To the casual observer, “İViva Terlingua!” may come off as a reference to a certain outlaw country LP or chili cook-off. But to automotive enthusiasts, it’s likely a reminder of Carroll Shelby’s Terlingua Racing Team. The team initially was a tongue-in-cheek cohort of Shelby business partners and pals who would fly to the southwestern Texas town for a weekend respite. This 2015 Shelby Terlingua prototype was originally built to pay homage to the team named after the Texas town. You can buy it at the Barrett-Jackson 2025 Scottsdale Auction, which takes place January 18-26.
“The Terlingua Racing Team was created in the 1960s to have a lot of fun for a lot of people,” said Bill Neale, designer of the Terlingua Racing Team crest. “Our group was as passionate about playing as we were about racing. From our wild weekends on the Rio Grande in South Texas, to racetracks across the world, the Terlingua Racing Team took no prisoners.”
Shelby American offered the Terlingua from 2016 through 2017, but this example is the prototype. It started out as a 2015 Shelby GT prototype and was displayed at events around the U.S. until it was pulled out of circulation and converted into the first of two Shelby Terlinguas that was unveiled at the Barrett-Jackson 2016 Scottsdale Auction. Since then, this marketing and development vehicle has made appearances at Laguna Seca, Indy, and Sears Point (among others) and has been immortalized in print by members of the press. When the Terlingua package finally hit the streets in 2016, it cost $65,999 on top of the price of a Mustang GT.
The Terlingua prototype features a 750-plus-horsepower Coyote 5.0 that achieves its output via a Whipple supercharger and a Borla exhaust system with black tips. Other features include carbon fiber components, a six-speed manual transmission with a Barton short-throw shifter, an ACE Manufacturing twin-disc clutch, Brembo brakes, forged aluminum 20-inch Weld Racing wheels, and more. Suspension tweaks such as the Shelby-by-Eibach sway bar and adjustable coilovers make it evident that this car should be at home on your favorite road course.
It’s difficult not to be a fan of Carroll Shelby’s creations. This unique Shelby Terlingua prototype will be ready for your bid during the upcoming Barrett-Jackson 2025 Scottsdale Auction.
Source: www.classiccars.com