The Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 and GT500 are incredible cars – The latter is so powerful that Ford even makes its buyers take driving lessons so you don’t end up in a ditch during your joy rides. Despite having the name though, true fans will tell you that these are not actually true Shelby cars.
You see, for a car to be a true Shelby, it will have to be part of the Shelby American Registry, a database that documents every single Shelby-built vehicle since the very first Shelby sports car in 1962. To have your Mustang officially certified, you’ll need these – the Shelby Signature Edition packages.
The biggest upgrade comes in the form of power for the GT500SE (for Signature Edition), which raises the output of the 5.2-litre turbocharged V8 engine up to “800+” hp (up from 760 hp), thanks to a new pulley and additional coolers.
Alongside the improved engine, the GT500SE also gains a lowered track-focused springs with a more aggressive suspension tuning, new wheels, and a carbon fibre hood that reduces the weight by about 14 kg.
Of course, there are visual upgrades too in the form of Shelby and Signature Edition badges, stripes, as well as a souped-up interior. For even more fanfare, you can also get an optional wide-body kit for the Mustang.
The Signature Edition is available on the GT350 and the R variant too, though admitted it sounds quite a bit tamer compared to the GT500SE. Made to celebrate 55 years of collaboration between the two companies, the GT350SE gets a more aggressive handling package, reworked interior, racing stripes, special wheels with performance tires, as well as several “functional styling elements”.
The package is designed for the 2020 Mustang GT350 and GT350R, though Shelby will gladly still install the kit on the older models from 2015-2019 – only without the anniversary badges. Just like the GT500SE, your car will also be entered into the Shelby American Registry.
For the ultimate Shelby fans, the company is also introducing a “First 15” incentive for customers who order their Signature Edition cars before 14th August. Benefits include a Shelby party in Las Vegas with a one-night stay at the D Las Vegas Hotel, an autographed photo of their cars at the Shelby factory, a First 15 exclusive serial number, Shelby gear, along with other perks.
Shelby will only build 100 units of each car every year, and they’re priced at USD29,995 (MYR125,820) and USD9,995 (MYR41926) for the GT500 and GT350 respectively – and that’s not accounting for the actual price you’ll have to pay for the base car ITSELF plus transportation to the Shelby factory.
Each purchase of the SE packages will also include a donation to the Carroll Shelby Foundation, which provides medical assistance for those in need – including children, as well as educational opportunities and training programmes for youngsters interested in the Automotive sector.
IMAGE GALLERY
Ford Mustang Shelby GT500SE
Ford Mustang Shelby GT350SE
