Shelby unveils 2011 GT350 Mustang, with video!

To celebrate the 45th anniversary of the original 1965 Shelby GT350, Shelby American revealed an all new GT350 at Barrett-Jackson in Scottsdale Arizona. The new car features a supercharged version of the brand spanking new 5.0 along with a host of performance goodies.

Unlike the GT500 (which is a factory Ford car), the GT350 is an upgraded aftermarket ride available through Shelby. Customers can order a 2011 Mustang and have it shipped to Shelby for upgrades, or they can deliver the car themselves. With the help of the supercharger, power is expected to be north of 500 horsepower.

Rounding out the go fast goodies are a Ford Racing Suspension, Baer brakes, Borla exhaust, Crager wheels, and more. All the body mods are Shelby, and white with Guardsman blue stripes is the only available color combination.

MSRP for the GT350 is $33,995. Of course, that doesn't include the car, which will cost you another $30,000 or so. While a GT350 that exceeds the cost of the GT500 may not seem to make a lot of sense, we expect there to be plenty of buyers anyway.


SCOTTSDALE – Jan. 18, 2010 – Shelby American, a wholly owned subsidiary of Carroll Shelby International Inc. (CSBI:PK), will fulfill the dreams of enthusiasts by returning the legendary Shelby GT350 to its lineup of American performance cars. The Shelby team unveiled a supercharged concept version of the Mustang-based 2011 Shelby GT350 to the surprise of thousands gathered at the Barrett-Jackson Auction Opening Night Gala to honor the 45th anniversary of the first GT350 and first Shelby big block Cobra.

"In 1964, Ford Motor Company asked Shelby American to turn their secretary's car into a race winner to help them sell Mustangs," said Carroll Shelby, founder of Shelby American. "Our Shelby GT350 ruled its class at the track and was feared by GM and Chrysler owners on the street. Enthusiasts have anticipated the GT350's return since it went out of production in 1970. Now my band of hot rodders has created a car worthy of the name."

The concept behind the GT350 was to build a car that is light, nimble and powerful. Beginning with the "small block" 5.0 liter Ford Mustang GT as its base, the Shelby American team worked with experts from Ford Racing, Goodyear, Borla, Cragar and Baer to create a car that is fast and has razor sharp handling. Every segment of the car is enhanced or replaced to create the ultimate balanced performance pony car that is true to the spirit of the 1965-1970 MY Shelby GT350.

"The 2011 GT350 balances heritage with modern necessity," said Shelby American president Amy Boylan. "Former Hot Wheels and Ford designer Larry Wood joined Vince LaViolette, Walter Cardenas, Andrew Smidt and the rest of our Las Vegas team to help integrate 1965-1970 Shelby styling cues with modern aerodynamics. We worked with Ford Racing to supercharge the engine with a goal of 500 horsepower, as well as to sharpen the handling. Baer Brakes helped engineer the fantastic brakes and we shod the GT350 with 19" modern Cragar wheels and super sticky Goodyear tires. This Shelby is truly a complete performance package"

"Since this was one of the most important cars in Shelby's history, everyone stepped up to make sure it meets Carroll's performance standards," added Gary Davis, vice president of production for Shelby American. "After it was hand built in our new design studio, it began extensive testing at Las Vegas Motor Speedway by veteran test drivers Vince LaViolett and Gary Patterson. We're all proud to be part of this milestone Shelby car."

Each GT350 will be clad in traditional white with Shelby Guardsman blue Le Mans stripes and feature the new Ford V8 coupled to a 6 speed manual transmission and center exit exhaust. Blue Shelby GT350 valve covers and billet caps set off the supercharged engine. The Baer brake system features 6 piston kit in the front, as well as 14" ERADISPEED rotors in the rear with cooling ducts for all four corners.

The suspension was upgraded with new Ford Racing springs, struts, sway bars and adjustable caster/camber plates. The car also receives a new front fascia, tail light trim, front splitter, rear deck lid filler panel and rear fascia. Functional scoops are located on the side rockers and hood. GT350 badges on the outside and inside include a Shelby serial number. The A pillar carries a fuel pressure, oil pressure and boost gauge.

The Shelby GT350 is a post title program; a customer purchases a car from their local Ford Dealer, which is turned into a GT350 by the Shelby American Team. A limited number will be built in the 2011 model year. A Ford Mustang GT can be dropped shipped by a Ford dealer to Shelby's Las Vegas facility for conversion or a customer can arrange to have a properly specified car transported to the factory. The Shelby GT350 up-fit completed by Shelby American has a MSRP of $33,995 and does not include the price of the base car.

Customers interested in a Shelby GT350 should contact Roger Sorel at (702) 942-7325 or log onto www.gt350.shelbyamerican.com.

First 2010 Shelby GT500 and a pair of concept Mustangs to be auctioned at Palm Beach Barrett-Jackson

It just wouldn't be a proper Barrett-Jackson auction without some Mustangs going up for sale, and the upcoming Palm Beach auction will be no exception. Along with the very first 2010 Shelby GT500, which was originally supposed to be auctioned off in Scottsdale in January, will be two concept Mustangs that debuted at the 2003 Detroit Auto Show.

The two concepts, both a coupe and convertible, ushered in the current retro design of the Mustang. Each features a 400hp V8 and 5 speed transmission, and Brembo brakes. And both hold a special place in history as cars that accurately previewed a production car.


PRESS RELEASE:

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., March 16, 2009 – Ford Motor Company will celebrate the 45th anniversary of the Mustang by auctioning the first retail 2010 Ford Shelby GT500 and a pair of Mustang GT concept cars during the 7th Annual Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach Collector Car Auction on April 9-11, 2009. The three historic Mustangs will be sold for charity and are among 400-plus collector vehicles to be auctioned at No Reserve during the automotive lifestyle event at the Americraft Expo Center at the South Florida Fairgrounds. SPEED will provide live, high-definition TV coverage of the auction once again.

"It's rare for a concept vehicle, especially one as iconic as the Ford Mustang, to be sold to the public," said Craig Jackson, Chairman/CEO of Barrett-Jackson. "Giving enthusiasts an opportunity to take home the ultimate keepsake is an admirable way to mark the 45th anniversary of the Mustang, which will be celebrated a few days after our event."

All proceeds above MSRP from the sale of the Shelby GT500 will be donated to The Carroll Shelby Children's Foundation. The two Mustang concepts will be auctioned to benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

"During the last three years, Ford and Barrett-Jackson have raised more than $2 million for charity through the auction of Ford vehicles," noted Mark Fields, Ford Motor Company's president, The Americas. "Ford and Barrett-Jackson will continue this important tradition at this year's Palm Beach auction. The winning bidders for these fantastic Mustangs will be contributing to worthy causes while purchasing automotive history."

The first 2010 Ford Shelby GT500 (Lot #665) is the latest in high-performance cars and features a color scheme and equipment personally chosen by Carroll Shelby. Clad in Kona Blue with white stripes, this GT500 has world-class handling, aggressive styling, and extreme levels of horsepower and torque that are unparalleled in its segment.

The two Mustang concepts on the Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach docket debuted at the 2003 North American International Auto Show in Detroit and have traveled to more than 50 auto shows around the world. The fresh design foreshadowed a new direction for the 2005 model year that is still relevant in today's Mustangs.

The Redline Red Metallic Ford Mustang GT convertible concept (Lot #655) features a distinct "showbar" with a rim of billet-aluminum trim picking up where the instrument panel and console trim leave off. The dazzling red car is pure muscle from its 20-inch wheels and cross-drilled Brembo brakes to the sharp accent line that runs the length of the body and culminates in a "C-scoop" behind the door cutline. The convertible's interior, awash in supple red and charcoal leather, includes perforated surfaces on the seat backs, as well as a billet-aluminum shifter for the 5-speed automatic transmission, 4-point racing-style seatbelts and unique instrument gauges that resemble a fine watch with its face removed.

"This car began with a significantly modified Ford Thunderbird rear-wheel-drive architecture," noted Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. "The platform was sectioned to achieve the proper proportion and the front-end geometry is all original. This is truly a piece of history that represents the transition to an entirely new Mustang."

The Tungsten Silver Ford Mustang GT coupe concept (Lot #655.1) has a glass roof and lush red and charcoal leather interior accented by billet-aluminum hardware. Its upward rake angle makes the car appear to be in motion even while at a standstill. The styling matches its convertible sibling. The functional hood scoops help the supercharged engine breathe as it churns out nearly 400 horsepower.

About The Barrett-Jackson Auction Company

Established in 1971 and headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Barrett-Jackson specializes in providing products and services to classic and collector car owners, astute collectors and automotive enthusiasts around the world. The company produces the "World's Greatest Collector Car Events™" in Scottsdale, Palm Beach and Las Vegas. For more information about Barrett-Jackson, visit www.barrett-jackson.com or call (480) 421-6694.

First 2010 Shelby GT500 to be auctioned at Barrett-Jackson

Continuing what has become a tradition at Barrett-Jackson, the first Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 will be auctioned off next month in Scottsdale. Last year, the Corvette ZR1, Dodge Challenger, and Shelby GT500KR made their way across the block, and this year it will be the Chevrolet Camaro along with a trio of Fords.

In addition to the very first 2010 Shelby GT500, Ford will bring the very first Mustang GT and Ford F-150 SVT Raptor. This all but confirms that the "big announcement" that Ford has promised will indeed be the new GT500, bowing a few days before the Scottsdale auction.

Proceeds for the auction will be donated for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Update: Very first Ford Thunderbird to be sold at Barrett-Jackson

The first of anything is certain to bring in a lot of auction interest as well as auction dollars, and this Ford Thunderbird figures to be no exception. Last year Barrett-Jackson auctioned off a trio of modern firsts - the Shelby GT500KR, Corvette ZR1, and a Dodge Challenger SRT8 purchased by Craig Jackson himself - all of which went for well over the standard price of each car.

At this January's Barrett-Jackson auction will be the very first Ford Thunderbird, built on September 9, 1954 and featuring a 292 Y-block engine, automatic transmission, power windows, power seats, and Raven Black paint. It has been fully restored it its original condition, and comes with plenty of documentation regarding its history.

[Source: Barrett-Jackson]


PRESS RELEASE:

One of the most significant American sports cars ever built, the first production Ford Thunderbird, will be sold at No Reserve during the 38th Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event in Scottsdale, Ariz., Jan. 11-18, 2009. The Raven Black 1955 T-Bird was produced by Ford Motor Company on Sept. 9, 1954, and represents the birth of Ford's sports car program. Hailed as "The World's Greatest Collector Car Auctions," the Scottsdale auction and lavish lifestyle events will feature a diverse mix of the world's most desirable collector vehicles. As always, SPEED will broadcast nearly 40 hours of live, high-definition coverage of all six auction days.

"We are extremely proud to offer this incredible vehicle that I've followed closely over the years," said Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. "For Thunderbird enthusiasts and general collectors alike, this is a rare chance to own the first production Ford T-Bird â€" an American icon. It's been meticulously restored to original specifications and comes with plenty of documentation to tell its amazing story."

Penned by Ford designer Frank Hershey, the Thunderbird was a hit among sports car fans across America and became an instant competitor for the Chevrolet Corvette. The first T-Bird is equipped with a 292 Y-block engine, Fordomatic (automatic) transmission, power steering, power windows and power seats. The creature comforts incorporated into the build gave the debut of the first T-Bird even more sizzle.

Ford's new star was tested and featured in numerous articles upon its release, including "Testing the Thunderbird" in the Oct. 4, 1954 issue of "Sports Illustrated." The first Thunderbird has also been displayed at venues across the United States, from Ford's headquarters in Dearborn, Mich., to the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

"After Ford authenticated this 1955 T-Bird as number one, it became a superstar in the automotive world and was paraded across the country for years," added Davis. "First production vehicles have an appeal that no other car in their lineage can compete with, especially when they represent the beginning of one of the most legendary marques of the 1950s. As a result, this first production Thunderbird will be extremely valuable to collectors."

The 1955 Thunderbird will be joined by approximately 1,000 collector vehicles and automobilia to be sold at the historic Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction. Lifestyle attractions will also return to Barrett-Jackson in January in the form of luxury vendors, galas and fashion shows. Barrett-Jackson's trendy night-spot, "The Garage," will be the site of exclusive gatherings throughout the event.

About The Barrett-Jackson Auction Company

Established in 1971 and headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Barrett-Jackson specializes in providing products and services to classic and collector car owners, astute collectors and automotive enthusiasts around the world. The company produces the "World's Greatest Collector Car Auctions™" in Scottsdale, Palm Beach, Fla. and Las Vegas. For more information about Barrett-Jackson, visit www.barrett-jackson.com or call (480) 421-6694.

First ever 1955 Ford Thunderbird to be sold at Barrett Jackson Scottsdale

Ford Motor Company's first-ever production Thunderbird model, a 1955 Raven Black example, will go on the auction block at the 38th Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car event in Scottsdale, Arizona held January 11-19, 2009.

Penned by the Blue Oval's famous Frank Hershey, the original Thunderbird is said to have started the brand's sports-car heritage. T-Birds were initially available with a 292 Y-block V-8 engine mated to a Fordomatic transmission. The first edition being sold was built on September 9, 1954, and comes standard with power steering, brakes, windows, and seats, as well as five Kelsey Hayes wire wheels, factory radio, heater, and telescopic steering wheel. To boot, the car features a Continental Kit, engine dress-up kit, backup lights, and windshield washer.