For most people, the GT500 would be more than enough as a fast Mustang; it is, after all, a 760hp missile of a muscle car, the most powerful and most capable Mustang that ever there's been in nearly 60 years. But for almost as long as there's been a Ford Mustang, there have been owners wanting to make them faster; and for those people, Shelby American has been on hand. Turns out that even extends to Mustangs with more than 700hp - Shelby will make it even faster still...
The GT500 SE (Signature Edition) is described by its maker as "spectacular" which, going off the spec, sounds a little modest if anything. With a new supercharger pulley and coolers the V8 is now making more than 800hp (on 93 octane!), which is pretty remarkable when it's considered a regular Mustang GT feels reasonably rapid with around half that. In addition, a new carbon bonnet saves weight, the dampers have been tweaked to be "aggressive" and there are new, "more track focused" springs to accommodate. Shelby will even do you a widebody GT500SE, for the truly committed.
Shelby will make 100 of these GT500s available during each year, with each Signature Edition receiving a Shelby CSM number (effectively authentication of its official status) as well as being documented in the official Shelby American Registry. Somewhat amazingly, Shelby says there are further upgrades for the GT500 in the pipeline as well - next stop 1,000hp?
Those with a fondness for more modest Mustangs (all things being relative) should know that Shelby American will also make a Signature Edition of the GT350, the first time that the Voodoo-engined cars have been modified by the most famous tuner in Las Vegas. The GT350 SE receives a less extreme makeover than its supercharged sibling, the modifications limited to "a more aggressive handling package, sporty interior, stripes, special wheels, performance tyres, and several functional styling elements." As with the GT500, the 350 will get its place in the Registry and an official serial number.
The cars are available to order now, with each sale benefitting the Carroll Shelby Foundation. There's a 'First 15' incentive, too, for those who put their name down before the 15th of this month. The exclusive group will not only benefit from one of the first serial numbers, but they'll also get to visit Shelby American (with an overnight stay thrown in) and an autographed photo of their car at the place it was built. Nice. And if you're sat there assuming that this is of no relevance to UK fans, think again: there are three GT500s in the PH classifieds, as well as a very nice GT350. It's not going to be a quick, easy or cheap endeavour, sure, but an 800hp Shelby American Mustang might not be the impossible dream after all.
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