Carroll Shelby puts the approval stamp on the GT500

**jdv** · 07-05-2005, 08:01 PM

Racing Legend Puts Stamp of Approval on Ford's Newest Mustang

Press Release
By: Chris Kassab | Ford Communications Network

SVT director Hau Thai-Tang (left) and autmotive icon Carroll Shelby stand in front of the 2007 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 at the AutoAlliance International plant in Flat Rock, Mich. Find out more about the Ford Mustang at fordvehicles.com and the GT500 Concept at caranddriver.com.

FLAT ROCK, Mich.-- Employees at the AutoAlliance International (AAI) plant in Flat Rock, Mich., were a little star-struck recently when car and racing legend Carroll Shelby stopped by for a rare visit.
"This is the next best thing to being next to God," said Samuel Crawford, who works in the body shop at the plant. "I've always wanted to meet Carroll Shelby. I've followed his career from an early age. In my life, I never thought I would have the chance to get this close."

Shelby, 82, visited the plant to meet and thank the people who worked to build the Shelby Cobra GT500 prototypes.

"One of the most important things about building anything is the people who build it," said Shelby. "I want them to know that their work is appreciated and that they're the backbone of this company."

Shelby recounted stories of his early days growing up in Texas, his lifelong relationship with Ford Motor Company and his passion for sports cars. There was complete silence in the room as he spoke. Clearly, the group was mesmerized.

"These are the kind of things that make it all worthwhile," said Beth Calhoun, vehicle line specialist, Vehicle Operations, referring to Shelby's visit. "The long hours, the late nights, the dedication -- this brings it home."

"This is a great chance for the people at AAI who have worked so hard on this car to meet Shelby and get to know the man who inspired the product," said Hau Thai-Tang, director, Advanced Product Creation and SVT. "He's been very much engaged from the beginning not only in terms of providing design input, but really helping to inspire the team to understand what the Shelby name stands for and what it means in the marketplace."

In many ways, the Shelby Cobra GT500 is very reminiscent of the 1968 Shelby Cobra, and that's no accident.

"You'll see a lot of physical resemblances like the hood execution with the two scoops, the front grille and the body stripes down the middle as well as on the sides of the car," said Thai-Tang. "All of those things are inspired by the original Shelby Mustangs."

Under the hood, the GT500 will be equipped with a 5.4-liter DOHC supercharged V-8 engine, producing an extraordinary more than 450 horsepower and more than 450 foot-pounds of torque.

"This is going to be the best Mustang ever," said Thai-Tang. "The GT500 is going to be the most powerful Mustang to ever wear the Ford, SVT or Shelby badges."

Shelby recognized the success of the Mustang and predicts an enthusiastic response to the GT500 when the car is launched in the fall of 2006.

"We're selling more Mustangs now than we can make," said Shelby. "The company needs a spark plug like that to give it some morale. We're going through some hard times. And I hope just about the time that trails off a little bit, which we know it will someday, the GT500 is going to give it another kick in the pants."

Shelby signed hats, books and posters before taking a tour of the plant. His influence on the automotive industry have led some to describe him was "living legend."

"I'm not a legend. I'm just a lucky country boy who loved what he did and was fortunate enough to be able to do that all my life," said Shelby.

Shelby

JonJon · 07-05-2005, 08:14 PM

it'd be fun to drives

tomustang · 07-06-2005, 04:00 AM

Ok so Shelby did what to the SVT Cobra besides give it a longer name and a stamp?

340.29m/s · 07-06-2005, 05:17 AM

I'd drive one!

Murph · 07-06-2005, 05:50 AM

Everybody knows it is basiclly just a Svt Cobra with Shelby's name on it, but that being said it is still one hell of a car!

JonJon · 07-06-2005, 07:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tomustang

Ok so Shelby did what to the SVT Cobra besides give it a longer name and a stamp?

he touched it
with left pinky toe

Murph · 07-06-2005, 08:50 AM

Basiclly he took it for a test drive and beat the hell out of it and said, good enough for me!

Cali Korleone · 07-06-2005, 10:20 AM

Any word yet on the price of the new Shelby Mustang? And whats the final name for it? 2007 Ford SVT Mustang Shelby Cobra G.T. 500

Murph · 07-06-2005, 10:25 AM

Ford execs are promising that it will be about $40,000!

**jdv** · 07-06-2005, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaliLifeStyle

Any word yet on the price of the new Shelby Mustang? And whats the final name for it? 2007 Ford SVT Mustang Shelby Cobra G.T. 500

Yes, and under 40,000

UCBeau · 07-06-2005, 10:59 AM

he kind of has to put his stamp of approval on it, after all, he is under contract to ford. this article is just more ford propoganda.

UCBeau · 07-06-2005, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tomustang

Ok so Shelby did what to the SVT Cobra besides give it a longer name and a stamp?

gave ford an excuse to jack hte price up 3,000 more dollars

ryanrule · 07-06-2005, 11:13 AM

r u bitter bow?

**jdv** · 07-06-2005, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UCBeau

gave ford an excuse to jack hte price up 3,000 more dollars

You're getting significantly more for 3,000 more over the 03/04 Cobra's.

Tonto-T · 07-06-2005, 06:16 PM

it costs Ford 300 bucks for Shelby to breathe near a car... he makes money by just exsisting at this point.

UCBeau · 07-06-2005, 06:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ryanrule

r u bitter bow?

haha nope, i have some issues with it but i am still on the waiting list

**jdv** · 07-22-2005, 12:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tonto-T

it costs Ford 300 bucks for Shelby to breathe near a car... he makes money by just exsisting at this point.

He makes money just by existing, because he has the reputation.

DeviousDeX · 07-22-2005, 03:32 AM

screw it....not a mustang fan at all...sorry for those who are but cant stand them....ide rather walk.....but i read somewhere that shelby branded the dodge dakota sometime ago as a shelby dakota....old box style but it didnt last long...not sure if thats true..if anyone knows for sure feel free to point it out

Cali Korleone · 07-22-2005, 07:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeviousDeX

screw it....not a mustang fan at all...sorry for those who are but cant stand them....ide rather walk.....but i read somewhere that shelby branded the dodge dakota sometime ago as a shelby dakota....old box style but it didnt last long...not sure if thats true..if anyone knows for sure feel free to point it out

He did some work for Chrysler back in the '80's. My friend had a Shelby Dodge Daytona Turbo once.

Faaip de Oiad · 07-22-2005, 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JonJon

he touched it
with left pinky toe

Good enough for me!!

Faaip de Oiad · 07-22-2005, 07:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jadesville

SVT director Hau Thai-Tang (left) and autmotive icon Carroll Shelby

Glad they clarified that one!

Tonto-T · 07-22-2005, 07:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Faaip de Oiad

Glad they clarified that one!

hahahaah

lmao

semperfi510 · 07-22-2005, 12:35 PM

DUDE why is everyone and there mom putting stripes on ther 05 cars.

Cobra stripes are fine but seems every 05 is doing it like its a trend

Cali Korleone · 07-22-2005, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by semperfi510

DUDE why is everyone and there mom putting stripes on ther 05 cars.

Cobra stripes are fine but seems every 05 is doing it like its a trend

Cuz it looks good in stripes. Just like the Viper and Ford GT. What would you rather see them put? Altezzas?

semperfi510 · 07-22-2005, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaliLifeStyle

Cuz it looks good in stripes. Just like the Viper and Ford GT. What would you rather see them put? Altezzas?

Um on speciality cars that come with them is fine but on every fuckin 05 car even v6's doing them is gay

I got stripes on my car now but not every 99-04 car has them. Um and your gay for even suggesting altezzas

07-05-2005, 08:01 PM	#1
jdv the polarbear conservation corps protects a polarbear homie straight outa' compton because polarbears love klondike bars Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 34,185	Carroll Shelby puts the approval stamp on the GT500 Racing Legend Puts Stamp of Approval on Ford's Newest Mustang Press Release By: Chris Kassab \| Ford Communications Network SVT director Hau Thai-Tang (left) and autmotive icon Carroll Shelby stand in front of the 2007 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 at the AutoAlliance International plant in Flat Rock, Mich. Find out more about the Ford Mustang at fordvehicles.com and the GT500 Concept at caranddriver.com. FLAT ROCK, Mich.-- Employees at the AutoAlliance International (AAI) plant in Flat Rock, Mich., were a little star-struck recently when car and racing legend Carroll Shelby stopped by for a rare visit. "This is the next best thing to being next to God," said Samuel Crawford, who works in the body shop at the plant. "I've always wanted to meet Carroll Shelby. I've followed his career from an early age. In my life, I never thought I would have the chance to get this close." Shelby, 82, visited the plant to meet and thank the people who worked to build the Shelby Cobra GT500 prototypes. "One of the most important things about building anything is the people who build it," said Shelby. "I want them to know that their work is appreciated and that they're the backbone of this company." Shelby recounted stories of his early days growing up in Texas, his lifelong relationship with Ford Motor Company and his passion for sports cars. There was complete silence in the room as he spoke. Clearly, the group was mesmerized. "These are the kind of things that make it all worthwhile," said Beth Calhoun, vehicle line specialist, Vehicle Operations, referring to Shelby's visit. "The long hours, the late nights, the dedication -- this brings it home." "This is a great chance for the people at AAI who have worked so hard on this car to meet Shelby and get to know the man who inspired the product," said Hau Thai-Tang, director, Advanced Product Creation and SVT. "He's been very much engaged from the beginning not only in terms of providing design input, but really helping to inspire the team to understand what the Shelby name stands for and what it means in the marketplace." In many ways, the Shelby Cobra GT500 is very reminiscent of the 1968 Shelby Cobra, and that's no accident. "You'll see a lot of physical resemblances like the hood execution with the two scoops, the front grille and the body stripes down the middle as well as on the sides of the car," said Thai-Tang. "All of those things are inspired by the original Shelby Mustangs." Under the hood, the GT500 will be equipped with a 5.4-liter DOHC supercharged V-8 engine, producing an extraordinary more than 450 horsepower and more than 450 foot-pounds of torque. "This is going to be the best Mustang ever," said Thai-Tang. "The GT500 is going to be the most powerful Mustang to ever wear the Ford, SVT or Shelby badges." Shelby recognized the success of the Mustang and predicts an enthusiastic response to the GT500 when the car is launched in the fall of 2006. "We're selling more Mustangs now than we can make," said Shelby. "The company needs a spark plug like that to give it some morale. We're going through some hard times. And I hope just about the time that trails off a little bit, which we know it will someday, the GT500 is going to give it another kick in the pants." Shelby signed hats, books and posters before taking a tour of the plant. His influence on the automotive industry have led some to describe him was "living legend." "I'm not a legend. I'm just a lucky country boy who loved what he did and was fortunate enough to be able to do that all my life," said Shelby. Shelby

07-05-2005, 08:14 PM	#2
JonJon Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: snowboarding Posts: 28,164	it'd be fun to drives __________________

07-06-2005, 04:00 AM	#3
tomustang Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Northampton County, Pa Posts: 1,686	Ok so Shelby did what to the SVT Cobra besides give it a longer name and a stamp? __________________ Tom ©

07-06-2005, 05:17 AM	#4
340.29m/s Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: KC, Mo Posts: 6,327	I'd drive one! __________________ I don't believe in signatures. Well, except for this one.

07-06-2005, 10:20 AM	#8
Cali Korleone Megaman says that I'm Too Gangsta 4 A CT. Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Rosewood Ave, CA Posts: 13,517	Any word yet on the price of the new Shelby Mustang? And whats the final name for it? 2007 Ford SVT Mustang Shelby Cobra G.T. 500 __________________

07-06-2005, 05:50 AM	#5
Murph Legendary Veteran Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: MD Posts: 594	Everybody knows it is basiclly just a Svt Cobra with Shelby's name on it, but that being said it is still one hell of a car!

07-06-2005, 08:50 AM	#7
Murph Legendary Veteran Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: MD Posts: 594	Basiclly he took it for a test drive and beat the hell out of it and said, good enough for me!

07-06-2005, 10:25 AM	#9
Murph Legendary Veteran Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: MD Posts: 594	Ford execs are promising that it will be about $40,000!

07-06-2005, 10:59 AM	#11
UCBeau Legendary Veteran Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: San Diego Posts: 8,602	he kind of has to put his stamp of approval on it, after all, he is under contract to ford. this article is just more ford propoganda.

07-06-2005, 11:13 AM	#13
ryanrule change my ct Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Madison. Go boobies. Posts: 5,686	r u bitter bow? __________________ You think you're hot shit in a champagne glass, but you're really cold diarrhea in a Dixie cup!

07-06-2005, 06:16 PM	#15
Tonto-T Former Manwhore Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 8,447	it costs Ford 300 bucks for Shelby to breathe near a car... he makes money by just exsisting at this point.

07-22-2005, 03:32 AM	#18
DeviousDeX Legendary Veteran Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Welcome to the world of tomorrow! Oh LS Posts: 519	screw it....not a mustang fan at all...sorry for those who are but cant stand them....ide rather walk.....but i read somewhere that shelby branded the dodge dakota sometime ago as a shelby dakota....old box style but it didnt last long...not sure if thats true..if anyone knows for sure feel free to point it out __________________ The proud owner of 2 3rd gen Preludes, a 94' Formula Firebird, and a 2005 Dodge Ram Got computer problems? Give me a call I'll get you all fixed up. http://Simplistic-Computers.com

07-22-2005, 12:35 PM	#23
semperfi510 Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: San Diego Posts: 1,215	DUDE why is everyone and there mom putting stripes on ther 05 cars. Cobra stripes are fine but seems every 05 is doing it like its a trend __________________ Support your Troops!

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