Shelby Create Commemorative MkII GT40

Shelby 85th Commemorative GT40

To celebrate Carrol Shelby's 85th Birthday

By Clinton Deacon
May 2, 2008 10:29 AM
Filed Under: American, Ford, Tuners

When a man of Carrol Shelby's stature in the automotive industry reaches the grand old young age of 85, there is little more Shelby Automobiles can do to celebrate other than recreate the iconic GT40 with a new 85th commemorative version.

The new MKII GT40 will stay true to the original version featuring the original styling inside and out and comes as a rolling chassis built to accommodate any shelby branded engine which could include the top of the line 427FE V8. Unfortunately as this vehicle is only a rolling chassis, no specs have been released.

Available in three different colors: Arcadian Blue with whites stripes, black with silver stripes and red with white stripes, the MKII GT40 will be limited to a production of 85 units in each color.

A race version will also be made available with extra features including a roll bar, fuel cell and A/C delete, see below for a list of some of the commemorative features on all versions.

Features

Check out the press release below or me details are click here for the huge 49 image photo album.

Press Release

In celebration of Carroll Shelby’s 85TH birthday Shelby Distribution USA under license from Shelby Licensing and in partnership with Shelby Automobiles Inc. will reproduce the three dominating Shelby American GT40® race cars that accomplished one of the greatest feats in American automotive racing history into a street legal vehicle that can be driven or simply collected. These rolling chassis will receive a Shelby Automobiles Inc. MSO and will be recorded in the Shelby Registry along with the Safir GT40 Spares LLC assigned licensed mark, identification number and registry that reflects these cars as newly manufactured variants of the original GT40®.

Chassis/Body

The GT40®’s chassis is a near-exact replication of the original race car’s monocoque unibody structure down to the pressed steel roof. The only departure is the use of electro-galvanized sheet steel in the construction. The chassis, at over 12,000 pounds per degree, is stiffer than any other chassis on the market, and is made of over 244 laser cut and bent or pressed parts.

Engine/Transmission

The Shelby 85th Commemorative GT40® is built to accommodate only a Shelby branded engine. The top of the line engine includes the Shelby 427FE V8.

Original Style Suspension

The Shelby 85th Commemorative GT40® features an original style fully independent suspension system utilizing an unequal length A-arm design. The coilover system utilizes H&R springs and Bilstein shocks that are fully adjustable as well as the front and rear anti-roll bars. Ride height can be changed from 4.125 to 4.75 inches.

Wheels/Tires/Brakes

Incredible braking performance is achieved through vented Wilwood super light brakes. Both front and rear brakes feature 12.75” discs and 4-piston calipers. Original style 15-inch Halibrand wheels are wrapped with high performance BFGoodrich g-Force Drag Radial tires, 225/50/15 front, 275/60/15 rear.

Interior

The interior features original style seats with rivets and 4-point racing harness seat belts. A racing style dash features Smith gauges, and the pedal box, instruments, quick-release 14-inch steering wheel, and dash accurately replicate the original.

Unique 85th Commemorative Edition GT40® Features

The MKII Shelby GT40®’s will be based on the following cars. Only 85 of each color will be issued.

Car #1, Chassis P/1015: Arcadian Blue, White Stripes/Dark Blue borders, and Dayglo Red Fender Flashes

Car #2, Chassis P/1046: Black with solid Silver Stripes and White Roundels

Car #3, Chassis P/1047 Red with solid White Stripes and Roundels

Features Include:

Available Race Version

While the standard Shelby 85th Commemorative GT40® is as close to a race car as one can get to driving on the street, a race version is also available. This package comes with a roll bar, fuel cell and A/C delete.

Vehicle specifications:

Wheelbase: 95”

Length: 163”

Height: 40.5”

Width: 70”

Track (f/r): 57”/56”

Ground Clearance: 4.125” – 4.75”

Curb Weight: 2400 lbs

Weight Distribution: f/r: 40/60%

About Shelby Distribution

Based in Irvine, CA, Shelby Distribution is the official distributor for Shelby continuation cars. Their product lineup includes the CSX4000 Cobra, CSX9000, and the 85th Commemorative GT40. For more information on Shelby continuation cars or to find a dealership, visit www.shelbydistributionusa.com or call 888-SHELBY-USA. The GT40® trademark is owned by Safir GT40 Spares LLC.