American legend Shelby has announced that it is launching not just one, but two limited editions: the Shelby Series 2 Sports Car and the continuation Shelby GT500 Super Snake.
The Shelby Series 1 was introduced in 1999 with just 249 examples. Being the first and only car that was completely designed in-house, it is easily set apart from other Shelby productions. The new Shelby Series 2 is the evolution of the minimalist Series 1, a breathtaking and modern two seat roadster with improved performance.
Built on the original aluminium honeycomb monocoque frame with next generation hardware, Series 2 is now over 12% lighter than the original car (which was about 2850 pounds) and will support an engine over 800 hp, such a 427 FE engine from the Carroll Shelby Engine Company or a 427 Windsor. Owners have the choice of an aluminium, carbon fibre or titanium car body, but interested buyers have to act quick as only four Series 2 will be built.
If a more classic style is preferred, then the continuation 1967 Shelby GT500 Super Snake announced on the same day deserves your attention. “We’re fulfilling the dream of Carroll Shelby and Don McCain,” Gary Patterson, president of Shelby American, explained about the new release. “Shelby built an engineering study dubbed the ‘Super Snake’ for high-speed tyre testing by Goodyear in 1967. When that successful test ended, Shelby American offered it to Mel Burns Ford in So Cal to retail to the public. Former Shelby American employee Don McCain approached Shelby about doing a limited run of cars. They carefully studied the idea but sadly, the timing did not work because the car was too expensive. The program never came to fruition, until now.”
The continuation car is powered by the same 427-cubic-inch V8 engine, paired with a four-speed gearbox and now produces produced 550 hp. The most precious part of the car is probably the original dash plaque signed by Carroll Shelby and Don McCain. Only 10 fastbacks will be built from 1967 donor Mustangs and include a Shelby serial number for the official Shelby registry.
