The 800 Horsepower Golden Anniversary.
Back in 1965, Carroll Shelby introduced the GT350, a hot-version of the Mustang with a 306 horsepower K-code 289 cu. in. engine that sported Wimbledon White paint, Guardsman Blue stripes, and a striking cobra logo. Since then, Shelby’s cars have become performance icons, not just for Ford, but for the automotive world.
To celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the first models, Shelby American has introduced three different models: the GTS, GT350, and GT500 Super Snake. Only 50 white and 50 black examples of each model will be produced, with gold stripes to signify the golden anniversary.
“Few thought that Shelby American would make it in the car business for 50 years,” said Carroll Shelby. “We built the first Cobra in a rented garage and then GT350’s in an old hanger. But our company is still here, manufacturing the best cars that I’ve ever made. The next 50 years will be even better for Shelby American.”
The 50th Anniversary Shelby model is based on the GT500 Super Snake model with Ford’s aluminum block 5.4-liter V-8 engine. A Shelby/Whipple/Ford Racing supercharger forces air into the 5.4-liter engine and power is transferred to a Shelby/Dynotech one-piece aluminum driveshaft and 3:73:1 rear differential. A Shelby/Borla cat-back exhaust system reduces backpressure and lets out a thunderous roar.
The Shelby Super Snake is more than just straight line performance. A new Shelby/Ford Racing suspension with adjustable dampers and camber comes standard along with six-piston front and four-piston rear gloss black brake calipers with gold lettering. The 50 Black vehicles will come with Shelby/Alcoa Super Snake matte black wheels and the 50 White vehicles will be fitted with durabrite finished wheels.
Carbon fiber aerodynamic bodywork and styling are also standard on the 50th Anniversary Shelby GT500 Super Snake along with hood pins. A number of commemorative pieces such as unique billet badging, floor mats, and 50 Anniversary logos on seats, emergency brake, and leather shifter will be featured on all 100 of the cars produced.
As an option, customers can also upgrade their 50th Anniversary GT500 Super Snake with the 800 horsepower package. The new upgrade includes a 3.6-liter Shelby/Kenne Bell supercharger, Shelby/Eibach adjustable suspension, performance cooling, dynamic rear suspension, and sound system upgrade.
Only 100 of the 50th Anniversary Shelby GT500 Super Snakes will be produced. Each model will come with a signature plaque for authenticity. Pricing for the package (without base car) will start at $59,995 for the 750 horsepower models.
Shelby GT500 Super Snake 50th Anniversary Specifications
Engine:
Displacement: 5.4 liters
Number of Cylinders: V-8
Aspiration: Supercharged
Maximum Horsepower: 750
-Cat-back exhaust
-Billet engine cap
Transmission:
Type: Six-speed manual with short throw shifter
Drive: Rear wheel
Differential: 3:73:1
Driveshaft: One-piece aluminum
Wheels, Suspension, Brakes:
Wheels: Shelby/Alcoa Super Snake in matte black or durabrite finish
Suspension: Shelby/Ford Racing suspension with adjustable damping and adjustable camber kit
Brakes: Six-piston front, four-piston rear calipers with black paint and gold lettering
Exterior:
-White or Black paint with gold striping
-Brake air ducts
-Engine hood pins
-‘50th Anniversary’ billet aluminum badging
-Carbon fiber bodywork
-‘Shelby’ rear decklid lettering
Interior:
-‘50th Anniversary’ embroidery
-Custom floor mats
-A-pillar carbon fiber faced gauge cluster
-Door sill plates
-Leather shifter and e-brake boots
Shelby GT500 Super Snake 50th Anniversary Gallery
[Source: Shelby American]
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