FYI...I know someone who has weighed their Shelby with the stereo that has the heavier sub and a 3/4 full tank and it weighed 3850 on the scales. Ask anyone who owns one, it drives like a car that weighs much less....
Well...I would be that someone...I had it corner weighed back in August.
Here is a review I wrote on my GT500 when I picked it up back in early July (posted on DBK's sister site):
"I picked up my new Shelby from Freedom Ford in Hampton Virginia within 18 hours of its delivery to the dealership. Freedom had it all detailed and ready to go when I arrived. The car is beautiful in person, photos just don’t do it justice.
I left the same day for the trip back to Florida. I decided to stay off the Interstates all the way home and drive on two lane roads as much as possible. No only did I believe this would be better driving conditions for vehicle break-in, I also thought it would be more fun. I was not disappointed.
I put 1100 miles on the car over the next two and a half days. Here’s some of my impressions:
- The car attracts an enormous amount of attention. I own several high profile cars (including a Ford GT) but I have never seen so much interest. I can’t explain it. Perhaps it is the history of the original Shelby, perhaps it is because the car is priced so that it is within reach of so many enthusiasts, or perhaps it is my good looks (not). Camera phones, U-turns in the middle of the road to follow me, crowds at gas stations, rolled down windows at stop lights to talk…you name it.
- Fit and finish are excellent. I opted for the upgraded leather, and I hate to say it, but the interior materials and assembly quality are better than my Ford GT. I don’t like the position of the cup holders. I know, I know, it was built for driving, not drinking, but I do like my Big Gulp beside me on road trips. The problem is if you put a drink in the cup holder it is too close to the shifter and interferes. Exterior paint and body panel fit are excellent. Ford has definitely made “Quality is Job One” a reality with this car. While I do wish that the stripes were painted instead of taped, the taped stripes work.
- The car is very comfortable even after hours in the driver’s seat. Suspension doesn’t beat you up. Seats are well designed ergonomically and the leather is pretty supple. There is no annoying wind noise, no rattles, and no squeaks. Running on beat up farm roads was not a problem
- Engine power is smooth and strong. While I did not really get on it too hard during the drive (now THAT took self restraint), even moderate gas pedal position brings on wonderfully smooth and linear power. Gotta love that supercharger whine!
- The transmission and shifter work as smooth as butter. Throws are short (you don’t need to mod this in my opinion), and the shift lever is positioned well. I believe this transmission is the same that is in my Viper, but it seems to work smoother in the Shelby.
- I am not impressed with the clutch. While the clutch pressure feels just right, it is difficult for me to get a chatter free start. I have a number of manual tranny cars so I don’t think it is me, but who knows. If you really want to get on it there is no problem, but for normal launches, the clutch requires a lot of finesse with the gas pedal. I guess I’ll refine my technique over time, but I expected better.
- The brakes are incredible.
- The car’s handling and cornering are crisp and tight. I was expecting to possibly be disappointed in this department given the final weight of the car, but the weight is not evident in actual real world driving.
All in all it was a great drive home. The car definitely exceeded my expectation. Other than the clutch and all the attention it receives, it’s all good. My plan is to use the Shelby as my daily driver. I’ll drop another post in a month or two with more impressions."
Now, seven months and 7000 miles later I am still pleased with my choice.
IMHO no chebby looks as good [bad] as my GT500.
