40th Anniversary Package For Shelby GT500

Another SEMA unveiling and this time it's from automotive legend Carroll Shelby and his company Shelby Automobiles with the introduction of the 40th anniversary limited edition package for the GT500 Mustang. This package was brought about to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Shelby GT500 Mustang (1967-2007). It will be available in the first quarter of 2007, and be sold exclusively through Shelby Automobiles Las Vegas headquarters and a national dealer network.



The package features a wide range of components including carbon fiber lower front fascia splitter and mirror covers, aluminum hood grille inserts, deck lid SHELBY letter kit, sequential tail lamps, front and rear brake duct kits, Anniversary stripe package (convertible models), special optional 20” American Racing Shelby Razor wheels and various 40th Anniversary badging including side, grille and trunk badges.



The modifications on this limited edition Shelby are quite extensive and should cost a pretty penny although no prices have been annouced. If I was to guess at the cost of this upgrade I would say it has to be north of $5K without the 20" wheels. According to a few sources only 1,000 of these packages will be produced to keep exclusivity to a minimum.



Interior Mods Include:

Consecutively numbered dash plaque

Special 40th Anniversary Shelby door sill plates with consecutive number

Special Floor mats

Shelby snake door handles

Dash mounted gauge cluster with three Carroll Shelby/Autometer carbon fiber gauges (boost, oil and fuel pressure)

40th Anniversary arm rest cover

Convertibles get a light bar with solenoid activated light system

Additional Features Include:

Consecutive number plate authenticating the package in the engine bay

Special billet aluminum caps and covers for power steering, radiator, brake master cylinder, windshield washer fluid bottle and oil dip stick

Shelby Signature Borla exhaust system

Shelby/Eibach suspension upgrade (coil over system)

These packages will not be installed on the assembly line but rather the GT500's will be delivered to SAI's new modification center in Las Vegas for complete assembly.



For detailed information check out the press release below. Enjoy...




Press Release:
Shelby Automobiles Unveils Limited Edition 40th Anniversary Package for Shelby GT500 Mustang under the Guidance of Automotive Icon Carroll Shelby.



Shelby Automobiles, Inc.(SAI) a wholly owned subsidiary of Carroll Shelby International Inc. (CSBI.PK), will celebrate the 40th anniversary (1967-2007) of the Shelby GT500 Mustang with a limited edition upgrade component package. The new package will kick-off a new Shelby Modification Center at SAI’s Las Vegas headquarters. Through the leadership of legendary racecar driver and Cobra creator Carroll Shelby, the limited Shelby GT500 40th Anniversary packages will include distinct visual elements and performance upgrades. The Shelby GT500 40th Anniversary package will make its debut at the Ford Motor Company Booth at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas.



“The Shelby GT500 has always had a mean street presence with power to back it up,” said Carroll Shelby, Chairman of Shelby Automobiles, Inc. “We’ve added more performance and more in your face looks to the most powerful factory Mustang ever built.”



The 40th Anniversary Limited Edition packages will be installed at SAI’s new modification center. Customers will deliver their GT500’s to SAI’ World Headquarters where each vehicle will be customized with the anniversary package.



“Our Mustang business has expanded rapidly through the development and production of the Shelby GT-H and the upcoming Shelby GT,” said Amy Boylan, President of Shelby Automobiles, Inc. “The mod center will allow us to do special exclusive cars for a limited group of customers and allow for continued research and development for mainstream production programs.”



If looks could kill:

The 40th Anniversary Limited Edition package includes a host of components to let others know that something special is prowling the streets. On the menacing outside components include carbon fiber lower front fascia splitter and mirror covers; aluminum hood grille inserts; deck lid SHELBY letter kit; sequential tail lamps; front and rear brake duct kits; Anniversary stripe package (convertible models); special optional 20” American Racing Shelby Razor wheels and various 40th Anniversary badging including side, grille and trunk badges.



Inside there is a consecutively numbered dash plaque, special 40th Anniversary Shelby door sill plates with consecutive number; floor mats; Shelby snake door handles; center dash mounted gauge cluster with three Carroll Shelby/Autometer carbon fiber gauges (boost, oil and fuel pressure); 40th Anniversary arm rest cover and for convertibles a light bar with solenoid activated light system.



The engine bay receives a consecutive number plate authenticating the package and installation from SAI and special billet aluminum caps and covers for power steering, radiator, brake master cylinder, windshield washer fluid bottle and oil dip stick.



Backing it up:

With 500 horsepower out of the gate, the Shelby GT500 can run like no other pony that ever grazed a field. The 40th Anniversary Package ups the ante with additional power by utilizing the Shelby Signature Borla exhaust system. The cat-back system is designed to maximize power and give a nice robust “big-block” sound.



Getting the power to the ground is one thing. Being able to utilize what you want when going into the corners is another. One key element to the 40th Anniversary package is the new Shelby/Eibach suspension upgrade for GT500. This new coil over systems allows for adjustability for both straight line and road course tracks. The new spring/shock combination lowers the front a maximum of 0.8-inch and the rear 1.6-inches for a very aggressive appearance and lower center of gravity. In addition bigger anti-way bars are included for reduced body roll. The result is flat precise cornering without a harsh ride.



“We have designed the 40th Anniversary to honor the special legacy of the GT500 and provide a limited few a very special car,” said Boylan. “This limited edition package is only the first for the mod shop and the first upgrades from SAI for the GT500. There is much more to come.”



Available in the first quarter of 2007, the 40th Anniversary Limited Edition will be sold exclusively through Shelby Automobiles Las Vegas headquarters and a national dealer network. Interested buyers can contact Shelby Automobiles at (702) 942-7325 or visit the company's web site at www.shelbyautos.com for more info.