Shelby American, a wholly owned subsidiary of Carroll Shelby International Inc., will auction serial #1 of the Barrett-Jackson Edition Shelby GT at this year’s Barrett-Jackson Reno-Tahoe auction, taking place from July 31 – Aug 2 in Reno, Nevada. The convertible muscle car, clad in black with red stripes, is slated to be sold before an international audience on Aug. 1 (Lot #725). This 2008 model year program was created by Shelby American, Barrett-Jackson and Ford Motor Company; production was limited to 100 badged and serial numbered cars.
“This convertible was the first prototype for the Barrett-Jackson series Ford Shelby GT,” said Joe Conway, CEO of Shelby American and co-CEO of Shelby International, Inc. “This unique GT is a celebration of the collaborative endeavors between Shelby American, Barrett-Jackson and Ford Motor Company. We’re especially excited about auctioning serial #1 at the very auction that inspired its creation.”
The Barrett-Jackson edition Ford Shelby GT comes equipped with a “small block” 4.6 liter Ford Mustang GT engine that is enhanced to 319HP with 330 lb. per feet of torque. The car also includes an upgraded suspension, featuring special springs, dampers, sway bars and 3.55 to 1 gear ratio rear end. Additionally, this model features a Hurst shifter, hood scoop, hood pins, side scoops, special badging, a billet grill with Mustang pony, light bars on the convertibles and a Shaker 1000 stereo system.
“The 100 Shelby GT Barrett-Jackson Mustangs were the only GT’s offered in all black with red stripes in the 2008 model year,” said Shelby American Executive Vice President of Operations Gary Davis. “This particular car is the first of only 10 convertibles with a manual transmission. It’s a rare, exceptional muscle car for the true collector and enthusiast.”
The Barrett-Jackson edition Ford Shelby GT cars are the most exclusive limited production Shelby cars built to date. Available in both coupe and convertible body styles, the 2008 Barrett-Jackson Shelby GTs were sold through Arizona Region Ford dealers. The purchase price of each car included a $250 donation to the Carroll Shelby Children’s Foundation.