The legendary 1967 Shelby GT500 Super Snake, a vehicle synonymous with raw power and automotive exclusivity, has taken center stage at the Shelby Heritage Center in Las Vegas. This extraordinary Mustang, born from a collaboration with Goodyear to rigorously test a new tire line, is a true “one-off,” making its presence in Las Vegas a must-see for car enthusiasts. Having shattered records at auction, fetching a staggering $2.2 million, it stands as the most valuable Mustang ever sold under the hammer. Until April 30, 2019, visitors to the Heritage Center have the unique opportunity to witness this automotive icon alongside CSX2000, the very first Shelby Cobra.
Joe Conway, Co-CEO of Carroll Shelby International and CEO of Shelby American, aptly captures the Super Snake’s significance: “In a year that marks the anniversaries of the Moon landing and Woodstock, the 1967 Shelby Super Snake was an unparalleled engineering achievement, instantly becoming a pop culture icon. This same spirit of pushing boundaries and relentless innovation fuels Shelby American to this day.”
The CSX2000 marked the inception of Shelby American and its groundbreaking sports car lineage. Similarly, the singular 1967 Shelby Super Snake served as the blueprint for the formidable Ford Mustang-based muscle cars that Shelby American continues to produce in Nevada. It’s crucial to remember that in the mid-1960s, Mustang performance was relatively modest; the highest output was a mere 271 horsepower from the HiPo K-Code option in 1965 and 1966.
Gary Patterson, president of Shelby American, elaborates on Shelby’s transformative impact: “Initially, Ford prioritized accessible performance to expedite Mustang production. While Shelby’s first endeavor, the GT350, significantly boosted horsepower, it was the GT500 Super Snake, housing a race-spec 427 engine, that truly redefined Mustang performance and etched itself into automotive history.”
The construction of the Shelby Super Snake was nothing short of extraordinary. Shelby commissioned a 427 cubic-inch racing V8 engine, meticulously built to the exact specifications of Ford’s Le Mans-winning GT40 MkII. This powerhouse was coupled with a reinforced transmission and rear end to handle the immense power. Upon completion, the Super Snake endured a rigorous 500-mile track test, reaching blistering speeds of 170 miles per hour. Both the Goodyear tires and the Shelby itself withstood this extreme trial, successfully validating the new tires and cementing another legendary chapter in the Carroll Shelby saga.
For many years, the Shelby GT500 Super Snake resided within a private Canadian collection, rarely seen by the public. To commemorate its arrival at the Shelby Heritage Center, the Larry Miller family graciously extended the display of the Shelby Cobra CSX2000, allowing enthusiasts to witness these two pivotal vehicles of American automotive history together for the first time. The 1967 Super Snake will remain on display for six months within the very facility where Shelby’s contemporary Super Snake models are crafted.
Vince LaViolette, Shelby American Vice President of Operations and Head of Development, emphasizes the enduring legacy: “Carroll Shelby and his team’s groundbreaking work in the 1960s continues to shape everything we do at Shelby American. The term ‘iconic’ is often overused, but it perfectly describes Carroll’s achievement with the Super Snake. Displaying it alongside the original Shelby Cobra serves as a powerful inspiration for our team and the public alike. This pairing reminds us daily that performance is at the heart of our mission.”
The Shelby American Heritage Center showcases a diverse collection of significant vehicles from the company’s 57-year history. Visitors can explore Shelby models ranging from 1960s classics to the Series 1 and modern iterations of the Mustang produced since 2006. These include the latest Super Snake, Shelby GT, and Shelby 1000 Mustangs, as well as high-performance trucks like the Shelby Super Snake Ford F-150.
Located at 6405 Ensworth Street in Las Vegas, the Shelby American facility and Heritage Center welcome visitors. For further details, please visit www.shelby.com.
About Shelby American, Inc.
Founded by the legendary Carroll Shelby, Shelby American, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Carroll Shelby International Inc. (CSBI:PK), is dedicated to manufacturing and marketing performance vehicles and associated products. The company’s portfolio includes authentic continuation Cobras, such as the 427 S/C, 289 FIA, 289 street car, Daytona Coupe, and Shelby Series 2 component vehicles. Shelby American also offers post-title packages for the 2005-2019 Ford Mustang, including the Shelby GT, 1000, Super Snake, and GT models. Their truck lineup features the Shelby Raptor, Shelby F-150 Super Snake, and Shelby F-150 trucks. Heritage models include the continuation 1965 Shelby GT350 competition model, the 1967 Ford Shelby Super Snake, and the 1968 Ford Shelby GT500KR. For more information, visit www.Shelby.com.
