cars news 10: 2017 Shelby Super Snake Celebrates Model’s 50th Anniversary

Fifty years have passed since the first Super Snake growled out of the Shelby American factory. To celebrate this milestone anniversary, the company is reinventing the icon. The 2017 Shelby Super Snake uses a supercharged version of the Ford Mustang GT’s 5.0-liter V-8 making at least 670 hp.

“In a world filled with sterile cars, [the Super Snake] is a throwback to a time when people enjoyed driving,” said Gary Patterson, president of Shelby American, in a release.

Shelby American partnered with Ford Performance, Borla, Michelin, Wilwood, and others to create the 2017 Super Snake. In top trim, the Super Snake’s V-8 produces over 750 hp thanks to a Whipple or Kenne Bell supercharger; Shelby says that automatic transmission-equipped variants are able to hit 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds and blitz the quarter mile in 10.9 seconds on street-rated Michelin tires.

Each Super Snake comes with an exclusive set of Shelby spec dampers, upgraded sway bars, springs, and bushings; behind the front wheels are six-piston Wilwood calipers, while four-piston units sit at rear, aided by upgraded cooling ducts. Rounding out the package is an exterior body kit exclusive to the 50^th Anniversary Edition and a host of interior improvements. Just 500 copies of the 50th Anniversary Edition model will be produced.

For added personalization and performance, customers can opt for an extreme cooling package, Ford Performance half shafts, a one-piece drive shaft, Ford Performance wheel studs, a short throw shifter, 3:73 gears, a Katzkin leather seat, and four-point roll bar. Those wanting to go even further can have the rear seats deleted as well.

Those of you wondering how much all of this costs might be surprised, as the Super Snake has a starting price of $69,995 including the Ford Mustang GT donor car. For that, you get more horsepower than a Hellcat, less weight, and a three-year, 36,000-mile limited powertrain warranty from Shelby. Those that already have a Mustang GT can grab the Super Snake package by itself for $36,795.

“When Carroll Shelby introduced the Super Snake version of the Ford Mustang in 1967, it earned universal respect for its astonishing capabilities,” said Shelby co-CEO Joe Conway. “When Shelby American reintroduced the Super Snake in 2007; the world was awed by the 600+ horsepower street legal muscle car. That tradition continues with our newest Shelby Super Snake, which is better in every way. Carroll’s bold spirit lives on through this amazing car.”

Source: Shelby American