Ford Motor Company, the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company, and Shelby Automobiles have collaborated to create a limited-edition '08 Mustang Shelby GT. The companies unveiled the '08 Barrett-Jackson Shelby GT at last week's Arizona International Auto Show.
With an MSRP beginning at $38,980, a total of 100 Barrett-Jackson Shelby GTs, in both coupe and convertible body styles, will be sold through Arizona Region Ford dealers. The purchase price of each car will include a $250 donation to the Carroll Shelby Children's Foundation
"The Arizona and Las Vegas Ford dealers have been strong supporters of mine over the years, which is why Shelby Automobiles joined with Barrett-Jackson and Ford Motor Company to create a limited-edition car just for their customers," said Carroll Shelby, CEO of Shelby Automobiles. "And I'm pleased that a portion of the sales will benefit an endowment we're building at the Carroll Shelby Children's Foundation. This is a rare chance for enthusiasts to enjoy a very special car and support a great cause."
Over the past 37 years, Barrett-Jackson has evolved from an auction primarily attended by dedicated collectors and dealers into a retail automotive lifestyle event that is broadcast live worldwide. Shelby Cobras, GT350s, and GT500s have been among the most popular cars to cross the auction block.
"We have a long tradition of selling the best Shelbys in the world because they are among the most desirable cars ever built," said Craig Jackson, Chairman/CEO of the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company. "It was natural to celebrate our connection to these cars with a limited-edition Shelby."
From the black 18-inch wheels to the Shelby Cobra roadster hood scoop, the car is mean. The engine is upgraded with a Ford Racing package to pump out 319 horsepower and 330 lb.-ft. of torque through a high-flow exhaust system with X-pipe crossover. The Shelby GT comes standard with a five-speed manual transmission featuring a Hurst short-throw shifter; a five-speed automatic transmission is optional. The package includes a Ford Racing Handling Pack with special-tuned dampers, unique sway bars and a 3.55:1 ratio rear axle assembly. Overall ride height was dropped and a front strut-tower brace added.
Unique features of the Barrett-Jackson edition include black exterior with "Barrett-Jackson Red" LeMans hood and side stripes, Barrett Jackson Edition door sill plates, black interior with the Shelby GT serial number plate, special gas cap insert, and an autographed photo of Carroll Shelby, Craig Jackson, Shelby Automobiles' President Amy Boylan, and Steve Davis
"As someone who has been personally involved with Shelby cars for the past three decades, I'm very proud to be part of this limited-edition car," noted Steve Davis, President of Barrett-Jackson. "Rarity and documentation are two of the keys to collectability, which is why only 100 Barrett-Jackson Shelby GTs are scheduled to be built."