2012 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Super Snake Prototype
The fifth-generation Ford Mustang brought the beloved muscle car back to its design roots when it launched for the 2005 model year. For the first time since 1979, the Mustang no longer rode on some version of the Fox-body platform. Ford spent several years refining its design inside and out in order to achieve the ideal blend of retro and modern styling elements. Although the final production version didn't look quite as slick as the auto show concepts, the fifth-gen Mustang was welcomed with open arms by millions of devoted fans.
Needless to say, it immediately caught the attention of numerous aftermarket tuning companies, among them Shelby American. Shelby American, however, isn't just any performance vehicle tuner; it was founded by the late great Carroll Shelby in 1962.
Not only has it built parts over the decades, but also some of the greatest cars of all time. A few examples include the AC Shelby Cobras and the original Mustang-based Shelby GT350 and GT500. In more recent years, it has turned its attention to the latest Mustangs including the fifth-gen.
In 2012, the limited-edition Shelby GT500 Super Snake had its debut at that year's New York Auto Show and it featured tons of upgrades compared to the stock model. Things like a unique fiberglass hood with the Shelby logo and pins, a Borla exhaust system, some interior upgrades, 20-inch wheels, and Shelby signature Super Snake stripes helped make it a standout, though what was under that hood is the real gem: a supercharged 5.4-liter V8 with up to 800 horsepower. A six-speed manual channeled that power to the rear wheels only.
To help celebrate the company's five-decade birthday that year, a 50th Anniversary Edition Shelby GT500 was introduced. All were painted black and gold with production limited to 50 examples.
However, a pair of prototypes were built for promotional purposes and now one of them is hitting the stage next month at Mecum Auction's Kissimmee auction event. This one-owner 2012 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Super Snake prototype is a supposedly street legal because it has just 3,800 miles. Its dashboard was even signed by Carroll Shelby. The original MSRP was supposedly $178,000 and we wouldn't be surprised to see someone write a check for an even larger amount next month.
