http://www.latimes.com/business/la-f...la-home-center

You can see the latest in showrooms as soon as Shelby's Las Vegas production facility puts the finishing touches on the Shelby GT. The 2,300 cars are going to sell for about $45,000 each, but the price may rise because demand is so great.

"It's a **** good car -- the best car out there for the money right now," Shelby said. In his mind, though, it's not perfect, with just 340 horsepower...

 

Interesting...either the reporter got it wrong, or there is more in store for the Shelby GT's soon. I think the former is more likely.

 

$45,000 ? Why not just buy a GT500?

 

While SAE rated at "only" 319hp, many have put about 290hp down on the dyno's. Assuming a 15% drivetrain loss, that's about 340hp at the crank.

 

MSRP for an '08 Shelby GT Coupe is about $40K, SGT Convertible is about $45K. Shelby GT500 Coupe is about $45K, GT500 Convertible is about $50K. So, at MSRP, the GT500 is still $5K more.

More importantly, though, is the real market cost. SGT's are fetching less than MSRP, with many '07's only bringing around $35K. GT500's, on the other hand, are typically selling for about $55K to $60K, so there is about a $20K to $25K difference in real transaction prices between the two models.

Also, perhaps a hotly contested issue, but the SGT is at least converted by SAI in Las Vegas making it a product that has been completed by Shelby employees, whereas the GT500 is 100% Ford built in Flat Rock at the same assembly plant that builds V6 Mustangs and Mazdas. So, some don't consider the GT500 a "true" Shelby in that respect - just a powerful car with Shelby's name on it.

 

Yes good points. I thought the SGT was basically fetching less than MSRP at this point. On the other hand it seems easier now to find a GT500 at MSRP.
They are both great cars. I know a few people who do think the SGT is slightly more unique, and of course as you point out the whole touch of Shelby thing. Shelby the manufacturer has really improved their game with the car as well.

But, at MSRP that high, comparing the two, 5K extra for the GT500 just might be too small of a difference to dismiss.

 

I got my Shelby GT for $35,470 (A-Plan plus $1000 rebate) I would have loved a GT500 but the cheapest I could find one was $50,000. The Shelby GT is a fantastic car. It's a blast to drive and cheaper on insurance than the GT500.

 

Very good deal on A plan. Yours must be a 2007. Personally I think the '08s should be available on plan purchase as well.

 

Correct me if i'm wrong but weren't the SGTs only like a tenth or two of a second quicker than the standard GT? I think something like an extra 40HP would make it faster than the stats suggest vs a regular GT? Perhaps that 340HP mark was before the new HP standards I know many auto manufacturers had to alter their HP numbers in the last year or two.

 

They were first rated at 325hp then to 319hp....

Wasn't enough for me, so I went a little biserk.....

 

Same here...I had to add a little extra and it still cost me less than what GT500's are going for around here with ADM. In addition the handling is MUCH better with a Shelby GT than a GT500. Straight line though the GT500 is a beast! I like both cars and they both play to different markets unless you get some of the Shelby extras like I did. I have a car that performs almost exactly the way I wanted from the start and even better in some aspects. Lucky for me Shelby offers a few more parts now that will get it the rest of the way I want...once I pay off the first set of mods.