CLASSIC RECREATIONS - Classic Recreations, the iconic custom vehicle builder of officially-licensed Shelby continuation cars and restorations, has unveiled the world’s first production heritage carbon-fiber bodied Shelby GT500CR™. The carbon fiber program, which is the biggest undertaking the company has tackled to-date after a long lineage of producing unique one-of-a-kind vehicles, is the embodiment of Carroll Shelby’s® legacy. The 810-horsepower vehicle marries the best of performance and innovation, utilizing cutting-edge carbon fiber technology from Speedkore Performance Group.
“Our
Carbon Fiber Shelby moved from concept to completion in an unbelievable nine
months, all during a global pandemic,” said Jason Engel, founder and co-owner
at Classic Recreations. “This first car in the production series demonstrates
our ability to engineer and handcraft amazing cars by collaborating with key partners
like SpeedKore. The muscle car is a breathtaking 600 pounds lighter than stock
and has a power-to-weight ratio on par with most exotic vehicles.”
The
unveiling took place at Motorsport Ranch, located in Texas, as a nod to the
deep history of the Shelby family in the state. The historic event was held on
February 2, marking the date in history when Carroll Shelby, in 1962,
began building what would soon become the first Shelby Cobra CSX2000. To
celebrate the monumental day, Aaron Shelby, member of the board of Carroll
Shelby International and co-President of the Carroll Shelby Foundation, helped
present the vehicle with Chief Executive Officer, Jeff Stone and VP of
Engineering and Design, Jason Engel.
“Shortly
after my grandfather beat Enzo on the track at Le Mans, Carroll and Ford
engineered the all-new 1967 Shelby GT500 as a ‘Ferrari killer’ for the street,”
said Aaron Shelby. “Fifty-five years later, this car has new life with the
capabilities to take on Europe’s biggest names once again. I’m proud of Classic
Recreations’ efforts to keep Carroll’s dream alive.”
The
carbon fiber upgrade is available on the officially-licensed Shelby GT500CR
900C, 900S and 545 models. Following development of a limited production run of
carbon fiber GT500CR bodies, Classic Recreations was fortunate to partner with
Shelby American in introducing the wildly successful limited edition “Carbon
Edition”. The “Carbon Edition” features exclusive badging, designated Shelby
serial numbers and includes a special delivery experience at Shelby
American’s facility in Las Vegas. For every Carbon Edition vehicle sold
Classic Recreations will make a generous donation to the Carroll Shelby
Foundation in the buyer’s honor.
In
collaboration with SpeedKore Performance Group, Classic Recreations’ 1967 steel
GT500CR was blue light scanned, designed and engineered in CAD, and then
permanently enshrined in plugs, from which future molds will be formed. The
carbon fiber panels are autoclave-cured, creating blemish-free exposed carbon
weave alignment panel-to-panel and exact-match replication. It is the first
time the technology has been applied so extensively to a vintage Shelby GT500.
Powered
by a 2.9L Whipple supercharged Ford 5.2L Aluminator Gen 3 Coyote engine with
stainless steel headers, the transmission is a Ford 10R80 10-speed automatic
with paddle shifters. The carbon fiber GT500CR production edition has an
adjustable Detroit Speed suspension, JRI Coilover shocks, quadralink rear
suspension, high-performance Wilwood brakes, roll bar and rack and pinion
steering. The car rolls on 3-piece Forgeline wheels wrapped in BFGoodrich
Rivals, 275/35/18 front and 335/30/18 rear.
The
stunning interior features an Alcantara headliner, Kicker audio system, Kenwood
media center and navigation, ProCar leather seats and Shelby 200 MPH custom red
gauges. Painted with Glasurit (BASF), Candy Red stripes and then clear coated,
the vehicle is available in a number of color combinations or solely as exposed
carbon weave.
Pricing
for the standard GT500CR with a complete carbon fiber body starts at $265,000
and is available with several drivetrain and customization options. The
limited-release Carbon Edition Shelby GT500CR package begins at $298,000, with
customization and upgrades available based on the customer's preferences in
addition to the special delivery experience.
For
sales and ordering information, contact Classic Recreations at (877) 235-3266
or Shelby American at (702) 942-7325 or visit classic-recreations.com.