Shelby to end production of iconic GT350 muscle car

LAS VEGAS—The 2013 will mark the end of the road for production of the Shelby GT350 muscle car.

Shelby American, a wholly owned subsidiary of Carroll Shelby International Inc., has announced that 2013 will be the last year of availability for its car based on the Ford Mustang.

Production of all other Shelby performance cars will continue.

“The Shelby GT350 is one of the world’s most celebrated, iconic muscle cars,” said John Luft, president of Shelby American. “When we unveiled this latest version of the Shelby GT350, we promised it would be built for a limited time to preserve its collectability and value. So we’ve been preparing for this day since 2010.”

The first model year 45th Anniversary Shelby GT350’s in 2011 were all coupes clad in Competition white with Guardsmen blue stripes, just as Shelby American did with the initial car in 1965.

In 2012, three more colors (red, blue and anniversary black/gold), as well as a convertible option were offered, similar to the options offered by Shelby American in 1966.

For the 2013 model year, Shelby American again followed tradition with expanded color options, equipment choices and styling changes, while the performance improvements remained intact.

The concept behind the current GT350 was to build a car that is light, nimble and powerful. Beginning with the “small block” 5.0 liter Ford Mustang GT as its base, every aspect of the car is enhanced or replaced to create the ultimate, balanced performance pony car that is true to the spirit of the 1960’s era Shelby GT350.

Orders are now being taken for all 2012 – 2014 model year Shelby American GT350’s through the end of 2013; As of January 1, 2014, this chapter of Shelby American history will close. Production will continue on the Shelby GTS, GT500 Super Snake and Shelby 1000, Shelby Raptor muscle truck and hot hatch Shelby Focus ST.