Summary

This special car, CSE-001C, is the first Shelby GT500E convertible in the world. Powered by a fuel-injected 408/475hp V8 with a 5-speed transmission.

Details

Constructed in 2004 by Unique Performance with the approval of Carroll Shelby himself, this car, number CSE-001C, was the original prototype of a proposed series of new GT500E Convertibles, marking the first Shelby Mustang convertibles offered to the public since 1970. As the original movie car from 'Gone in 60 Seconds' was a crowd favorite, Mr. Shelby decided to license official 'Eleanor' cars. It is an outstanding example of modern engineering mated to original performance. While the Wimbledon White and Guardsman Blue boasts styling similar to the famed GT500 of 1967, it is actually a completely modern muscle car, packing 408-cubic inch aluminum-block fuel-injected V-8 and Tremec TKO 600 five-speed racing transmission (chosen to suit the convertible's smaller floorboard) on a custom X-braced chassis, beefed up to handle high performance with special frame connectors and a functional roll bar. Exhaling through a special performance exhaust routed through the bodywork, the engine produces an advertised 525 brake horsepower, pushing the car atop 17-inch custom wheels. The DC & O fuel-injection system resembles a set of Webers with air stacks, giving the engine compartment a wonderful period-correct appearance. The blue interior combines classic Shelby style with modern amenities and features the late Carroll Shelby's signature as well as the iconic Shelby logo on the seats to the Shelby Signature gauges, which include a 10,000 rpm tachometer and 160-mph speedometer, and, naturally, he personally signed the dashboard. Trick touches include the 'Go Baby Go' shifter and a nitrous button. The Sony AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo, with remote and rear speakers, is a concession to the comfort expected by modern audiences. This unique 'muscle rod' was the first of a planned seven GT500E Convertibles built, but it was the only one actually completed while Carroll was still alive. It is has seen very little use, having gone a mere 475 miles.