Did you ever think that there would be a modern Ford that is rarer than the Ferrari LaFerrari? Well, that just so happens to be the case.
To commemorate the Shelby GT350's 50th anniversary, Ford has decided to actually sell 137 units of the GT350 and GT350R for the 2015 model year. An interesting move considering the cars aren't that old on auto show circuit. But, in an effort to remain true to the original as well as make these 2015 MY cars extra special, it seems Ford will be keeping production super tight.
So, here's what's going to happen. Ford is going to build 137 units with a specialized VIN for 2015 and then once it produces that 137th car, from that point on the vehicles will be 2016 model year cars.
You must be asking yourselves by now "Why 37? Seems to be a peculiar number." According to Ford folklore, Carroll Shelby insisted that the 1965 GT350 competition model was produced the following way: 35 production models plus two prototypes.
Here's the funny thing, though. Ford even admits that most records only show 34 production models were assigned serial numbers. Perhaps Shelby kept one for himself?
For MORE information, please check out the press release below!
Ford's press release follows:
FORD ANNOUNCES LIMITED RUN FOR 2015 SHELBY GT350; ONLY 37 GT350R MODELS TO BE BUILT
Ford to produce limited run of 2015 Shelby® GT350 to commemorate the nameplate's 50th anniversary
2015 Shelby GT350 comes with a unique 2015 VIN – the envy of Shelby enthusiasts everywhere
Limited run of 37 Shelby GT350R models to be built in homage to original GT350 competition model of 1965
In recognition of the 50th anniversary of the Shelby GT350, Ford will build a limited run of Shelby GT350 and GT350R Mustangs for 2015.
The original Shelby GT350, introduced in 1965, established Mustang's performance credentials on racetracks around the world. The all-new Shelby GT350, featuring the most powerful naturally aspirated Ford production engine ever, re-establishes Mustang as a world-class sports car.
Only 100 Shelby GT350 models will feature a 2015 model year designation before production switches over to 2016. Of these, 50 will be equipped with the Technology Package and 50 equipped with the Track Package.
"Fans of the Shelby brand are among the most passionate in the automotive industry," said Henry Ford III, Ford Performance marketing manager. "To honor the passion of our fans for Shelby GT350's 50th anniversary, a limited run of GT350 models will be built in 2015; these cars will be highly coveted by both Mustang and Shelby enthusiasts alike."
2015 Shelby GT350R: Celebrating 50 years of a pony car legend
In 1965, Carroll Shelby developed and sold an FIA-homologated Mustang called the Shelby GT350 competition model. This race-ready Mustang took to tracks around the world, competing in the most prestigious races and against the stiffest competition there was. In addition to winning the Sports Car Club of America's B Production national championship in 1965, 1966 and 1967, the car entered races throughout South America and Europe, including the 1967 24 Hours of Le Mans.
There is heated debate among Shelby enthusiasts over how many 1965 GT350 competition models were built during the extremely limited production run. While Carroll Shelby insisted two prototype cars and 35 production models were built, most records show only 34 production models received serial numbers from the Shelby production facility.
For 2015, Ford will make sure there is no confusion about the number of GT350R models constructed; 37 cars will be built in Carroll Shelby's memory.
**The 2015 Detroit Auto Show (NAIAS) photo galleries are sponsored by Lexus.
(NAIAS) Detroit Auto Show
