DETROIT (WJRT) -
(01/12/12) - Shelby American is famous for turning Ford Mustangs into powerful street stallions. Now the company is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a special display at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit.
The DNA in Shelby Mustangs can be traced back to 1962. That's when Carroll Shelby began making high performance auto parts.
"Since 2012 is the 50th anniversary, we kicked off our celebration right here in Detroit with three new limited production vehicles," said John Luft, Shelby American president.
The lead horse in the Mustang corral is the Super Snake.
"It's 800 horsepower. It's truly the rock star of the line up," Luft said.
Luft says the Super Snake is street legal in all 50 states, but you have to look fast -- it can go from zero to 60 in about 3.6 seconds.
"A typical Super Snake is around $90,000. That's the combination of the base vehicle and the Shelby upfit," said Luft.
Only 300 Super Snakes will be built this year. Think of it as an investment because it could increase in value while sitting in your garage.
"In fact, a recent printed article said that Shelby appreciation value over the years surpasses gold. It's certainly a good investment," Luft said.
Not everyone who buys a Shelby Mustang is super rich.
"We have people that have saved their entire life. Their father owned a Shelby, their grandfather owned a Shelby. They've named their child Shelby and put their money together to buy a Shelby," Luft explained.
If the Super Snake is more Mustang than you care to handle, there are tamer horses in the stable. You could get a GT-350 with only 525 horsepower or a GT-S.
"The GT-S is based on either the six cylinder platform or the V8 platform and is really designed to be your first Shelby," said the company's president.
Whatever model you like, Shelbys share some common traits.
"It looks good, sounds good, performs and handles well," said Luft.
For more information on Shelby American, click here.
