A 1967 Ford Shelby GT500 Super Snake, built today, while supplies last
Shelby American says it's taking care of its founder's "unfinished business."
The Las Vegas-based automaker announced that it is reviving its 1967 Ford Shelby GT500 Super Snake, a continuation car that will use original 1967 donor Mustangs for the vehicle body.
Only 10 of the limited edition legendary muscle cars will be built, each with the original Ford VIN and the original signatures of Carroll Shelby and Don McCain, who started the program 50 years ago, according to a news release.
Shelby American President Gary Patterson said in the statement that in 1967, Shelby built an engineering study called "Super Snake" for high-speed tire testing by Goodyear, and when testing finished, Shelby American offered the vehicle to Mel Burns Ford in southern California for public retail.
McCain, a former Shelby American employee, approached Shelby about doing a limited run of the cars, Patterson said, but the timing wasn't right because the vehicle was too costly.
Read more:
High rents push nonprofits out of downtown
Auto parts plant blast: Worker sent flying
Only one Super Snake was built, a prototype that changed owners several times and was purchased by a collector for more than $1.3 million, according to Shelby American. Jalopnik reported in 2013 that the car was sold for $1.3 million at the Mecum Auction in Indianapolis.
The car was designed by the company's chief engineer, Fred Goodell, who replaced the old motor with a modified race motor that reportedly provided 520 horsepower, according to Shelby American.
The historic car made its media debut at Goodyear's test track in San Angelo, Texas, and with Shelby behind the wheel, it reached a speed of 170 mph, the company said.
“We’re fulfilling the dream of Carroll Shelby and Don McCain,” Patterson said in the statement.
The Super Snakes, which start at $249,995, will be built to order in Pennsylvania and will be sold through Shelby American, the release said.
The company says the car, powered by a 427-cubic-inch V-8 from Carroll Shelby Engine Co., will reach more than 550 horsepower and will feature a four-speed manual transmission. And in keeping with its predecessor, it will carry disc brakes and triple stripes.
Contact Hasan Dudar: hdudar@freepress.com.