Ford News: Ford Caps Shelby Mustang Production to 137 for 2015 Model Year

[William Maley]

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While the full production of the Shelby Mustang GT350 and GT350R kicks off next year, Ford announced that it will be doing a limited run of 2015 GT350 and GT350R models for the 2015 model year.

Ford will build 100 GT350s with 50 of them being equipped with the Technology package - MagnaRide magnetic dampers, SYNC 3 with navigation, and dual-zone climate control -, while the other 50 will come with the Track package - MagnaRide magnetic dampers, additional cooling for the engine, transmission, and differential; and a front strut-tower brace.

Meanwhile, Ford will only build 37 GT350Rs for 2015. Why 37? This is pay homage to Carroll Shelby who planned on building 35 GT350s in 1964. Along with 2 prototypes, total production was 37 vehicles.

Source: Ford

Press Release is on Page 2

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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.

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