2008 Shelby 85th Commemorative GT40 review and pictures

Shelby 85th Commemorative GT40 review:

In celebration of Carroll Shelby`s 85TH birthday Shelby Distribution USA under license from Shelby Licensing and in partnership with Shelby Automobiles Inc. will reproduce the three dominating Shelby American GT40® race cars that accomplished one of the greatest feats in American automotive racing history into a street legal vehicle that can be driven or simply collected. These rolling chassis will receive a Shelby Automobiles Inc. MSO and will be recorded in the Shelby Registry along with the Safir GT40 Spares LLC assigned licensed mark, identification number and registry that reflects these cars as newly manufactured variants of the original GT40®.

Chassis/Body
The GT40®’s chassis is a near-exact replication of the original race car’s monocoque unibody structure down to the pressed steel roof. The only departure is the use of electro-galvanized sheet steel in the construction. The chassis, at over 12,000 pounds per degree, is stiffer than any other chassis on the market, and is made of over 244 laser cut and bent or pressed parts.

Engine/Transmission
The Shelby 85th Commemorative GT40® is built to accommodate only a Shelby branded engine. The top of the line engine includes the Shelby 427FE V8.

Original Style Suspension
The Shelby 85th Commemorative GT40® features an original style fully independent suspension system utilizing an unequal length A-arm design. The coilover system utilizes H&R springs and Bilstein shocks that are fully adjustable as well as the front and rear anti-roll bars. Ride height can be changed from 4.125 to 4.75 inches.

Wheels/Tires/Brakes
Incredible braking performance is achieved through vented Wilwood super light brakes. Both front and rear brakes feature 12.75” discs and 4-piston calipers. Original style 15-inch Halibrand wheels are wrapped with high performance BFGoodrich g-Force Drag Radial tires, 225/50/15 front, 275/60/15 rear.

Interior
The interior features original style seats with rivets and 4-point racing harness seat belts. A racing style dash features Smith gauges, and the pedal box, instruments, quick-release 14-inch steering wheel, and dash accurately replicate the original.

Unique 85th Commemorative Edition GT40® Features
The MKII Shelby GT40®’s will be based on the following cars. Only 85 of each color will be issued.

Car #1, Chassis P/1015: Arcadian Blue, White Stripes/Dark Blue borders, and Dayglo Red Fender Flashes

Car #2, Chassis P/1046: Black with solid Silver Stripes and White Roundels

Car #3, Chassis P/1047 Red with solid White Stripes and Roundels

Features Include:
Record sale into the Shelby Registry

Shelby MSO and dash plaque

Carroll Shelby engraved door handles

Carroll Shelby etched left and right front headlight covers

Roundels with 85 number decals

Leather seating

Hood wind diffusers

CS GT40® numbered plaque

CS GT40® side sill graphics

Carroll Shelby signature floor and sill mats

85th Commemorative hood badge

85th Special Edition decal

Available in right and left hand drive

Available Race Version
While the standard Shelby 85th Commemorative GT40® is as close to a race car as one can get to driving on the street, a race version is also available. This package comes with a roll bar, fuel cell and A/C delete.

Vehicle specifications:
Wheelbase: 95”

Length: 163”

Height: 40.5”

Width: 70”

Track (f/r): 57”/56”

Ground Clearance: 4.125” – 4.75”

Curb Weight: 2400 lbs

Weight Distribution: f/r: 40/60%

About Shelby Distribution
Based in Irvine, CA, Shelby Distribution is the official distributor for Shelby continuation cars. Their product lineup includes the CSX4000 Cobra, CSX9000, and the 85th Commemorative GT40. For more information on Shelby continuation cars or to find a dealership, visit www.shelbydistributionusa.com or call 888-SHELBY-USA. The GT40® trademark is owned by Safir GT40 Spares LLC.