Carbon fiber is a miracle material that has revolutionized many of the largest industries in the world including aerospace, military tech, the automotive industry, and even bicycles. Even some commuter cars these days come with carbon-fiber trim on the inside (while others use fake veneers to enhance eye appeal). However, legit supercars are mostly built out of the ultra-lightweight, incredibly strong construction method. SpeedKore made headlines by building a fully carbon-fiber Dodge Challenger Demon variant of which recently sold on the auction website Bring a Trailer. That build prompted Classic Recreations to team up with the Wisconsin-based builders to work together on a carbon-fiber Shelby GT500 Ford Mustang restomod. Now, Classic Recreations' Shelby GT500CR has officially gone on sale on the Shelby American Inc website with a starting price of $298,000.
Sticker Shock
These carbon-fiber builds aren't just for looks—SpeedKore crafts the carbon using an in-house autoclave and a proprietary construction method so that all the carbon fiber weave matches up from panel to panel. The carbon reportedly shaves about 400 pounds off the overall curb weight, though the looks alone certainly help justify the exorbitant price tag.
Performance Enhancements
In fact, that price tag is about $15,000 higher than Classic Recreations advertised originally on the company's website. Although, output has bumped up from 770 horsepower to 810, thanks to a Whipple supercharger bolted onto a third-generation Ford Performance Coyote V8. That grunt is routed to the rear wheels through a Tremec six-speed manual gearbox on the way to a nine-inch Fab 9 rear end equipped with a Posi Traction limited-slip differential and 3.70 gearing.
Classic Touches
While the exterior might be constructed using futuristic materials and techniques, the interior is pure classic. Carroll Shelby Scat Rally Series high-back seats, Carrol Shelby Signature Gauges with white faces, and brushed aluminum on just about every surface can all be found in the interior. Drivetrain and sound system upgrades, as well as conversions to right-hand drive, can all be arranged—at added cost, of course.
Sources: shelby.com and classicrecreations.com.