2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Prototype
As we first reported last week, this particular Shelby GT500 can’t be titled and licensed for street use.
However, like many other one-offs, the car’s value comes from its rarity. The prototype vehicle was driven by Ford’s SVT team over thousands of miles and has been signed off by Carroll Shelby himself after personally driving it on many of those miles.
It is largely hand-built and has been driven extensively on Sebring International Raceway, the High-speed Oval track at the Arizona Proving Ground, as well as the Route 66 road course, among others. And if that’s not enough it’s even listed in databases of the Shelby American Registry.
Of course, the buyer had one other very good reason to purchase it. All proceeds from the auction, run by Barrett-Jackson in Scottsdale, Arizona, will be donated by Ford to support the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
If you happen to fancy the new 2013 Shelby GT500 and would like to buy one of your own, the first cars are scheduled to hit showrooms early this summer. As we found out at the car’s debut at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show, they will all come with a supercharged 5.8-liter V-8 rated at 650 horsepower and 600 pound-feet of torque.
Along with the engine, nearly every other vehicle system has been optimized as well, including the brakes, gearing, suspension and aerodynamics.
Note, Ford will also offer two new packages for the 2013 Shelby GT500. Available as part of the optional Performance Package, SVT-designed Bilstein electronic adjustable dampers are accessed on the dash with a simple push of a button, which allow between comfort and sport modes. A Torsen limited-slip differential also comes with this Performance Package.
Customers can also upgrade their Performance Package with an additional Track Package. The option comes with an external engine oil cooler, rear differential cooler and transmission cooler for further durability. For full details check out our preview piece.
