Only 350 Shelby GT350s will be built at the firm’s Las Vegas headquarters and will include both coupe and convertible variants.
“Last year, we brought back the GT350 45 years after it was launched,” said Carroll Shelby, founder of the company that bears his name. “They look and sound just like the ones we built in 1965. We’re repeating history by offering two additional colors and building a few convertibles for the second year of production.”
Back in 1965, Shelby built 562 GT350s, all white with blue stripes, and a year later added more color options and actually built four convertibles.
The Shelby GT350 is a post-title conversion in which the buyer of a 5.0-liter Mustang GT has it drop-shipped to Shelby in Las Vegas. The 2012 models continue the same formula as the 2011. Buyers can opt for a 430-bhp normally aspirated model or one of two supercharged versions making a respective 525 or 624 bhp. The normally aspirated models can be ordered with an optional automatic transmission, while all models are equipped with a short-throw 6-speed manual as standard equipment.
New Colors Added
In addition to the standard Performance White with blue Le Mans stripes, buyers can specify Race Red with white stripes or Kona Blue with white stripes. Convertibles can be ordered with an optional light bar, and all models can be specified with a one-piece driveshaft and color-coordinated billet aluminum engine cap set.
The Shelby GT350 post-title package starts at $26,995 for a normally aspirated version; supercharged versions begin at $33,995, plus the cost of the base car.
The basic package includes upgraded 6-piston Baer front brakes, firmer springs and shocks, 19-in. Cragar wheels, a restyled hood (including scoop), blanked-out quarter windows, a new front fascia (featuring a large lower intake and chin spoiler), rocker extensions and a rear deck lid spoiler.
The supercharged models feature a Whipple blower from the Ford Racing Parts catalog with different boost levels to product either 525 or 624 bhp, as well as an upgraded Baer 6-piston rear brakes to match the fronts. A premium leather package, with red, white and blue seat insets, is also an available option.