It was on January 27th, 1965 that Caroll Shelby launched the first Mustang called a GT350. So it feels very fitting that almost 60 years later the latest car has arrived, set to be made in limited numbers by Shelby American and promising ‘a car that’s thrilling on both the street and the track.’
Sadly the Voodoo engine of before isn’t here, the flat-plane crank monster that revved beyond 8,000rpm and made 520hp. Perhaps that can return for a Ford factory special. These Shelbys make do with the ordinary 5.0-litre Coyote V8 with 480hp, though there is the option of a 3.0-litre Whipple supercharger to add almost 70 per cent more power - 810hp in total. Shelby says that the setup presents no concerns in terms of usability, regardless of environment, while delivering ‘an exhilarating surge of acceleration.’ They’ll even let you keep a manual gearbox, if so desired. A Borla exhaust should ensure an outrageous soundtrack.
Containing that rampant power is… well, not very much, it seems, Shelby’s GT350 upgrade comprising new springs, anti-roll bars and ‘performance tyres’. Flow forged wheels look smart and will save some unsprung pounds, but this feels like a less drastic ‘350 overhaul than the previous Ford version. If the ‘Le Mans-style striping’ doesn’t give the game away to passersby, the 2025 GT350 will be marked out by its new bonnet with cooling vent, reprofiled grilles, more aggressive front splitter and motorsport-style rear spoiler. There are some Shelby goodies inside as well, including limited edition plaques - just 526 will be made. And if that seems an odd number to choose, it’s because it’s a homage to the original 562 examples of the Shelby Mustang, split between 526 GT350s and 36 GT350Rs…
For those who think the standard edition seems a bit meek, the R will surely be much more like it. “While the Shelby GT350 street car is civilized enough for a daily commute, the Shelby GT350R was built for the serious weekend track warrior,” said Vince La Violette, Shleby’s VP of Operations. “Embracing the character of the 1965 competition model Shelby, our focus was on lightening the car, sharpening the performance and keeping it cool on the road course.” They’ve certainly done that alright: the only powertrain choice is the supercharged V8, with more than 830hp, and the six-speed manual. Which is quite punchy.
Additionally, the GT350R gets JRI race suspension with remote reservoir dampers, Alcon brakes, a carbon fibre aero kit and a very serious roll cage. Shelby wants to campaign a Mustang back in Trans-Am again, much like the original GT350, and is working with Turn Key to do that - this R is the start of their work together. The race car should be ready for 2026.
“Behind the wheel, it's very apparent that this car is worthy of the iconic Shelby GT350 name”, said Gary Patterson, Shelby American President. “Just as Carroll Shelby envisioned in 1965, this sports car is designed to be exhilarating and competitive on both the street and track.” Which promises a great deal, given the base GT is so well sorted already. There’s a price to follow for the wild R (though only white will be offered, because race car); a supercharged GT350 will cost $110,000, or £88k currently. Not an awful lot more, in fact, than the previous 5.2-litre car might cost in the UK…
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