Classic Recreations building Shelby GT500CR

Carroll Shelby himself has commissioned Classic Recreations to relaunch a continuation version of one of the most famous muscle cars of all time, the 1967-68 Shelby GT500 Mustang. The very shop that is behind the Eleanor, one of the more famous modern muscle cars of our time.

Not many details are know at this time. Obviously power will be incredible, and you can expect the usual suspension and interior/exterior upgrades to bring the GT500CR into the modern era. Each car will have an official Shelby serial number, badges and will be included in the official Shelby Worldwide Registry.

PRESS RELEASE

Internationally recognized custom coachbuilder expands offerings to include officially licensed Shelby GT500CR continuation vehicles.

Yukon, Okla. (Nov 3, 2009) – Classic Recreations, a noted bespoke coachbuilder known for exotic Mustang supercars that have been shipped all over the globe, has been granted a license by Carroll Shelby Licensing Inc. to build an iconic continuation car based on classic 1967 and 1968 Mustangs: the Shelby GT500CR.

"I am humbled and honored by the opportunity to work with a legend like Carroll Shelby," said Classic Recreations owner Jason Engel. "We pride ourselves on building the finest coachbuilt muscle cars in the world, and I'm thrilled that this new opportunity will allow us to build some of the fastest and coolest supercars on the road today. Other shops build cars. We sit down with a client, listen to their fantasies, and then turn those into reality."

Every Shelby GT500CR will be built with authentic Shelby Performance parts and with input and oversight from Carroll Shelby Licensing and Shelby Automobiles technical staff. Each car built at the Classic Recreations facility will leave the shop with an official Shelby serial number, badges and will be included in the official Shelby Worldwide Registry. More details on the new model will be released shortly.

"We are still working out a few details, but I know Shelby fans will love the new car," Engel said. "It retains the most iconic Shelby elements everyone loves with modern performance and supercar level horsepower. Then add the panache of having a real Shelby GT500CR complete with a serial number and the man's name right on the rocker panel. For Mustang fans, you absolutely can't beat that."

Classic Recreations is the first custom car builder to receive an official license to build the new GT500CR model.

Hendrick Motorsports 25th Anniversary Camaro, built by Callaway

The 2010 Camaro SS you see here is not just another run of the mill SEMA Camaro. It has been built to celebrate Hendrick Motorsport's 25th anniversary by Callaway. Production is limited to 25 units at a price tag of $76,181.

What exactly does that kind of money get you? The front splitter, rear diffuser, rear spoiler, rocker panels, and hood inserts are all made from carbon fiber, for starters. The exterior gets a see through ZR1 style hood that shows off the Eaton TVS supercharger underneath. In addition to the blower, the Camaro sports an upgraded exhaust system, short-throw shifter, and Eibach suspension components.

Interested buyers can purchase one from Jimmie Johnson Chevrolet in San Diego, CA or one the three Hendrick Chevrolet dealerships.

Dodge to end Viper production in July 2010, new car in 2012?

At a recent Chrysler business plan meeting, CEO of the Dodge car brand Ralph Gilles dropped some big news. After going back and forth on what to do with the Viper brand, Chrysler has decided to end production of the car in July 2010. 500 final cars will be built, that according to Gilles, will be the most special Vipers built to date. The explanation given was that Chyrsler wants to preserve the value of current Vipers by not continuing the current generation indefinitely.

It's not time to mourn the loss of the American supercar just yet, however, as Gilles also announced that an all new car is in development with a target release date of 2012. And this new Viper will be getting a little input from Chrysler's Italian colleagues (see: Fiat, Ferrari). All we can hope is that they retain the Viper's distinct American personality.