Shelby Mustang

The Shelby is a higher performance variant of the Ford Mustang which was built by Shelby American from 1965 to 1967, and Shelby Automotive from 1968 to 1970. Following the introduction of the fifth generation Ford Mustang, the Shelby nameplate was revived in 2007 for new high performance versions of the Mustang.
The 4.6 liter, 281-cubic-inch, 319 hp Ford Shelby GT slotted between the 300 hp Mustang GT and the Ford Shelby GT500. It is essentially a retail sale version of the Hertz rental-only Ford Shelby GT-H, except a manual transmission is available.

Production of the Shelby GT began in December 2006 and the car went on sale in January 2007. It was originally planned that up to 6,000 cars would be built.

The Shelby GT was offered based on strong demand from enthusiasts wanting Ford and Shelby to offer a retail version of the GT-H. Other differences include the deletion of the rear spoiler, a retro Shelby hood scoop in place of the CS6/8 Shelby hood, and silver versus the gold stripes, with the car available in either white or black in 2007 and Vista Blue, Grabber Orange or Black with red stripes for 2008. The Grabber Orange Shelby GT-C  was sold exclusively in California and only available as a coupe.

As a result of the popularity of the 2007 Shelby GT-H convertible rental car, Shelby offered the 2008 Shelby GT as a coupe or convertible in limited numbers. Based on requests from enthusiasts for a blue Shelby GT, Vista Blue became the signature color for the 2008 Shelby GT. The Vista Blue models were available as a coupe or convertible. A very limited number Barrett Jackson Shelby GTs were built in 2008 that were black with red stripes, also available in coupe or convertible. The Barrett Jackson Shelby GTs were sold exclusively in Arizona. The Hertz Shelby GT-H attracted so much attention that Ford dealers and customers asked for a version of their own. Like the GT-H, the Shelby GT is modified at Shelby Automotive's factory in Las Vegas, Nevada, which distinguishes the GT-H and Shelby GT models from the GT500 in that the GT500s are produced entirely by AutoAlliance International.

A limited version of Shelby GT coupe and convertible, were named after the Barrett-Jackson auction. They include black exterior with "Barrett-Jackson Red" LeMans Hood and Side Stripes, Barrett Jackson Edition door sill plates, black interior with the Shelby GT serial number plate, special gas cap insert, autographed photo of Carroll Shelby, Craig Jackson, Amy Boylan, and Steve Davis.

The vehicle was unveiled in Arizona International Auto Show. Production versions were sold in Arizona Region Ford dealers with MSRP of US$38,980.00.

At the request of owners a number of Shelby GTs were modified in various ways by Shelby Automobiles in Las Vegas. One of these modifications results in a model known as the Shelby GT/SC. A large number of add-ons could be had including the "Super Snake" brakes and larger wheels and tires which were necessary to accommodate these brakes. Additionally there were three different available superchargers, again installed by Shelby Automobiles or authorized Shelby Mod Shop, that can increase rated horsepower to 500 or more. These include the Ford Racing Whipple 750HP and the Kenne Bell superchargers.

In 2002, Carroll Shelby partnered with Unique Performance in Farmers Branch, Texas, to manufacture continuation Shelby 427 GT500 "Super Snake" models. Other Shelby continuation Mustangs followed, including the GT350SR and GT500SR.

Unique Performance was reported to have been mismanaged and performed poorly with numerous customer complaints regarding false claims as to specifications and parts, poor workmanship and failure to deliver.

On November 1, 2007, Unique Performance was raided by the Farmers Branch Police Department due to VIN irregularities and subsequently declared bankruptcy with all assets including numerous body shells and cars in construction auctioned off ending production.

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