“The Shelby GT is a well-balanced, fun to drive machine that draws upon our experience of making Mustangs go faster,” said Amy Boylan, president of Shelby Autos.  “Every lesson we learned while earning our stripes over the past 46 years is built into these ponycars.  The competition was fierce with three very good cars in this test, so I’m proud that the Ford Shelby GT has earned another victory for both Team Shelby and every Ford Shelby owner.”

Motor Trend assembled a normally aspirated Mustang from Shelby, Roush and Saleen for their test.  All of the cars were base models with optional upgraded wheel/tire packages and brakes.  The cars were put through their paces on the street, strip and road course.

“Our idea was to round up Mustangs from the three companies with strong factory ties to Ford,” stated Matt Stone, Executive Editor of Motor Trend.  “Saleen has been producing modified Mustangs for nearly 25 years.  Jack Roush’s connection to Ford began with drag racing several decades ago.  And Carroll Shelby’s involvement with the Blue Oval needs no introduction.  While all three outfits have high buck, supercharged offerings atop their lineups, we focused on the more affordable, naturally aspirated models in order to get a feel for what can be done with the Mustang GT without spending a fortune.” 

Ford Shelby GT Wins Motor Trend Ponycar War (2/2)

Once the smoke cleared, the Shelby was firmly in the winner’s circle.  The car posted the best time in the figure 8, had the best lateral acceleration, was the fastest to 80 MPH and the lightest in the group.  Motor Trend lauded the Shelby GT for its crisp turn-in, fade-free brakes, responsive throttle and tenacious grip.  The editors also declared the Shelby GT’s looks as the most striking.  Its dyno test showed that the Shelby actually made more horsepower and substantially more torque than the company advertises.   

“These three players were similar in some ways, different in others, which is interesting since they all are based on the same car,” noted Stone.  “Besides our usual round of track tests, we put them on a dyno, to verify horsepower and performance claims.  While the Roush and Saleen each had a few standout features, we felt the Shelby GT was the most cohesive package, delivering the best combination of components, style and bang for buck.”

The Shelby name has stood for performance since Carroll Shelby began building cars in 1962.  The company builds a limited number of 427 and 289 Cobra component cars; customers may choose from contemporary Ford Mustang models like the Shelby GT, Shelby GT500 and the Shelby GT500KR.  Post title packages include the Shelby GT500 Super Snake and Terlingua Racing Team.

“The Shelby Team builds a wide range of cars for real enthusiasts,” added Amy Boylan, president of Shelby Autos.  “Each vehicle is designed to be fun, well-engineered, distinctive and exclusive.  Our Cobra continues to be the most emulated car in the world today.  The new GT500KR is truly the ‘King of the Road’ while the 2008 Shelby GT offers muscle car fans tremendous value.  We literally offer a Shelby for every serious performance fan.”

About Shelby Automobiles, Inc. and Carroll Shelby Licensing

Founded by legend Carroll Shelby, Shelby Automobiles, Inc., (http://www.shelbyautos.com/) manufactures and markets performance vehicles and related products.  Shelby Automobiles is a division of Carroll Shelby International, Inc. (CSBI.PK).  Carroll Shelby Licensing Inc. (http://www.carrollshelbyinternational.com/), also a wholly owned division, is the exclusive holder of Carroll Shelby's trademarks and vehicle design rights. It also holds trademark rights for Shelby-branded apparel, accessories and collectibles.

shelby automobiles and scott drake enterprises announce performance parts company for new Mustangs

Las Vegas – June 14, 2007 – A new performance parts business formed by Shelby Automobiles™ and Scott Drake Enterprises, Inc. will be introduced at the 33^rd Annual Mid-America Ford Performance and Shelby Meet on June 14, 2007.  The new company, called Shelby Performance Parts, LLC will offer a complete line of products to turn up the wick on 2005 and newer Ford Mustangs, Shelby GT’s and Shelby GT500’s. Many of the key components from Shelby’s partnership with Ford Racing, which is demonstrated in the new “Super Snake” package for Ford Shelby GT500, will be at the event. 

“Genuine Shelby parts will pump up the capabilities of any contemporary Ford or Shelby Mustang,” said Amy Boylan, Shelby Performance Parts Co-Founder.  “The aggressive suspension and engine packages are taken from lessons learned during development of Ford Shelby cars.  Working with Scott Drake Enterprises, we developed components and packages that will power these cars to the front of the pack.”

Packages available from the company will include newly-developed enhancements to the handling, styling and power of all current generation V6 and V8 Ford Mustangs and Shelby’s.  Individual components will include upgraded brakes, supercharger packages, suspension components and cosmetic pieces such as hoods and fascias exclusively designed at Shelby Automobiles.  Engine tuning options will range from 300 HP (with warranty) for the V6 Mustang to over 750 HP from the 5.4L V8 (without warranty).  Shelby Performance Parts will offer the Shelby CS6 and Shelby GT500 40^th anniversary packages, as well as clothing and accessories. 

Some of those components are part of the new Shelby GT500 “Super Snake” package for the 2007 and 2008 Ford Shelby GT500.  The prototype hot rod Shelby will be on display at the Shelby rig throughout the event.

“We’re announcing Shelby Performance Parts at the Mid-America Ford and Performance Meet because the enthusiasts who attend are always seeking a new competitive edge,” added Scott Drake, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Shelby Performance Parts.  “Our goal is to give enthusiasts more ways to enjoy their pony cars .  By combining the experience at Scott Drake Enterprises with the performance expertise at Shelby Automobiles, we believe Shelby Performance Parts will become a hot spot for serious performance fanatics.”

The longest-running, multi-faceted event in the world, the Mid-America Ford Performance and Shelby Meet includes a broad range of activities including drag racing, a cruise night, road racing exhibitions, a car show and banquet.  Several stock and modified Shelby’s will be at the event headquarters, which is the Tulsa Marriott located just south of I-44 at the Lewis Avenue exit.  Factory test drivers will also demonstrate products at the Hallett Motor Raceway road course and Tulsa Raceway drag strip during the four day event.

Parts are now available exclusively at http://www.shelbyperformanceparts.com/ or by calling (702) 405-3500.  Super Snake packages will be available from Shelby Autos and Shelby Performance Parts beginning in late summer 2007; those interested in adding it to their Shelby GT500 can contact the factory at (702) 942-7325. 

About Scott Drake Enterprises  

Featuring over 7500 quality products, Scott Drake Enterprises, Inc. is the world's largest manufacturer of reproduction parts for classic Mustangs.  The company’s products are only available through popular Mustang parts retailers and distributors, along with restoration shops.  Each part has been painstakingly designed, engineered and tested to provide the best fit, durability and quality available. More information is available at http://www.scottdrake.net/ .

About Shelby Automobiles, Inc.

Founded by legend Carroll Shelby, Shelby Automobiles, Inc., manufactures and markets performance vehicles and related products.  The company manufactures authentic continuation Cobras, including the 427 S/C, 289 FIA and 289 street car component vehicles.  The company has partnered with Ford Motor Company to build the Shelby GT, Shelby GT500 and Shelby GT-H, which are based on the current Mustang.  For more information about Shelby Automobiles, visit www.shelbyautos.com.