The World’s First Carbon-Fiber-Bodied 1967 Shelby GT500CR Mustang Announced

As if Eleanor wasn’t cool enough, Classic Recreations has taken the iconic Shelby to the next step.

Based out of Oklahoma, Classic Recreations expertly builds officially-licensed Ford and Shelby American continuation cars and restorations. But to bring the body of the car to a new paradigm in the design world, SpeedKore Performance Group out of Wisconsin will produce carbon fiber bodies for the Shelby GT500CR models. This is the first step in a grand plan to build the next generation of modern high-performance vehicles with vintage American styling. Classic Recreations says their next product will be a Shelby-licensed all-carbon-fiber-bodied Cobra in the future.

“When we decided to build the carbon-fiber-bodied GT500CR Mustangs, we wanted to work with someone who shared our vision for the future of custom car building,” said Jason Engel, Founder and President of Classic Recreations. “Having a supplier that is equally committed to high-quality craftsmanship and producing innovative vehicles is incredibly important to us and we found that matched commitment in SpeedKore.”

Classic Recreations’ standard Shelby GT500CR uses an original ’67 or ’68 Mustang body that is then restored to immaculate condition. However, the new carbon fiber GT500CR begins with a restored donor steel tub, which is then fitted with precise carbon fiber body panels. SpeedKore uses a 3D digital model produced by a blue light scan of an entire GT500CR body. A five-axis CNC machine then cuts the molds, and then plugs and panels are pulled using aerospace-grade prepreg carbon fiber. No, this isn’t NASA building a shuttle.

The molded carbon fiber body panels are cured using a massive in-house autoclave. The end product is the world’s first officially-licensed Shelby Mustang boasting perfect carbon fiber weave alignment that is lighter and stronger than an all-steel body. The hypercar-quality carbon fiber bodies are meticulously manufactured to exacting specifications efficiently.

“Since 1998, Mr. Shelby believed that carbon fiber would be the future of American sports car manufacturing. We believe the introduction of a carbon-fiber GT500 Mustang and Cobra is a natural next step in the evolution of these iconic vehicles and builds on the legacy of the same innovation that Carroll Shelby was known for," said Neil Cummings, Co-CEO of Carroll Shelby International.

“Classic Recreations has consistently been a loyal and innovative partner and licensee for Shelby and we're excited to see what the future holds for this program,” Joe Conway, Co-CEO of Carroll Shelby International explained.

This car isn’t just pretty on the outside; what's under the hood will make you salivate as well. GT500CR models are available with a few engine options, ranging from a 490 hp Ford Performance Gen 3 5.0L Coyote crate engine up to a 900 hp, hand-built 427 cubic-inch engine with an intercooled ProCharger supercharger. All Shelby GT500CR models are equipped with a Tremec five-speed manual transmission, and the end result bellows thunderously thanks to a stainless-steel MagnaFlow performance exhaust.

Other modern modifications include power steering, coilovers, oversized sway bars, huge Wilwood brakes, American Racing forged wheels and Michelin high-performance Z-rated tires. The optional Pro Touring Track Package includes Detroit Speed Engineering suspension, wider rear wheels and tires, mini tubs and six-piston brake calipers with larger rotors. A six-speed manual transmission or automatic transmission is also available, along with interior upgrades and a full palette of paint colors.  

People bought muscle cars in the late 1960’s to go fast. Here we are in 2020, still buying muscle cars to go fast.

This one just goes a little bit faster.