2011 Shelby GT350 Mustang Roars in to Barrett-Jackson Auction

Jan 19, 2010

SCOTTSDALE, Arizona — A supercharged concept version of the Shelby GT350 Mustang is commanding much of the spotlight at this week's 39th Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction here.

Shelby American unveiled the concept of the Mustang-based 2011 Shelby GT350 to honor the 45th anniversary of the first GT350 and the first Shelby big-block Cobra. A limited number of Shelby GT350s will be built in the 2011 model year, said Shelby American in a statement. The upfitting has a base price of $33,995 and does not include the price of the Mustang GT. Pricing on the 2011 Ford Mustang GT with the new 412-horsepower 5.0-liter V8 has not been announced.

The GT350 gets a traditional white paint job with Shelby Guardsman blue Le Mans stripes. Other cosmetic details include a new front fascia, taillight trim, front splitter, rear deck-lid filler panel and rear fascia. Functional scoops are located on the side rockers and hood.

Ford Racing supercharged the 5.0 V8 engine with "a goal of 500 horsepower," said Shelby American. Blue Shelby GT350 valve covers and billet caps set off the engine. The special model has a Baer brake system, 19-inch Cragar wheels and Goodyear tires.

"Enthusiasts have anticipated the GT350's return since it went out of production in 1970," said Carroll Shelby, founder of Shelby American, in a statement. "Now, my band of hot-rodders has created a car worthy of the name."

Inside Line says: Leave it to Mustang and Carroll Shelby to jolt the already high-powered Barrett-Jackson auction. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent