Mustang: A Misunderstanding
The Allure of the Shelby GT350
Everything About the Muscle Car Shelby
Opinions on this vehicle might be sharply divided. Some might exclaim, “Oh, a Mustang?” while others say, “Wow… a Shelby.” The vehicle in question is the Shelby GT350. Although it’s based on the Mustang, it’s more than just a Mustang—it’s a Shelby, a name with unique prestige and excellence.
Shelby American, the company behind this vehicle, is renowned for its high-performance modifications and manufacturing. Founded by Carroll Shelby, a legendary figure in American motorsports, Shelby American has a storied history. Shelby was an acclaimed racing driver in the 1950s and made history as the first American to compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. After his racing career was cut short by chronic illness, he channeled his passion into creating exceptional high-performance cars, cementing Shelby’s legacy in the automotive world.
To improve the Mustang image, the GT350 was created in collaboration with Ford
The Shelby GT350 is a classic American muscle car developed by Shelby in collaboration with Ford. It originated from the first-generation Ford Mustang of 1965. At that time, the Mustang was seen more as a stylish car that was popular among young women. Ford turned to Carroll Shelby for his expertise to give it a more rugged, masculine edge. Shelby transformed the Mustang into a high-performance vehicle capable of circuit racing, resulting in the GT350.
Today, the GT350 is in its sixth generation. It’s built on Ford’s sixth-generation S550 platform and features a 5.2-liter V8 engine. This American muscle car has a manual transmission and an impressive 526 horsepower. It weighs 1,744 kg (3,845 pounds) and is priced at $47,795 in the US. A more specialized version, the Shelby GT350R, is a lighter, high-performance model. Notably, the GT350R is quite rare in South Korea, with only one example in the country.
The supercharged GT500
Literally muscle car
In addition to the Shelby GT350, there’s also the Shelby GT500, each offering unique characteristics. The GT500 is distinguished from the GT350 by its turbocharged engine, whereas the GT350 is known for its high-revving naturally aspirated engine.
Shelby also offers the GT500 Super Snake, a more specialized variant that showcases Shelby’s expertise in turbo tuning. The fifth-generation Super Snake, based on the seventh-generation Mustang, was introduced in April 2024. It comes in two versions: the base model, which has a naturally aspirated engine producing 480 horsepower, and the high-performance variant, equipped with a supercharger that delivers 830 horsepower.
The Ever-Changing World of Shelby
The Allure of the Muscular Muscle Car
The world is evolving, but the Mustang’s transformation from a fashion icon to a symbol of raw power and masculinity highlights how things have shifted. Shelby played a pivotal role in this transformation, helping to redefine the Mustang’s image and maintain its unique appeal in a changing landscape.
Built on a rear-wheel-drive platform and powered by a large-displacement, naturally aspirated engine, the American muscle car may not cater to everyone, but it undeniably attracts a dedicated fan base. The same holds true for Shelby. Shelby remains the quintessential choice for enthusiasts who appreciate the thrill of a manual transmission and the rugged charm of a classic American muscle car.
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