2008 SHELBY GT
The 2007 Shelby GT garnered so much interest from collectors that the Mustang GT-based Shelby was given a second year of production for 2008. The big news for '08 was the introduction of a convertible version and new exterior colors. The cars followed the same formula as the '07 models – all built in Ford's Flat Rock, Michigan, Mustang plant before being shipped to Shelby Automobiles in Las Vegas for the transformation from Mustang GT to Shelby GT.
The new convertible model featured additional bracing to give the car added stiffness, plus a light bar reminiscent of the Shelby Mustang ragtops from the 1960s. Also new was the availability of Vista Blue exterior paint with silver striping – as well as a limited run of Grabber Orange cars (called Shelby GT-C) made for sale exclusively in California, plus a very small number of Shelby GTs done in Black paint with Red stripes (dubbed Barrett-Jackson Edition) that were sold exclusively in Arizona.
Whether in coupe or convertible form, the 2008 Shelby GT received all of the styling and performance upgrades that came on the '07 models. Unique fascias, grille, bodyside scoops and more came as part of the standard "Shelby Upfitters Package." As in the previous year, all 2008 Shelby GTs received Silver Le Mans-style stripes (except for Red on the Barrett-Jackson Edition cars), plus were upgraded with the Ford Racing Power Pack and Handling Pack, giving them a slight increase in horsepower over a standard Mustang GT and a performance-tuned suspension that provided a 1.5-inch drop for improved handling.
With only a two-year production run, the Shelby GT has already become a collectible in the Mustang world. For many owners, it was the perfect way to get the upgraded performance, looks and exclusivity of a modern Shelby Mustang without moving all the way up the price ladder to the Shelby GT500.