To honor the 45th anniversary of the 427 Cobra and Shelby G.T. 350 Shelby Automobiles will consolidate it's entire operation under the Shelby American name which originated back in the 60's. Some of you might remember back in 1962 Carroll Shelby founded Shelby American to produce Shelby performance cars and muscle car parts after he retired from his dominating racing career. “Enthusiasts have asked us many times to bring back the Shelby American name over the past several years,” said Shelby. “Though I’m proud of the cars that we built as Shelby Automobiles, we’re fulfilling that wish for fans worldwide. Using the Shelby American name will better connect our current vehicles to our heritage of building great cars like the G.T.350 and Cobra.”
Shelby American will continue building CSX badged vehicles, Super Snake and other Shelby post-title packages for various model years. Nothing will really change under the new name but one sentence did catch my eye in the press release and it's a quote from Amy Boylan. She said "And just like the 1960s, the Shelby American name will soon appear on one of the most exciting vehicles we’ve ever built.”. What will this new Shelby vehicle be. My best guess is the 2011 Shelby GT500, what do you think it could be?
Press Release:
LAS VEGAS – Dec. 15, 2009 – Shelby Automobiles, a wholly owned subsidiary of Carroll Shelby International Inc. (CSBI
K), will honor the 45th anniversary of the 427 Cobra and Shelby G.T.350 by consolidating its operations under the Shelby American banner. Carroll Shelby founded the original Shelby American in 1962 to create the legendary sports cars and muscle cars that forever changed the performance world, and it is only fitting that Shelby Automobiles join the original team.“Enthusiasts have asked us many times to bring back the Shelby American name over the past several years,” said Shelby. “Though I’m proud of the cars that we built as Shelby Automobiles, we’re fulfilling that wish for fans worldwide. Using the Shelby American name will better connect our current vehicles to our heritage of building great cars like the G.T.350 and Cobra.”
One of America’s greatest race car drivers, Shelby dominated sports car racing in the mid-1950s, including a victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. After retiring from racing due to a heart ailment, he founded Shelby American to manufacture performance cars. His band of hot rodders created the legendary Cobra sports car in 1962. Three years later, they unveiled a big block version of the Cobra.
About that same time, Ford asked Shelby to turn the Mustang into a dominant muscle car. The Shelby team put Mustang at the pinnacle of the performance world with the Shelby G.T.350 and Shelby G.T.500.
Shelby American also offered high performance parts, modified cars for individuals and was involved in racing. From drag strip triumphs to victories at Le Mans and America’s first World Manufacturer’s Championship, Shelby cars dominated performance circles.
“We’re still building genuine Shelby Cobras and have been involved in some of the most exciting Ford Mustangs ever to wear a Shelby badge,” added Amy Boylan, president of Shelby American. “With the anniversary of Shelby American’s two most revered models, it’s the right time to return to our roots through a name change. And just like the 1960s, the Shelby American name will soon appear on one of the most exciting vehicles we’ve ever built.”
Since 2006, Shelby Automobiles has been building small and big block Cobras. The company also worked with Ford Motor Company to build 1,571 total 2008 and 2009 Ford Shelby GT500KRs and approximately 5,500 total 2007-2008 Ford Shelby GT Mustangs. Shelby Automobiles also built 500 Shelby GT-H coupes in 2006 and 500 Shelby GT-H convertibles in 2007 for the Hertz Corporation.
Shelby American will continue to offer the small block street (CSX8000), FIA (CSX7000) and big block Cobras (CSX6000). The company also will offer the Super Snake, Prudhomme drag racing edition and “SE” post-title package for the 2007-2010 Ford Shelby GT500. Fans can also have a post-title Terlingua Racing Team package installed on 2005-2009 V6 Ford Mustangs or the “SR” package for 2005-2009 Ford Mustang GTs. The Shelby “SC” and “SR” post title packages are also available for the 2007 and 2008 Shelby GT.
About Shelby American, Inc. and Carroll Shelby Licensing
Founded by legend Carroll Shelby, Shelby American Inc., (www.shelbyamerican.com) manufactures and markets performance vehicles and related products. Shelby American is a division of Carroll Shelby International Inc. (CSBI.PK). Carroll Shelby Licensing Inc., also a wholly owned division, is the exclusive holder of Carroll Shelby's trademarks and vehicle design rights. It also holds trademark rights for Shelby-branded apparel, accessories and collectibles. Info is at www.carrollshelbyinternational.com.