Shelby and Ford Motor Company have a long-standing relationship that has resulted in some of the most iconic sports cars ever produced. Shelby and Ford’s latest creation – the 2011 GT350 – a tribute to the original GT350 that was first produced for the public in 1966 – is set to go auction for the general public in the first week of April.
Collectors around the world have long placed added value in unique production numbers, and it will likely be no different with the 2011 Shelby GT350 Mustang. Shelby has announced that it will be auctioning (with reserve) the 2011 Shelby GT350 wearing serial number 350 – likely to become a highly sought after collector’s dream.
“Over the past several years, we’ve offered several prototypes, concepts and special serial numbered contemporary collector cars to the public, which has been a significant break from the traditional approach that car makers once followed with such important cars,” said Barrett-Jackson chairman/CEO, Craig Jackson.
Auctioning of unique and early production vehicles to the public has not always been the norm, as evidenced by automaker’s like GM for the first time turning to sell warehouses full of unique vehicles that it has kept for itself – known as the Heritage Collection.
“At one time, it was common for these cars to be destroyed or sold to industry insiders instead of being available to the general car collector hobby. The automakers have begun to turn to us as the best, most democratic way to offer these cars,” said Jackson.
The serial number won’t be the only thing unique about the GT350 Mustang up for auction – the car itself doesn’t even exist yet, and 2011 Mustang production is set to begin around the same time as the Barrett-Jackson auction. Bidders will be getting rights to the serial number 350 car, along with the ability to order the car with options of their choosing. In fact, all 2011 Shelby GT350 Mustangs can be custom ordered, with dealers being able to drop-ship a Mustang GT of a customer’s choosing for aftermarket retrofitting of the complete GT350 package – making it a legitimate and serial numbered car.
“Because 2011 Ford Mustang GT production will begin about the same time as the auction, we’re going to sell the rights to the serial number 350 car,” added Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “The GT350 will be built in Las Vegas when the base car becomes available and include a host of important options. In addition, Carroll said that he will personally drive the car before it is delivered to the lucky bidder at the Shelby American factory. This will truly be a special, milestone collector car.”
The 2011 Shelby GT350 Mustang begins as a 2011 Mustang GT, powered by a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 that is good for 412 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque. Once the Mustang arrives at Shelby’s facility, it undergoes an extensive transformation that includes the addition of a Ford Racing Whipple Supercharger, 3.73 rear axle, custom Shelby-Borla center-exit exhaust, Shelby-Ford Racing suspension, Shelby-Baer 6-piston front brakes with 14″ Eradispeed rotors, a functional hood scoop, unique front and rear fascias, side skirts, custom gauges, and countless unique Shelby-badged parts under the hood, inside the cabin and around the exterior of the vehicle.
The end result is a significantly increased performance and over 500 horsepower.
References
1. ‘Model year 2011 Shelby…’ view
2. ‘Shelby GT350, Shelby American…’ view
