For a more aggressive stance and improved aerodynamics, side lower rockers are incorporated. Only 100 total packages at $100,000 (not including car) will be offered.



"Working with Don on this project was a great experience for our design team," noted Amy Boylan, president of Shelby Automobiles. "Carroll and Don earned their stripes in competition over the years, so we had to build a car that would continue their racing domination. Our Prudhomme Edition GT500 Super Snake builds on that legacy and gives Shelby enthusiasts today a way to rule the quarter mile in their town."



By the mid-1960s, Carroll Shelby and Don Prudhomme were both at the top of their respective games. Prudhomme was one of the winningest Top Fuel drag racers in the country. Shelby was a racer-turned-builder of Cobras, GT40s and Mustangs who won endurance and road racing championships worldwide. His company even offered drag racing packages for privateers to compete in their Cobra or Shelby Mustang on the strip.



"The Snake" and the Cobra's creator teamed in 1968 for an NHRA ride. Prudhomme's Ford Cammer-powered rail made its debut as "Shelby's Super Snake at the 1968 Winternationals. He won the race and drove the rest of the season under the Shelby banner.



Don "The Snake" Prudhomme's successful racing career included winning the NHRA funny car championship four times. He was the first funny car driver to exceed 250 mph. In 1994, he began managing his own racing team, which won the Top Fuel championship in 2002 and 2003. Prudhomme was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 1991 and the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2000.



"It's been a great opportunity to work with Carroll and the Shelby Autos team on this amazing program," added Prudhomme. "I'm honored that Carroll gave me this honor to build a car that's true to his legacy and my efforts to move them across the finish line first. The car can be tuned to deliver over 800 horsepower on race gas, which should pretty fast. It's a well sorted out package that is capable of dusting the competition in the Shelby way."



The Prudhomme Edition Shelby GT500 Super Snake is intended to be truly a road and track car.



"The thing I really think is cool about this car is that you can drive it both on the track and on the street," added Prudhomme. "It reminds me of how drag racing used to be back in the day when we would drive our cars to the drag strip, race them, and drive them home at the end of the day. That's maybe the neatest thing about this car."