Shelby American announced last week that it will build a limited number of GT350 convertibles — a first since 1970 — and that it will offer GT350s in two new colors, Race Red and Kona Blue; both with white LeMans stripes.
Production of the 2011-2012 GT350s intentionally mirrors the way production of the original G.T.350 began. In 1965, Shelby rolled out 563 1965 G.T.350 coupes, all in white with blue stripes. In 1966, Shelby built four convertibles and broadened the color palette.
“Last year, we brought back the GT350 45 years after it was launched,” said Carroll Shelby. “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.”
The plan is to build just 350 of the 2012 GT350 convertibles, in an effort to keep the cars exclusive. The naturally aspirated package starts at $26,995 (that’s on top of the cost of a new Mustang GT coupe or convertible) while the supercharged package sells for $33,995.
The packages are essentially carryovers from the 2011 model year: 430hp for the base car and supercharged versions worth 525hp or 624hp. An automatic transmission is optional with the normally aspirated engine, as well as a short-throw shifter for the manual. The convertible will offer a light bar, while other options include a one-piece driveshaft and color-coordinated billet aluminum engine cap set.
Interestingly, due to a shortage of 5.0 Mustangs from Ford, Shelby said that it built fewer GT350s than it expected in 2011 — so perhaps those will be the ones to own in years to come.
If you’re interested in being the first and probably only on your block to own a brand-new Shelby GT350 coupe or convertible, contact the Shelby American sales department at 702-942-7325, or go to www.shelbyamerican.com. If you can’t afford the car, you can at least download the brochure.
