Shelby American Delivers 98-snake Salute to Carroll Shelby
On what would’ve been Carroll Shelby’s 98th year of life, Shelby American releases limited-edition trio of Shelby Mustangs.
On January 11, 1923, a child of speed and fury descended from the heavens. His mission: to deliver salvation through the church of the V8 via the ministry of the Blue Oval. His name? Carroll Shelby. Though his dreams of racing cars himself didn’t go to plan, he left his mark through the Mustang and the Cobra.
Alas, he left this world a better place in 2012, returning to the roads of Valhalla from whence he came. In 2021, the year he would’ve turned 98, Shelby American unleashes a trio of snakes ready to put the bite on all challengers. And each one will be limited to just 98 copies.
Shelby GT
The first of Shelby American’s 98-snake salutes is the Shelby GT. Breathing naturally, the 5.0-liter Coyote V8 makes 480 horses (in case you didn’t want to wait for the Mach 1). However, a Ford Performance supercharger brings output to over 700 fire-breathing ponies. You also get a new Katzkins leather interior, lightweight forged aluminum wheels, and plenty of Shelby bodywork. Just bring your 2018+ Mustang to Las Vegas (or buy one from the showroom), and Shelby will handle the rest.
Shelby Super Snake
Need more power and a Texas tornado of wind through your hair? Enter the Super Snake. The Speedster Edition is more limited; out of 98, only 25 will be available in the U.S. Whether you keep the top or cover the softy under a tonneau cover, you’ll make everyone blow theirs thanks to the supercharged 5.0-liter Coyote and its 825 horses decimating the rear set of 20-inch monoblocks and their Michelins.
Shelby GT500 Signature Edition
Is 760 horsepower not enough? Need Carroll’s signature in your life? The Shelby GT500 Signature Edition solves both problems, and more. The first Signature Edition for the newest GT500 on the block, you get the legend’s autograph stitched into your front seats. Up front, the 5.2-liter V8 gets some cooling and new pulleys to boost output to above 800 ponies, plus a dry carbon fiber hood knocking 30 pounds off the total weight. And the cherry on top? It’s eligible for all future Shelby American upgrades, and includes membership into Team Shelby.
If this is how Shelby American celebrates Carroll’s 98th, we can’t begin to imagine what 2023 will pop off!
Photos: Shelby American