Mustang Club of Maryland

Profile: 2011 Shelby GT350 Mustang
The Classic Shelby Mustang Returns

2011 Shelby GT350 Mustang

In August of 1964 Carroll Shelby began work on a car that would redefine the newly introduced Ford Mustang. His creation, the original Shelby GT350, was anything but a "secretary’s" car. The car was first revealed to the general public on January 27th of 1965, the same month that Shelby-American moved to its Los Angeles International Airport facility. It was the first race-ready car ever to be marketed by an American auto maker.

Now, in January of 2010, some 45 years later, Carroll Shelby and his Shelby American company have announced the return of the Shelby GT350 for 2011. The reveal took place at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction during its Opening Night Gala to honor the 45th anniversary of the first GT350 and first Shelby big block Cobra.
Features
• Shelby Guardsman blue Le Mans stripes
• Blue Shelby GT350 valve covers
• Two models: Supercharged or Naturally Aspirated 5.0L
• Automatic Transmission available on Naturally Aspirated Model
• Baer brake system with 6 piston kit in the front and 14" ERADISPEED rotors in the rear
• Upgraded Suspension System
• New front fascia
• Functional Side Rocker and Hood Scoops

"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 car will be assembled at the Shelby Factory in Las Vegas, Nev. as part of a post title program. Here's how it works. Buyers will first need to purchase a 2011 GT Mustang from their local Ford dealer. Then the car will need to be shipped to Las Vegas for the GT350 conversion. Shelby reports that most dealerships will offer drop ship service to Shelby’s Las Vegas facility. The naturally aspirated model, which will qualify for entry into SCCA racing, produces 412 horsepower and has an MSRP of $26,995 plus any options, not including the base Ford Mustang GT. A 430 horsepower naturally aspirated model, with optional tune, will also be made available. The 525 horsepower supercharged model, which will have an MSRP of $33,995 (not including base vehicle), is another option. Looking for all out power? Well, those opting for the Supercharged R-Tune model will make out with about 624 horsepower, with a total cost of $34,745.

In a press statement, John Luft, president of Shelby American said, "Our goal was to build the ultimate small block muscle car. The results show that the Shelby GT350 takes American performance to an entirely new level. In recent tests, the standard supercharged car hit 60 miles per hour in just 3.7 seconds and ran the quarter in 12 seconds flat at 121.4 mph, all while generating 1.05g of lateral acceleration and stopping from 60 mph in only 107 feet. We believe the 'R' tuned GT350 will be even faster."

Classic Shelby GT350 Styling Cues
As for the vehicle’s appearance, Amy Boylan, past Shelby American president said, "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."
Styling cues include a new front fascia, tail light trim, front splitter, rear deck lid filler panel, and rear fascia. The car will also feature GT350 badges, inside and out, as well as an official Shelby serial number. Other interior features include a fuel pressure, oil pressure, and boost gauge mounted to the A-Pillar. Another notable feature of the car is its center exit exhaust.

Performance Upgrades
The new Shelby GT350 will start off as a standard 2011 GT Mustang. As such, it will feature a small block 5.0 liter engine and a 6-speed manual transmission. A Ford Racing supercharger, along with other mods, resulting in up to 624 hp, according to Shelby American. An upgraded suspension, featuring Ford Racing springs, struts, sway bars, and adjustable caster/camber plates, will help the car hold its ground in tight cornering on or off the track. The car will ride on 19-inch modern Cragar wheels and super sticky Goodyear tires.

A naturally aspirated model will also be available, with an optional automatic transmission. Shelby is offering this model due to SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) rules which preclude the post-title supercharged GT350 from racing in its events. A naturally aspirated 5.0L engine will give owners the option of entering the car into SCCA racing, just like the original Shelby GT350 years ago.
Shelby explained, "When we brought back the GT350, people wanted to race it like they did with our Shelby GT. Others asked for an automatic transmission. So we’re dropping the supercharger, retuning the engine, and adding an automatic. This gives people more choices with the GT350.”
As for braking, the car will come equipped with a Baer brake system featuring 6 piston kit in the front, 14-inch ERADISPEED rotors in the rear, and cooling ducts for all four corners.
In all, Shelby says the vehicle will be sold in limited numbers for 2011, although exact numbers have not yet been released.

"We plan to have development finished and begin building normally aspirated versions of the GT350 by late summer," said Shelby American vice president of production Gary Davis. "This ensures that the car will be fully sorted and ready for fun on the street or track."

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