It's hard to believe that five decades have passed since iconic Texan Carroll Shelby officially formed the company that bears his name. Starting out by shoehorning American Ford V8s into small British AC sports cars, to create the hairy (and competitive) Cobras, he followed up with a range of hopped up Mustangs that gave Ford a competitive edge against rivals in SCCA racing, as well as bolstering that automaker's performance image on the street.
There is absolutely no question that Shelby left an indelible mark on American car culture, one that continues to this very day.
And in celebration of Shelby American's 50 years in business, the company is offering a limited run of anniversary Mustang packages. Offered on the post-title GTS, GT350, GT500 Super Snake cars assembled at the Las Vegas facility, the 50th Anniversary package will be limited to just 100 units, 50 for white cars, 50 for black ones.
In terms of features, the 50th Anniversary package adds gold racing stripes on the front bumper, hood, roof, decklid and rocker panels, commemorative badging, a custom interior, special wheels, upgraded brakes with 6-piston front calipers, car cover and a special VIN number that will be automatically entered into the Shelby Registry. Further enhancing the package, is a special delivery ceremony at the Shelby facility in Las Vegas, along with collectible Shelby memorabilia.
"Few thought that Shelby American would make it in the car business for 50 years," remarked Carroll Shelby in response to the anniversary package. "We built the first Cobra in a rented garage and then GT350s [Mustangs] in an old hangar. But our company is here, manufacturing the best cars that I've ever made. The next 50 years will be even better for Shelby American."
John Luft, president of Shelby American, added, "our golden anniversary is a remarkable milestone worthy of this limited edition line. On the heels of the unprecedented sellout of our 50th Anniversary Edition Cobra 289, we expect demand for these new Shelbys to be strong."
