Shelby’s serpentine speed

Shelby South Africa has confirmed specifications as well as production numbers for its exclusive Mustang Super Snake models. 

Available as Coupe and Speedster body configurations, the Super Snake models have been built to celebrate the founder, Carroll Shelby’s 98th anniversary. A matching number of the Mustang Shelby Super Snakes will be produced globally. 

Furthermore, only 25 units of the Speedster will be produced – making the model even more bespoke. 

Under the bonnet still lies an uprated 5.0-litre V8 engine that now gushes out 615 kW of power all directed to the rear axle. Shelby fitted a high-polished Whipple supercharger, new cooling system, new radiator, aluminium tank, heat exchanger, intake pressure, as well as fine-tuning. 

The Super Snake hurtles from a standstill in 3.5 seconds, however, Shelby isn’t making any mention of the top speed but we speculate that it should be more than the 250 km/h region. 

The amplified engine cacophony is provided via a full Borla exhaust system. 

It comes fitted with the Shelby Track Handling Package that adds new high-performance tyres wrapped around 20” one-piece forged aluminium wheels. The wheels house red brake callipers that spawn Shelby’s brake system with improved cooling. 

On the outside, the Super Snake features aluminium widebody front fenders and a steel bonnet from Shelby’s Signature edition. 

“The wider body allows for the use of bigger tyres all round,” says Peter Lindenberg, owner of Shelby South Africa. “Shelby has also made advances on the aero package, hence a more aggressive front bumper and splitter with added veins,” says Lindenberg.

It is further fitted with a rear spoiler, tail panel, diffuser as well as Shelby’s louvred quarter windows that have a dark tint. Buyers can opt for Super Snake badging and striping. 

The Speedster model lurks a hard top tonneau system, unique striping and badging. The new Speedster also comes with Speedster Edition floor mats and door sill plates.

The interior is bolstered with Shelby floor mats and door sills as well as a new cluster and gauges. There is Carroll Shelby Mustang (CSM) numbering on the dashboard as well as inside the engine bay. 

According to Shelby, this number will be documented on the brand’s Official Registry. Buyers can have the rear seat swapped for a harness bar which will then also reduce the weight of the vehicle. 

The Shelby Super Snake is priced at R1,575,400 and R1,635,000 for the Speedster model, prices include VAT.