The Shelby GR-1 Is At Last Going Into Production, But Ford Isn't Building It

Superperformance will build the GR-1 under license from Ford itself, and there'll even be an electric version
The Shelby GR-1 Is At Last Going Into Production, But Ford Isn't Building It

Despite being nearly 15 years old, the Shelby GR-1 concept still looks fresh enough to be something that’s just been leaked ahead of a debut at the 2019 Detroit Auto Show. That’s probably a good thing, as all these years later, it’s actually going into production.

Only, it won’t actually be built by Ford, Car and Driver reports. Instead, it’ll be built by Superperformance, an Irving, California firm known for building various continuation models including one for the Shelby Daytona Coupe - the car from which the GR-1 takes inspiration.

The Shelby GR-1 Is At Last Going Into Production, But Ford Isn't Building It

The new model was announced at the Petersen Museum’s annual Shelby Tribute last weekend. “We could have done a replica, we could have done a kit car, but that was never good enough for us,” CEO Superperformance Lance Stander said, adding “We had to get licensed by the original manufacturer.”

Ford has indeed officially licensed the project, through an agreement that’s effectively been six years in the making. With the help of Shelby American, both a petrol-powered and electric GR-1 will be made.

The Shelby GR-1 Is At Last Going Into Production, But Ford Isn't Building It

As for the spec of the cars, that’s still an unknown. The concept was powered by a 6.4-litre V10 pushing out just shy of 600bhp, propelling it to 60mph in 3.9 seconds. Superformance’s version stands to be quite a bit quicker. “We’re shooting for a two-second Shelby,” Stander said.

Production won’t be limited to just a handful of collector’s items, either. There’s already talk of 200 special-edition aluminium GR-1s - with a polished finish just like the original concept - with more examples on top of that built with carbonfibre bodies.

We’ll be waiting at least a couple of years until the car is released, but we suspect it’ll be worth the wait.

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Comments

RWB Dude

The paint job choice reminds me of what Delorean did… but shinier

01/08/2019 - 18:53 |
8 | 0
ShadowHuayra (HemiPower)

In reply to by RWB Dude

The delorean didn’t have paint, and I don’t think this does either

01/09/2019 - 02:13 |
0 | 0
Dante Verna

I like how Superperformance just builds all the cars that are “too cool” for Ford.

01/08/2019 - 19:35 |
2 | 0
Destroya
01/08/2019 - 23:52 |
2 | 0
Danny S

No way! I had the Hotwheels model of this, always loved the design. I never thought someone would actually put it into production!

01/09/2019 - 06:50 |
2 | 0

Same lol

01/09/2019 - 11:57 |
0 | 0
Wogmidget
01/09/2019 - 08:49 |
2 | 0
5:19.55

Rip internet :(

01/09/2019 - 11:43 |
2 | 0
Mr. Kei (A Random Corolla) (ZoomZoomer32) (Käfer für i

Yes! I’ve got the Hot Wheels one. My favourite Ford prototype

01/09/2019 - 21:18 |
0 | 0