2008 Ford Shelby GT Convertible

Rare Shelby GT Goes Topless

After the success of its 2007 Shelby GT Coupe, Ford has decided to sell a limited run of convertibles for 2008.

Not to be confused with the much more powerful and pricier Shelby GT500, the limited-edition Shelby GT Coupe and Convertible differ from standard Mustangs mostly in the way they look, including restyled bumpers and other aerodynamic enhancements.

However, the Shelby GT’s 4.6-liter V8 engine does gain 19 horsepower and 10 pound-feet of torque over the base Mustang GT’s V8, for a total of 319 hp and 330 pound-feet of torque. Handling is also improved with a special suspension package.

Ford Shelby GT Convertible Vehicle Summary

“We created this Shelby to be an everyday driver that’s tuned for fun at the track,” says Carroll Shelby. “Those who value a well-balanced package will appreciate it.”

The 2007 Ford Shelby GT Coupe on which the new convertible is based is a limited edition that incorporates the styling enhancements and performance upgrades of the Hertz Corporation Shelby GT-H Coupe, which was not for sale to consumers and only available to rent through Hertz.

Only 2,300 Shelby GT Coupes and Convertibles will be produced for 2008 — the mix depends on consumer demand for one body style over the other. Fewer than 6,000 Ford Shelby GT Coupes were built for the 2007 model year.

"The birth of the Ford Shelby GT was so well received last year, especially by young enthusiasts, that we brought the car back for the 2008 model year,” says Amy Boylan, president of Shelby Automobiles. “The enormous response to Hertz’s Shelby GT-H convertible convinced us to offer customers a drop-top Shelby GT. And we had so many requests for blue that we decided to make it our signature color in 2008.”

The new signature color is called Vista Blue and comes with silver stripes.

In addition to the Ford Racing Power Upgrade Package that boosts engine output, a high-flow exhaust system with an “x-pipe crossover” creates better power delivery and a throaty exhaust sound, Ford says. The Shelby GT Convertible comes with a five-speed manual transmission that includes a Hurst short-throw shifter. A five-speed automatic transmission is optional.

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Eighteen-inch polished wheels with high-performance tires are standard. A Ford Racing Handling Pack includes specially tuned dampers, unique sway bars and a 3.55:1 rear axle assembly ratio. Ford says the Handling Pack improves off-the-line acceleration.

The overall ride height was dropped to reduce body roll. A front strut-tower brace adds additional strength to the chassis structure.

The Ford Racing Power Upgrade Package and the Handling Pack can be ordered individually from Ford and installed on any current-generation Mustang. They cost $949 and $1,335, respectively.

The Shelby GT’s unique front fascia with an aggressive lower air dam improves high-speed aerodynamics. A special hood scoop comes directly from the Shelby Cobra roadster, Ford says. Side scoops are positioned ahead of the rear wheel arches.

Each car will include an authentication plate on the center of the dashboard with a matching tag under the hood for documentation in an upcoming registry.

Shelby GT models start out as specially equipped Mustang GTs assembled at the AutoAlliance International plant in Flat Rock, Mich. The cars are then shipped to the Shelby Automobiles facility in Las Vegas for transformation before delivery to Ford dealerships nationwide.

Erica Francis helped report this article.