Shelby Unveils Classic 25-Year-Old Coupe Worth $500,000

New 2020 Coupe: Half a Million Price Tag, Less Weight and Solid Roof Upgrade from 1997 Series 1.

Do you remember the Shelby Series 1? It was first launched in 1997 as a bizarre-looking supercar with a catfish-like face, created by Shelby American. The car boasted modern technology and promised to deliver performance similar to that of the iconic Cobra. However, it ended up being a disappointment for buyers due to its use of parts from the Oldsmobile Aurora’s inventory, leading to significant quality issues. With only 249 units produced, it’s no surprise if you have forgotten about this car. Fast forward to 2018, when the Series 2 was unveiled, claiming to address all the problems of its predecessor. And now, 25 years after the debut of the Series 1, orders are now available for ten Series 2 coupes, licensed and manufactured by Wingard Motorsports.

Although this is not the initial production of the Series 2, as four were previously sold in 2018 under Wingard’s license, it marks the first occasion that the Shelby Series 2 will be offered as a hardtop coupe. Out of the total of ten coupes, three will be constructed entirely from aluminum while the remaining seven will feature carbon-fiber body panels. Wingard’s approach involves producing engineless rollers, but they have prepared various drivetrain options for owners to have installed at a later time. These include a Windsor V8 with a sequential six-speed transmission or an unspecified “Performance EV” electric package. The chassis is said to have the capability of handling up to 1,100 horsepower, and all corners will come equipped with six-pot brake calipers as standard, allowing for the possibility of some wild drivetrain choices.

No matter which drivetrain purchasers decide on, they must be financially prepared for the cost. The base price for a carbon fiber Series 2 roller is $385,600, while aluminum-bodied models will start at $498,200. An additional $83,500 will be needed for the most affordable drivetrain option, not including installation fees. This brings the total spending for a new Shelby Series 2 to nearly half a million dollars. Although the cars do not come with engines and are simply constructed under license, they will still receive a Shelby American serial number and be listed in the official registry of Shelby vehicles.

The initial Series 1 was quite a peculiar vehicle, and it’s reassuring to witness the continued utilization of its remaining components in the production of functioning cars. However, let us hold out hope that the hefty price tag of half a million brings forth a more top-of-the-line interior this time around.