The Ford Mustang GT350 was a car that spoke the language of performance during the late sixties. With its modified engines, suspensions, brakes, and body work, these were cars that drivers knew meant business.
Production of these special Mustangs would only run from 1965 till 1970. But in 2010, Shelby showed off a new take on GT350 using the 2011 Mustang GT and the new 5.0 V8 as its base. Now, Shelby is expanding the GT350 lineup with the introduction of 2012 Shelby GT350 Convertible.
Three powertrain choices are available; a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 producing 430 hp and a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 producing either 525 hp or 624 hp. All powertrains go through a six speed manual transmission while the naturally aspirated can be optionally equipped with an automatic.
All variations come equipped with upgraded brakes from the original, 19-inch Cragar wheels wrapped in Goodyear performance tires, a Shelby body kit including decals, a Borla exhaust, a Ford racing suspension kit, an A-pillar gauge kit, and even a Shelby VIN tag.
Prices for GT350 start at $26,995 for the base NA model plus the price tag of a new Mustang 5.0 Convertible (Base price: $35,495). If you fancy a supercharged 525 hp model, you’ll have to shell out $33,995. Only 350 GT350 convertibles will be built for 2011.
SHELBY AMERICAN ANNOUNCES RED, WHITE AND BLUE CONVERTIBLE OPTIONS FOR 2012 SHELBY GT350
2/9/2011
CHICAGO – Feb. 9, 2011 – Shelby American, a wholly owned subsidiary of Carroll Shelby International Inc. (CSBI:PK) today introduced the limited edition 2012 Shelby GT350 during the Chicago Auto Show, being held at the McCormick Place complex. A convertible, the first since 1970, and two new body colors (red and blue) will be options for the 2012 model year. In addition, a limited production of 350 total 2012 Shelby GT350s will be built.
“Last year, we brought back the GT350 45 years after it was launched,” said Carroll Shelby, founder of Shelby American. “They look and sound just like the ones we built in 1965. We’re repeating history by offering two additional colors and building a few convertibles for the second year of production.”
Shelby American built 562 total GT350 fastback coupes in 1965; all were painted white with blue stripes. In 1966, Shelby added more color options for the hardtops. Four convertibles were also built; today they are among the most collectible Shelbys in the world.
“Delays in the delivery of the new five liter Mustang last year resulted in fewer 45th Anniversary GT350 coupes than expected in the 2011 model year,” added John Luft, president of Shelby American. “For the 2012 model year, we brought back the first GT350 convertible since 1970 and ramped up production to meet the expected demand. Our plan is to only build 350 total 2012 model year GT350s to maintain exclusivity and future collectability.”
The Shelby GT350 is a post-title program based on the Ford Mustang GT. The 2012 Shelby GT350 performance specs will be continued from the 2011 model year. Customers can choose a 430 HP normally aspirated, 525 HP supercharged or 624 HP supercharged version. An automatic transmission is optional with the normally aspirated engine, as well as a short throw shifter for the manual.
Color combinations for the 2012 Shelby GT350s include Performance White with blue LeMans stripes, Race Red with white LeMans stripes and Kona Blue with white LeMans stripes. The convertible will offer a new optional light bar; other options include a once piece drive shaft and color coordinated billet aluminum engine cap set.
“When it comes to performance of the current generation GT350, our team did a great job right out of the gate,” quipped Gary Patterson, vice president of operations at Shelby American. “The GT350 leaves its mark on the street that says ‘a Shelby was here’. That’s why we’re packing the ‘12 model with all the same performance as the 2011 Shelby’s.”
The Shelby GT350 post-title package starts at $26,995.00 (normally aspirated) and $33,995.00 (supercharged), not including the base car. Customers interested in a Shelby GT350 should contact the Shelby American sales department at (702) 942-7325 or go to www.shelbyamerican.com.
About Shelby American, Inc. and Carroll Shelby Licensing
Founded by legend Carroll Shelby, Shelby American Inc., (www.shelbyamerican.com) manufactures and markets performance vehicles and related products. Shelby American is a division of Carroll Shelby International Inc. (CSBI.PK). Carroll Shelby Licensing Inc., also a wholly owned division, is the exclusive holder of Carroll Shelby’s trademarks and vehicle design rights. It also holds trademark rights for Shelby-branded apparel, accessories and collectibles. Info is at www.carrollshelbyinternational.com.
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