"In 1965, my team
built 37 small block 'R Model' race-only versions of the Shelby
GT350 Mustang that kicked tails on circuits worldwide," said
Carroll Shelby, founder of Shelby Automobiles. "Working with
Ford Racing, we're going to build a new track day 'R Model' version
of the Ford Shelby GT. It'll be lots of fun to drive and ready to
rip up the pavement right out of the box."
The track day car will
be featured as a "Jerry Titus Drivers Edition" to honor
his 1965 "B Production" championship, which was the first
for a Shelby Mustang. Jerry was one of the special drivers who piloted
Shelby Mustangs to total domination on the track. Not only did he
win the first championship, he broke the story of the "R Model"
to the world in Sports Car Graphic and was instrumental in its development.
The 2009 Jerry Titus Edition "R Model" lives up to his
performance legacy.
The "R Model"
version of the Mustang will be a purpose-built track car based on
the same 4.6-liter V8 that powers every Ford Shelby GT; the vehicles
cannot be registered for the street. Additional power will come
from the Ford Racing/Whipple Twin Screw intercooled supercharger
installed by Shelby and mated to a T6060 GT500-based six speed transmission
before the Shelby team inserts them into the race-ready chassis.
Each will be painted white with silver stripes and documented in
the Shelby Registry. The racer qualifies for the NASA "American
Iron Extreme" class and an excellent all-around track car that
is uniquely Shelby.
"From the competition
brakes to the straight pipes, this fantastic car is worthy of the
'R Model' designation," stated Amy Boylan, President of Shelby
Automobiles. "Working closely with Ford Racing, we engineered
a car with the balanced handling, serious power and spectacular
brakes that serious enthusiasts want. And just like the car driven
by Jerry Titus in 1965, this Ford Shelby GT 'R Model' showcases
our expertise in an affordable, turnkey package."
The "R Model"
is based on the 2007-08 model Ford Shelby GT. The streetcar is a
well-balanced, fun to drive machine that leveraged Shelby's experience
making Mustangs go faster.
"The Shelby name
has stood for performance since Carroll began building cars for
the track in 1962," added Brian Wolfe, director, Ford North
America Motorsports. "Track Day enthusiasts have been asking
for a contemporary Shelby and Ford Track Car for some time, so we
at Ford Racing are pleased to team up with Shelby Automobiles to
build a handful of very special cars. We look forward to watching
them roar past Camaros and Challengers when they show up at the
track."
A limited number will
be built; orders will be accepted starting today by calling Shelby
Autos at (702) 942-7325.