If you're a Shelby Mustang fan and you're looking to expand your garage of collector's items, we recommend setting some of your fortune aside to acquire something truly special: the Shelby Centennial Edition Mustang.
A small batch of Centennial Edition Mustangs will be produced in the US and another 21 will be distributed to overseas countries as Shelby celebrates the 100th birthday of company founder, Carroll Shelby. Three of these one-of-a-kind models have been acquired by Shelby South Africa and are now available for purchase through the company’s regional mod stores. (Read our driving impression of the 2022 Limited Edition Ford Mustang California Special here.)
Carroll Shelby, who was born on January 11th, 1923, had a rich and interesting life that resulted in his being a cultural hero in the world of motorsport and muscle cars. Shelby, who was born and raised in Texas, was the second American to win the overall Le Mans race in 1959 and won the country’s first FIA sports car world championship.
“Carroll never claimed to be an engineer, designer or mechanic,” says Gary Patterson, President of Shelby American. “He believed he was best at putting people together. From the group of hot-rodders he banded together to take on the world’s racing elite, Carroll understood that motivated people can achieve almost anything,” says Patterson.
“This new, limited-edition car celebrates Carroll Shelby and honours his many achievements,” says Vince LaViolette, Shelby American Vice President of Operations and Chief of R&D. “To properly honour him required us to build a car that was truly born to run. Our new Carroll Shelby Centennial Edition Mustang is a well-balanced car that is far more than just a horsepower upgrade. We sharpened the handling and enhanced the styling of the world-class 5.0-litre V8 Mustang GT. It delivers all the performance that Carroll required to have his name on a car.”
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The 2023 Ford Mustang GT serves as the foundation for the Centennial edition, which is offered as a fastback or convertible with a manual or automatic gearbox. The powerful 5.0-litre V8 has a supercharger installed to boost its regular output from 330kW to a whopping 560kW.
A Shelby performance radiator and Shelby fluid caps are further engine improvements. Across the entire rev range, a free-flowing Borla exhaust system contributes to maximising the V8’s distinctive sound.
Performance springs and sway bars have been employed to give the Centennial quicker, more direct handling on the track without sacrificing its on-road comfort.
According to Shelby, the ability to fine-tune and customise the caster and camber plates unlocks even more dynamic accuracy in turns. Behind the front wheels you’ll find pair of Brembo brakes that provide powerful stopping capability.
The Centennial Edition is aesthetically distinguished from the well-known Super Snake by a dazzling array of custom performance components, such as the intimidating 20-inch alloys wrapped in high-performance rubber and wider front fenders to fit them.
The Shelby upper grille, rear spoiler, Shelby tail panel, side rocker wings, and matte black vinyl striping give the vehicle more visual impact. Thanks to Shelby floor mats, a revised gauge cluster, door sill plates, and an upgrade to Shelby-spec leather, the slightly retro, bad-boy interior immediately exudes a sense of performance.
With each of the new Centennial Edition vehicles sold, a donation to the Carroll Shelby Foundation will be made, to mark this special occasion.
The Carroll Shelby Centennial Edition starts at R2 800 000. Only 100 cars will be available worldwide, making them future classics and a sound investment.
Source: Ford SA Newsroom
Keyword: Meet Shelby's Centennial Edition Mustang!