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New Page 1 2007 Shelby GT Hertz

2007 Shelby GT Mustang
The True 2007 Shelby Mustang
The story continues. You probably read that Hertz is going to be renting a Shelby GT at a handful of its airport locations. There is going to be about 500 of these cars produced. And you probably know that Ford is offering a SVT Shelby GT500 through its Ford dealers at a premium over sticker. Well, let's add to the story. Shelby Automotive in Las Vegas, where the Hertz cars are being built, is going to offer a for sale version of the Hertz Shelby GT. Confused yet?

Yes, it seems that there are two distinct 2007 Shelby Mustangs. The Ford SVT version has the supercharger and is selling for $20,000+ over list price. The Hertz model is not for sale (yet) but there is a version of the Hertz car that will be for sale from Shelby Automotive.
You can't fault Shelby Automotive from wanting to get in on the new Shelby Mustang. Its been a tough couple of years for Carroll Shelby International. The company lost $2 million in 2003, $4 million in 2004 and $5.9 million in 2005. The share price dropped from a high of $5.50 a share to 23 cents a share on June 29. 

Amy Boylan was recruited to take over as President of the company. Her claim to fame was she ran the Hot Wheels collectible toy operation for Mattel. Amy and the Shelby team couldn't miss this opportunity. Boylan says CSI should break even this year.

A fact to add to this story is apparently when Ford dealers were asking for more GT500's Ford cut a side deal with Shelby Automotive to produce 10,000 of the Shelby GT's. 

What makes this version of the 2007 Shelby GT special? 

  • The cars are based on a stock Ford Mustang GT and modified at Shelby Automobiles, Inc. just like in the 60's.

  • The only exterior colors are black or white. The side rocker panel stripes and the over the hood/body stripes are all silver. And to add the perfect touch, the rocker panel stripes also have "Shelby GT" behind the tire, on the lower front fenders. Looks great! 

  • Each car is fitted with a custom Shelby Performance hood with pins, and a brushed aluminum grille with running horse emblem (instead of the Cobra the SVT version has.) A unique front fascia with integrated lower grille, and a set of body side scoops – very reminiscent of a classic Shelby Mustang gives this version a distinct look.  The car has 18-inch aluminum wheels wearing P235/55ZR18 performance rubber. 

  • In typical Shelby fashion, the motors are not stock Ford GT.  Ford Racing Performance Group is supplying its popular Power Pack (FR1) to add an additional 25-horsepower bump to the 300-horse Mustang GT 4.6L V-8 and an increase of 10 lb.-ft. of torque. The package includes Ford Racing’s 90mm Cold Air kit, the Muffler Kit, a new X-pipe similar to the one used on the new SVT version, a performance calibration and a cat-back performance exhaust gives the car a unique throaty sound.
  • The cars will be offered with the same five-speed automatic transmissions the Hertz cars have plus a 5 speed stock manual with a precise Hurst short-shifter. The traction lock control will not be locked so you can switch it on or off.
  • The Shelby version comes with Ford's Racing Handling Pack (FR3) installed, including special-tuned dampers inspired from the FR500C, lowering springs, sway bars and a strut tower brace – plus a Ford Racing 3.55:1 ratio rear axle assembly for greater off-the-line acceleration. By production time it is expected that a 3.73 rear end will be available as an option with the 5-speed only.
  • The car will be offered in white or black with silver racing stripes. The LeMans stripes extend over the hood, roof, and trunk, and are complemented by matching side stripes with “Shelby GT” on the rocker panel.
  • The Shelby GT has a new hood scoop that comes directly from the famed Shelby Cobra roadster. And this car has the side scoops missing from the GT500.
  • The Shelby GT features an authentication plate on the center dashboard, as well as matching tag underhood. This tag features the CSX number, which is recorded in the Shelby Automobiles registry.

Shelby GT models will begin as a stock Mustang GT assembled at AutoAlliance International assembly plant in Flat Rock, Mich. The cars will then shipped to the Shelby Automobiles facility in Las Vegas for modification before delivery to certain Ford dealerships.

Ford Racing is working closely with Shelby Automotive's engineers and technicians at the assembly facility in Las Vegas during the build-out of the Hertz cars which is a good thing for the Shelby GT retail version as well.

So this car is may not be the fire breathing, burn off the tires SVT version is, but is a GT Mustang that has been modified at Shelby Automotive in Las Vegas. Ring a bell yet? It does have a Shelby serial number and 350 horses. The price is expected to be in the $35,000 range about $5-$7,000 more than a stock Mustang GT.
Boylan and Shelby Automotive have some things on their plate coming up. Take a tour of their web page and check out more details on the Shelby Hertz car and the other projects. Click here for a link to ShelbyAutos,com or go here to read more about the Shelby GT at Shelby Automotive's web page.

Pictures courtesy of ShelbyAutos.com