Shelby is Selling Some of its Rarest Concept Cars and Prototypes

BOLD RIDE

Copyright © 2016 Bold Ride LLC.

 

Posted by Zach Doell

                               

                                       

Every time a specialty automaker creates a new line of performance vehicles, there’s always a car used to initiate the process and jump-start development. These prototypes and concept cars are rarely sold, many times hidden away in storage, and unfortunately sometimes even dismantled or crushed.
 

Expectedly, getting ahold of one of these rare birds can be a big ask, but not at Shelby American. In a rare twist, the company that Carroll Shelby built will offer some of its most sought-after concept and prototype vehicles up for sale as part of its new Enthusiast Collection. The asking prices start at $100,000 and soar well north from there. That said, these may truly be the great “barn find” cars of the future, and they certainly aren’t short on speed.

The 15 vehicle collection packs in eight highly-tuned Shelby Mustangs, including a 2007 Shelby GT/SC concept car, 2011 GT350 NASCAR pace car, and a 1,000-hp Shelby 1000 prototype. Gary Patterson, Shelby American’s VP of International and Strategic Sales, says a one-of-one Super Snake developed for Need for Speed has already been sold, though it has been replaced with something much rarer indeed… the Ford GT “Workhorse One.”
 

During development of the 2005-2006 Ford GT program, the first running prototype was given the name “Workhorse One.” It was completed in November of 2002, outfitted with a Mustang Cobra dashboard, a largely sparse interior, and powered by a contemporary 4.6-liter 32-valve V8. Its main purpose would be to evaluate and develop the new GT’s suspension setup.

Given that its construction marked quite a historical moment in GT history, it was presented to Carroll Shelby as a gift, who at the time was the Ford GT team’s senior tech advisor. The price for the first ever Ford GT? Expectedly not cheap, serious buyers will have to ask the Shelby team on that one.

Rounding out the Workhorse One and Mustangs are a duo of Shelby 289 FIA Cobras (first and 50th), a unique hydrogen-powered 427 Cobra, a prototype Shelby Raptor Baja 700 truck, as well as a pair of 50th Anniversary Shelby Daytona Coupe continuation models (first and 49th built). The first of the Daytona duo was even signed by Bob Bondurant and Peter Brock.

“Historically Shelby has kept very few of its prototype and concept cars,” says Patterson. “Carroll always preferred them to go to private parties to share and drive versus collecting dust in the museum or warehouse.”

Keeping with that legacy, that’s exactly where these legends will go.