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Carrol Shelby’s centennial celebrated with unique new Mustang
Of the 21 models bound for markets outside the United States, three have been allocated for South Africa.
Compared to past Shelby models, the Centennial Edition appears externally restrained. Image: Shelby
On-sale in the United States since mid-January, the local arm of long-time Ford tuner Shelby has now seen it suitable to bring its latest special edition Mustang to South Africa.
Tribute to greatness
Still modelled on the previous generation S550 rather than the all-new S650 that debuted at last year’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the Mustang Centennial Edition pays tribute to founder Carrol Shelby, who would have celebrated his milestone 100th birthday this year.
As with previous iterations such as the Super Snake and more recently, the GT500 KR, the Centennial Edition produces more power than the regular Mustang GT, thanks to a supercharger strapped to the 5.0-litre Coyote V8 engine.
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Additionally furnished with a free-flow Borla exhaust system and a Shelby-developed performance radiator to help with cooling, the final output is 560 kW transmitted to the rear wheels through either a six-speed manual or the General Motors co-developed ten-speed automatic gearbox.
No further details regarding top speed or acceleration figures were revealed, though what did emerge, were the adaptions made to the regular Mustang’s chassis in order to cope with the extra power and torque.
Besides the mentioned radiator, the Centennial boasts revised springs and sway bars, adjustable chamber and caster plates, and bespoke Brembo calipers fitted behind the front wheels.
Restrained aggression outside
Visually, Shelby has widened the front wings to accommodate the custom 20-inch wheels, while also fitting a unique Shelby grille and bootlid spoiler, vents integrated into bonnet and in place of the regular Mustang logo on the underneath the bootlid itself, a commemorative roundel that pays tribute to Shelby.
The unique attributes outside is rounded off by dual black racing strips on the bonnet with the same Shelby decal as on the boot.
Strap-in
Inside, the special touches comprise a white cue-ball gear knob on manual models similar to what featured on the Bullett, Shelby branded door sills, floor mats with Shelby’s signature, an additional gauge cluster and black leather seats with Shelby’s likeness embroidered into the headrests.
Rounding the Centennial off is a special builder’s plaque with Shelby’s signature inside and documentation confirming entry into the official Shelby Mustang Registry.
Price
Priced from R2 800 000, only 100 examples of the Shelby Mustang Centennial Edition will be made, albeit only for the United States. For other markets, a further 21 have been allocated with only three coming to South Africa.
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