2011 Shelby GT350 Mustang Unveiled at Barrett-Jackson

A legendary nameplate is reborn as Carroll Shelby and his Shelby American team unveiled their latest creation in the 2011 Shelby GT350 Mustang.  The unveiling was done at the 39th Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector car auction in Scottsdale, Arizona during the opening night gala that honored the 45th anniversary of the first GT350 and the first 427 big block Cobra.  The 2011 Shelby GT350 will be a post-title package based off the 2011 Mustang GT offering a Ford Racing supercharged 5.0-liter V-8 mated to a six-speed transmission pumping out an estimated 500 horsepower.  All Shelby GT350 Mustangs will come in traditional white with Shelby Guardsman blue Le Mans stripes.

Other features found on the Shelby GT350 post-title package include a Ford Racing suspension package, Borla center exit exhaust system, Baer brake system, Blue Shelby GT350 valve covers, Shelby GT350 badging, A-pillar gauges and Shelby serial number.

The Shelby GT350 post-title package has an MSRP of $33,995 and it does not include the base Mustang GT price.

Below I have posted an array of photos and the press release for more information.

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."