Shelby Mustang GT350SR

[racer]

Shelby Mustang GT350SR

[racer]

Shelby Mustang GT350SR

Brothers In The Afterlife

They fought like hell during their past lives, but Unique Performance brings back the two most beloved ponycars as brothers in arms.

By Stephen Kim
Photography: Johnny Hunkins

The tiny shift knob's only big enough to accommodate four of your fingers, leaving your pinky's tender inner flesh nothing to clench but the rectangular lever's jagged billet aluminum edge. Although prudent gear shifting instead of fervent gear banging would avert scuffing away at your outer epidermal layer, the notion of waiting those extra milliseconds between each ravenous surge of acceleration merely for pain relief is downright absurd. Why yes, it takes something truly evil to corrupt your senses and sensibilities to the threshold of self-torture and dementia, but the 585hp Shelby Mustang GT350SR is that splendidly wicked impetus.

Unique Performance is at it again, following up the phenomenal success of its first Shelby continuation car--the GT500E--with the GT350SR, a modernized version of the original '65-67 GT350R. However, that's just the nipple on the tire tread, because while Mustangs are what made the company famous, Unique's passions envelop the entire musclecar spectrum. Consequently, Unique has teamed up with Chip Foose and Year One to offer a limited-edition line of musclecars and, as no surprise, a run of '69 Camaros is the first in the series. Even more obvious for cars that involve Shelby and Foose are the six-figure-plus pricetags they command. Nonetheless, learn what goes into building one of these vehicles or spend some time experiencing them first-hand, and that sum seems way too cheap. So take out a second mortgage on the house, cash in on your 401K, and don't worry about your wife taking off. After rolling around in one of these, you'll be able trade her in for a hotter, thinner replacement.

A Unique Story

The question of what makes some yokels from Northern Texas qualified to build high-end musclecars and justified in charging top dollar is a reasonable one to ask. If 10 pages of stunning photography isn't proof enough, here's a condensed version of the company's history. As unlikely as it may seem today, the birth of the venture that would eventually become Unique Performance wasn't intended to be a money-making business. Since his days in high school, Doug Hasty sent his projects out to Unique Automotive, one of the most prominent hot-rod shops in the Dallas area, owned by Bobby Mikus. Doug's friends and business partners Richard Kearby and Chris Layne joined in on the action and started shipping their projects to Bobby, as well.

Eventually their cars began dominating the shop, and the trio convinced Bobby to sell his business to work exclusively on their projects, renaming the place Unique Performance. "We set up a new shop, and it was really built to maintain our own private collections," says Doug. Then came the GT500E, a car Doug built to emulate the Shelby Mustang named Eleanor from the film Gone in 60 Seconds. "My father was real instrumental in everything I've done with automobiles, and this is one of the last ones he worked on. He passed away two months before it was finished, and we took it out to a few shows once it was done in his memory. The response was overwhelming, and people started asking me if I could build one for them."

Carroll Shelby, who just so happened to be considering a continuation project, caught wind of the GT500E and asked Doug to send it out to his Las Vegas facility for his engineers to look over. Shelby suggested some tweaks, fine-tuned some details, and the 10-15 cars he originally thought of producing turned into 475. "I said 'no thanks, I have a full-time job,' but he persuaded me to get into the business," says Doug. Within four years, the company has grown from 4 employees to 115, and has drawn plenty of attention along the way. Last April, a GT500E convertible sold for a world-record bid of $550,000 at the Barret-Jackson Palm Beach auction, and the Shelby continuation cars have become a huge hit with enthusiasts. So if industry legends like Shelby and Foose are putting faith in Unique Performance to uphold their reputations, that should be plenty of assurance for the customer.

The Logistics

Only once in the history of man has the phrase "like nothing you've ever seen before" not been cliche. When we proclaim that the Unique Performance shop is like nothing you've ever seen before, consider it the second. The bustling 30,000-square-foot assembly facility is like a scaled-down OEM assembly line, but with pristine vintage musclecars instead of plebeian late-models, and hot rodders in lieu of unionized little old ladies. At any given time, roughly 15-20 cars await as technicians scramble to fit them with racing seats, coilovers, stereo systems, big-brake kits, nitrous bottles, and big blocks. In the distance, the faint hissing of paint guns and the scratching of sandpaper resonates. Vice President of Operations Bobby Mikus sums it up best: "We're a full-scale restoration shop in a production-line environment."

The final assembly plant is just one of many facilities each vehicle visits. The first stop is a storage yard where over 100 Mustangs and Camaros sit in ruins, feeding the constant demand for donor cars. Unique Performance purchases them like most people, by responding to print and online ads. The company is also contacted by owners of potential donors itching to clean out their barns or clear out their fields. Contrary to what most people think, Unique doesn't snatch up the few remaining examples of nice fastback Mustangs and '69 Camaros. The company takes the decrepit piles of garbage no one else wants to touch. That keeps the cost of acquisition low, and makes donors much easier to find. "Early on in the project we took a lot of flack, but we're not getting that anymore," says Doug. "These are cars that have not been put on the road and would probably sit there and rust to a point where they couldn't be restored. A lot of people see the kinds of cars we're taking apart and bringing back and realize we're actually doing something good for the vintage car world." In the grand scheme of it all, it really doesn't matter what condition the cars are in when they arrive. From the storage yard, cars are sent to a separate dismantling facility where they are stripped down to the bare shell. The subframes, rearends, suspension, motors, drivelines, interiors, and body panels are all tossed. Since all those parts will be replaced anyway, the only item that matters is the hull of the car, which is then media blasted before being put on a dolly and shipped to another facility in Las Vegas. There, the bulk of the bodywork--which takes about 650 hours--is completed before being sent back to Unique's headquarters for paint and final assembly. Granted, it's a long and arduous 10-12-month process in which most of the car is replaced, but at the end of the day, these are real cars with real VINs, not kit cars the DMV won't let your register. Moreover, considering the fastidious detail that goes into each car, the production capacity of six to eight cars per month is very impressive, and the six-month waiting list isn't terribly unreasonable. In reality, as a build-it-yourself undertaking, cars of this caliber would probably take decades to finish or would be aborted due to loss of interest.

The GT350SR

While the GT500E was inspired in part by the Eleanor movie car and in part by the Shelby GT500, the new GT350SR is more of a purist's musclecar based on the original GT350R. Built by Shelby to compete in SCCA B/Production from '65 to '67, the "R" variant boasted more power, a stiffer chassis and suspension, and race-prepped brakes and tires compared to its street counterpart, while weighing over 200 pounds less. As a dedicated race car that won its class for three consecutive years, the GT350R is one of the rarest and most decorated Mustangs of all time, while the street version is one of the most popular musclecars to clone. That long list of credentials made it a natural candidate for Shelby and Unique Performance to recreate.

With nearly 40 years having gone by since the original GT350, the new car had heaps of technology on its side to meet goals of improved performance and streetability. The base powerplant is a Shelby-built 331ci small-block putting out 410 hp. A 475hp 408 is optional, and both mate to a Tremec T5 five-speed transmission. The big hoss, however, is a Windsor-based 427 all-aluminum small-block. With CNC-ported Brodix aluminum heads, a healthy hydraulic roller cam, and ultra-trick Weber-style throttle stacks with EFI, it cranks out 585 healthy ponies. The added grunt is dispersed through a Tremec TKO five-speed that is hydraulically actuated for lighter pedal pressure. An aluminum driveshaft and a Currie 9-inch rearend with 3.25:1 cogs and a limited-slip differential send the power the rest of the way.

Those would be impressive figures for a drag car, but the GT350SR is by no means a straight-line-only machine. Out back is arguably one of the most advanced suspension setups for Mustangs of this vintage. It combines a Watt's link, torque arm, and lower trailing arms, all anchored in place by a tubular steel cradle that bolts to the rear subframe. Each link is adjustable in length for fine tuning, and the rear coilovers are laid down almost parallel to the ground, which is said to reduce unsprung weight. Up front, the factory MacPherson strut arrangement is ditched for a set of tubular upper and lower control arms and coilovers. Subframe connectors and a strut tower brace further fortify the chassis. Stopping duties are performed by 13-inch slotted and cross-drilled rotors with two-piston Baer calipers at the bow, and 12-inch rotors with single-piston calipers at the rear. Making the best use of the impressive hardware is a set of 17-inch Shelby R-style wheels wearing BFG 245/45R17 and 315/35R17 tires front and rear.

The list of features mentioned thus far make for a very good car, but it's the bonus items that make this a great car and a bona fide track star. Shelby high-bucket vinyl seats hold you in place as you carve out lines with the LeCarra 15-inch wooden steering wheel and power rack. A Canton road-race oil pan keeps the motor well-lubed, while the Fuel Safe 16-gallon fuel cell and four-point rollbar add extra measures of safety. A full slew of Shelby gauges report the vitals, and the fiberglass front clip and quarter-panel flares pare weight and add visual kick. Options abound as well, including leather-wrapped seats, a five-point quick-release harness, Plexiglass quarter-windows, a 22-gallon fuel cell, functional front and rear brake ducts, a trunk-mounted battery, and a full-size spare that can be showcased beneath a Plexiglass rear window.

By now, the idea of the GT350SR being even somewhat streetable seems like a joke. Sure, it pushes the limit of a street car, but it at least does a good job at trying to be civilized. A Sony four-speaker stereo, to which a 10-disc CD changer can be added, is standard, as well as A/C. Although we can't imagine why you'd need an alternate form of entertainment while driving this thing, a DVD system is available, as is a GPS tracking system. Just in case you don't want to hear the JBA side pipes and Spintech mufflers as loudly, Unique Performance can even throw in a sound-dampening package.

Regardless of how it's ordered, each GT350SR gets its own Shelby serial number that will be listed in the Shelby American World Registry. That means a few different things. First of all, it's a gesture that the continuation cars are recognized as genuine Shelby vehicles. Secondly, it prevents someone from trying to pass off a continuation car as one of the original Shelbys built in the '60s. And finally, it prevents someone from building a car in their garage and claiming it's a continuation vehicle.

Inevitably, there will be whiners who say these still aren't real Shelby cars. Well, get over it. Just like Shelby hopped up unfinished Mustangs back in the '60s, Unique Performance is doing the same thing under the direction of the man himself. Only, this time around, the cars must be completely restored and rebuilt. The Shelby Registry's okay with it and the creator of the original GT350 is okay with it, so perhaps you may want to take a hint. Prices start at $109,000

[racer]

Me hubiera gustado traducir todo el texto, pero no tenia mucho tiempo y no quería de dejar de subir este post. Bueno espero q les guste el tema... Aun tengo muchísimo más material de los Shelby Mustang, pues si lo desean los voy subiendo en post apartes ya q cada modelo se lo merece!!!

Saludos y Feliz Año Nuevo 2006

[kchaos]

dioooossss, ese v8 está currao que t cagas

[troglonini]

chulo, pero el original es mas bonito.
En discovery channel, pasaron en la serie coches a medida un reportaje de unique performance donde explicaban como hacian los coches.

[racer]

Originalmente Escrito por troglonini

chulo, pero el original es mas bonito.
En discovery channel, pasaron en la serie coches a medida un reportaje de unique performance donde explicaban como hacian los coches.

Sip, excelente programa

[el personaje]

Me recuerda a Eleanor.

[Solsek]

I love ELEANOR

[Solsek]

Debe ser la polla plantarse en un semáforo al lado de algún neng con esta bestia, sonando a pleno pulmón, con ese V8 y su puta melodía(gló gló gló gló gló gló gló...). Para soñar.

Pd: un kinielazo soluciona esto.

[Minsc]

Genial post, como todos los de racer. Yo tb suelo ver Coches a medida y Overhaulin.

[oceanic]

lo de SR x q es? el GT500 KR lo de KR era x king of the road

ami dame este o un boss del 69 y ya le pueden dar x tras a eleonor

[racer]

Originalmente Escrito por oceanic

lo de SR x q es?

El SR es la preparación actual del GT350 por Shelby y Unique Performance

[AGUILA29]

Entavia toy quitando babas de la silla.

[enzo_v12_660cv]

Me encanta,como casi todos los Mustang.Yo tambien prefiero el GT 500E Super Snake(Eleanor),el de Unique Performance.Aun asi este me parece una pasada.Menos mal que los de EEUU no saben hacer coches que si no....

bye

Feliz Año para todos

[globo]

Impresionante, menudo carro.

[FERNANDOZX7-R]

Si señor esto si que es un coche......... pero donde este el GT 500........ un saludo amigos!!!

[SandMan]

Unique Performance, que genios y que maravillas que hacen... Lástima que sean tan sumamente caros...

Originalmente Escrito por enzo_v12_660cv

Me encanta,como casi todos los Mustang.Yo tambien prefiero el GT 500E Super Snake(Eleanor),el de Unique Performance.Aun asi este me parece una pasada.Menos mal que los de EEUU no saben hacer coches que si no....

bye

Feliz Año para todos

Eleanor no es un Super Snake, de hecho solo existió uno, y no fue en ese en el que se basaron para hacer a Eleanor para 60 segundos.

http://www.motorpasion.com/archivos/...-gt500-sup.php

[el personaje]

Originalmente Escrito por SandMan

Unique Performance, que genios y que maravillas que hacen... Lástima que sean tan sumamente caros...



Eleanor no es un Super Snake, de hecho solo existió uno, y no fue en ese en el que se basaron para hacer a Eleanor para 60 segundos.

http://www.motorpasion.com/archivos/2005/11/30-1967-shelby-mustang-gt500-sup.php

Pues en la web de Unique Performance indica que Eleanor es un Super Snake y como muestra de ello:



Orange County Chopper's (aka American Chopper)

Paul Jr's G.T.500E Super Snake

SOLD OUT

G.T.500E: Super Snake Model
Investment - Starting at $214,000</STRONG>
Carroll Shelby built only one 427 GT500 "Super Snake" in 1967, which set new performance standards for speed and performance at the time. The mighty G.T.500E Super Snake is a modern evolution of that legendary car.
Built for Shelby by Unique Performance, the G.T.500E Super Snake is the most powerful regular production Shelby (based on a Ford Mustang) ever offered to the public. Each car features a 525 HP aluminum Shelby 427 engine, Unique Performance rear suspension, Tremec transmission and many modern performance upgrades, as well as special badges and striping. With an optional supercharger, this Shelby churns out 725+ earth-shaking HP.
Only 75 total 427 G.T.500E Super Snakes will be built; each one receives a Shelby VIN and will be included in the next Shelby American World Registry. With its stunning looks, blistering performance and limited availability, the Super Snake is destined to be one of the most desired collector cars in the world.
Motor

• 427cid Shelby Tuned Aluminum Big Block, FE Engine, 525 H/P
• Shelby Vortech Supercharger, 725 H/P

Transmission

• Tremec TKO 5-Speed Transmission

Interior

• Super Snake Embroidered Hi-Back Bucket Seats, Black Vinyl
• Super Snake Embroidered Hi-Back Bucket Seats, Black Leather*
• OEM Lap Seat Belts
• G Force 5 Point Quick Release Harness*
• Shelby Signature Gauges
• 200 MPH Electronic Speedometer
• LeCarra Wood Trim 15" Steering Wheel
• Old Air Products Hurricane A/C System
• CAE Sound Dampening Package*
• Security System*

Clutch

• 12 1/2" Diaphragm Clutch
• Tilton Hydraulic Clutch

Stereo System

• Sony Stereo with CD Player
• DVD System with 10 disc DVD Changer*
• 10 Disc CD Changer*

Wheels & Tires

• Shelby or PSE* 17" Wheels
• Rear PSE 17x11 w/ Tubbing*
• BFGoodrich G-Force Tires
• Front: 245/40ZR17
• Rear: 275/40ZR17
• Spare Shelby or PSE Wheel & Tire: 17" X 8" w/Mounting Bracket*

Exterior

• Shelby Emblems
• Super Snake Striping (Thin-Wide-Thin)
• Functional SC Cobra Style Gas Lid
• 2 1/2" Aluminum Pipe Side Exhaust System w/Tips
• Sequential Tail Lights
• Convertible Option*

Fuel

• High Performance Carburetor, Fuel Pressure Regulator & Fuel Pressure Gauge
• Electric Fuel Pump
• High Performance Fuel Filter
• Fuel Cell, 16 Gallons
• Fuel Cell, 22 Gallons*

Rear End

• Currie 31 Spline 9" Posi-Traction Trac-Locker Differential
• 3.25:1 9" Gears

Steering

• Chris Alston Chassisworks Power Steering Rack
• Baer Tracker Bump Steer Adjustable Tie Rods

Brakes

• Front: Baer 13" X 1.1" Track System, PBR 2 Piston Aluminum
• Rear: 12" X .81" Touring System, PBR 1 Piston Aluminum
• Slotted, Cross Drilled & Zinc Washed
• Adjustable Rear Bias Proportioning Valve
• Vented Air Ducts to Brakes

Electrical

• MSD Ignition Control & Coil
• Trunk Mount Battery for Weight Distribution

Exhaust

• High Performance Headers
• Dual 2.5" Exhaust with "H" Pipe
• Spin Tech 2.5" Aluminum Mufflers

Cooling

• Griffin Aluminum Cross Flow Radiator
• Spal 16" Electric Cooling Fan, Pull Type

Chassis

• Unique Performance Products Outside Weld-in Sub-Frame Connector
• Unique Performance Products Center Bolt-in Section
• Unique Performance Products Shock Tower Bracing (TB1, TB2 & TB3)
• Drive Shaft Safety Loop
• Roll Bar, 4-Point

Suspension

• Front: Unique Performance Products Coilover
• Rear: Koni Gas Shocks
• Shelby Style Traction Bars
• Unique Performance Products Rear Coilover Suspension*

[B0rJarZz M.]

LOL, da miedo.

[xavits]

estos muscle car,me tienen loco,ojala pudiera tener no para pasearme de vez en cuando

[el personaje]

Originalmente Escrito por xavits

estos muscle car,me tienen loco,ojala pudiera tener no para pasearme de vez en cuando

A mi me gustaria tener a Eleanor y no veras como seria llevar este coche al Mercadona .

[oceanic]

venga va, este pa mi y eleaonor pa vosotros

[el personaje]

Originalmente Escrito por oceanic

venga va, este pa mi y eleaonor pa vosotros

No se ve .

[HELLAKOPTER]

...con k sea mustang (de antes del 70 o el nuevo) me conformo...como si es un sencillo 6 cilindros.

[SandMan]

La verdad es que no se porqué en Unique Performance le han puesto el apodo de Super Snake. Supongo que como el Super Snake original fue el más potente de todos los Mustang, le habrán querido dar ese nombre para el tope de gama del GT500E.

Es más, Eleanor no se parece en nada al Super Snake. Bueno, en que es un Shelby GT500, pero en nada más.

[oceanic]

comom q no se ve????????

el 28 de diciembre ya fue ehhhhhhhh

es un boss del 69

[el personaje]

Originalmente Escrito por oceanic

comom q no se ve????????

el 28 de diciembre ya fue ehhhhhhhh

es un boss del 69

No es coña, es que no lo veo , ponla como archivos adjuntos si no es mucho pedir .

[ricki camarillo]

TODOS se ven muy bien...cada quien siguiendo una tendencia.
Puro poder U.S.A.
Gracias Racer.
Particularmente siempre me atrajeron los mustang entre 1977 y 1979.
Pienso que esos darían buen resultado en un pensado overhaulin´.
Saludos

[oceanic]

te pongo otro q tengo x el pc q mola mas aun

[SandMan]

Joder con los Boss, sobre todo el 429. Vaya bicharraco...

Se rumorea que Ford esta pensando en sacar una versión Boss del S197 para competir con el Challenger y el Camaro... Vuelve la guerra de los pony car!!! (Y yo sin pasta... )