Cape Town - Shelby Mustangs have previously only been produced for the American, Canadian and Australian markets and seeing one of these vehicles in the metal was rarer for many enthusiasts.
When Wheels24 reported that Shelby would be entering South Africa, local petrolheads were eager to find out how they could get their hands on these iconic, converted Mustangs.
With the Shelby Mod-shop being officially launched in SA in July 2016, the question remains - What does the Shelby SA conversion entail?
Working with the niche
Around 80 Mustangs are imported each month locally and Shelby SA knows that their potential customers are a very small percentage of these owners. Not everyone will opt to convert their Mustangs but those that do will become part of the Shelby family, a lineage that stretches back decades.
READ: Wheels24 Exclusive - South African family pioneers Shelby outside of US
Shelby is not a large volume manufacturer and prefer converting Mustangs in small numbers per month. A Shelby Mustang is "not designed to compete with Italian, German or British supercars", says Peter Lindenberg of Shelby SA, but is instead a unique muscle car.
Lindenberg said: “It’s a proper American muscle car that’s got kick-arse performance and amazing handling at a couple of million rand less than other exotic supercars.”
The conversion explained
Conversions are available in two trims - Shelby GT and Super Snake.
Customers who own the Mustang 5.0 GT will be able to spec their vehicles with the full Shelby conversion. Not only will the body of the standard Mustang be significantly altered to Shelby Super Snake specification but the mechanical aspects will be upgraded too.
The full conversion is available in three power outputs (470kW, 500kW and 560kW) and all components, including the engine and driveshaft will be changed. Only Shelby Mustangs tuned to deliver the full 560kW will receive the legendary Super Snake badge.
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The Shelby GT conversion can be implemented on both Mustang choices and includes alterations to the body, exhaust and new Shelby wheels as well mechanical upgrades including new brakes, a supercharger and suspension. Individual parts and alterations can also be ordered and fitted from the Shelby SA parts department.
If potential owners want their Shelby Mustangs to be track-ready machines, this will be undertaken by Shelby SA (Cape Town) and the vehicle can be tuned to meet your specifications.
Warranties and peace of mind
Customers wanting to have the conversions done will have the peace of mind that Shelby SA will provide a 12-month warranty on components it supplies.
Wheels24 also spoke to Ford SA and the automaker confirmed that it is in talks with Shelby regarding the conversion. Ford SA urges potential buyers to understand what the conversion entails and that their warranty could become void.
Car fans can view these models at Crossley & Webb on July 8 (1pm - 5pm) and 9 (9am - 5pm). Shelby SA merchandise will also be on sale, as well as prizes to be won. In addition, the GP store in Sandton City, Johannesburg, will stock the full range of Shelby apparel.
For more information visit the website.