Though it has been decades since Mustang coupes rolled off the assembly line bearing the legendary Shelby name, the cars will once again thunder across the roads under a deal inked by Carroll Shelby, Sanderson Sales & Marketing and Unique Motorcars of Irving, Texas.

The historic agreement has led to the debut of continuation 1960's Shelbys incorporating modern technology, such as Baer Brakes, that updates the performance and comfort of the sexy muscle cars. The first car in the continuation series is an "Eleanor" Shelby GT500E, similar to the one seen in the recent motion picture Gone in Sixty Seconds.

"Enthusiasts and collectors have been begging for more Shelbys," said Steve Sanderson, President of Sanderson Sales & Marketing. "This unprecedented agreement will unleash a herd of Shelbys that combine the best current technology with classic styling and Shelby heritage. We're creating these continuation cars just like Carroll did in the 1960's by taking standard Mustangs and working ‘Shelby magic' on them that take performance to an entirely new level."

Shelby Re-Run

Carroll Shelby, a Texan who achieved renown as the builder of the AC Cobra, teams with Ford to create a series of high-performance Shelby Mustang race cars. Taking 289 cid V8 fastbacks off the line at the San Jose assembly plant, Shelby, working from his Venice facility, makes the necessary mods to vault the lively 2+2 Fastback to the rank of king of the SCCA.

To be homologated as an SCCA B-Production racer, rules stipulate that at least 100 "streetable" versions are produced. Shelby easily meets the minimum requirement building, on average, 2,000 units per year between 1965 and 1970. Shelby American soon is occupying two hangars at Los Angeles International Airport.

The Shelby American/Ford Motor Company connection is quite palatable for both builders. Carroll Shelby benefits by using a proven manufacturing base to further his performance reputation, while Ford benefits from the "halo effect" as Mustang sheetmetal increasingly frequents the winner's circle.

To build the continuation Shelbys, Unique Motorcars will "rescue" vintage Mustangs for transformation. The restored cars will feature the best engine, suspension, brake and comfort components on the market, while sporting the classic good looks of the original 1960's Shelby. Baer Brakes will help develop high performance systems specifically for the cars.

Sanderson Sales & Marketing is a national dealer for authentic Shelby vehicles and the exclusive dealer for the "Eleanor" GT500E. The company will conduct a 40th Anniversary Cobra Tour next year that celebrates the first Shelby Cobra racing championship by giving individuals the opportunity to personally experience a 427 Cobra, factory 289 racing Cobra, Shelby Series 1 and the GT500E. Over 30 stops are planned nationwide during 2003.

The limited edition GT500E is available with a wide range of performance and cosmetic options. Various Shelby tuned V8s, Total Control suspension, Nitrous Oxide System, roll bar, 17" wheels, side exhaust and Baer brakes are available. A supercharged aluminum 427 powered "Super Snake" will also be offered. Each car is meticulously built and comes with a certificate of authenticity from the Eleanor originator.

"We're introducing Shelby performance vehicles to a new generation of enthusiasts," stated Douglas Hasty, President and CEO of Unique Motorcars. "We're working closely with Shelby Engineering to ensure these cars are authentic Shelbys. The GT500E is the first in a series of Shelbys to be introduced over the next year. As authentic Shelbys, these cars will be included in the next official Shelby American World Registry."

{xtypo_rounded_right4}Shelby exteriors are distinguished by the following: blue rocker panel stripes with the GT-350 designation; optional blue 10-inch wide stripes running stem to stern; the absence of Ford and Mustang badges and the fact that all are painted white. (From 1966 through 1970 a variety of colors would become available for the Shelbys.)

Shelby began the conversion process with the 271-horsepower High Performance 289 cid V8, an all-synchromesh four-speed transmission and a Galaxie rear end. From there, Holley carburetor, high-rise aluminum intake manifolds, aluminum valve covers, aluminum oil pan, fiberglass hood with functional scoop, Koni shocks and front antisway bars are added.

Carroll Shelby is one of America's greatest racing heroes. After a successful international racing career, he founded a car company in 1962 that trounced every other sports car in the world, beginning with his legendary Cobra. Forty years later, anyone can own one of these remarkable cars because Shelby American is offering new Cobras, and now GT500E through Sanderson Sales & Marketing.

"We're gratified that Sanderson Sales & Marketing could facilitate this agreement," stated Sanderson. "These continuation Shelbys offer value, collectability and performance that can't be matched. Enthusiasts and collectors rejoice!" CC

Source: classiccar.com