At Barrett-Jackson auctions, it’s common for automakers to run VIN 001 of certain models across the block and donate the stratospheric amount of money they generate to charity. That’s exactly where the new 2025 Shelby GT350 was at the Barrett-Jackson 2025 Scottsdale Auction, but it wasn’t being sold. It was making its world debut.
The GT350 name has been around for 60 years, dating back to January 27, 1965, when Carroll Shelby introduced the world to his faster, higher-performance version of the Ford Mustang Fastback. It’s been several years since that moniker was last applied to a Mustang, though. The 2015-2020 Shelby GT350 and more focused and aggressive GT350R models were produced in collaboration with Ford. Both were powered by a naturally aspirated Voodoo 5.2-liter V8 with a flat-plane crankshaft and output figures of 526 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque. This time around, the GT350 and GT350R are Shelby builds based on the current S650 Ford Mustang.
Shelby starts with a 2025 Mustang GT coupe with the six-speed manual or 10-speed automatic. To transform it into a GT350, Shelby restyles the exterior with Le Mans-style stripes, a vented aluminum hood, upper and lower grilles, a three-piece splitter, and a rear ducktail spoiler (the GT350 Shelby chose for the model’s big debut was fitted with the optional rear pedestal wing). A set of 20″ x 9.5″ front and 20″ x 11″ rear flow-forged wheels with performance tires replace the stock rolling hardware. The GT350 sits closer to the ground (or track) on front and rear lowering springs; front and rear sway bars reign in its lateral movements. Shelby upgrades the cockpit by recovering the seats with fresh leather, installing new door sill plates, protecting the carpeting with embroidered floor mats, and replacing the shifter setup on manual models with a short-throw setup topped with a Shelby knob. Serialized dash and engine plaques document each car’s place in automotive history.
All of those upgrades can be combined with the Mustang GT’s stock 480-horsepower Coyote 5.0-liter V8, which is augmented with a Shelby by Borla cat-back exhaust system. On the list of optional equipment is a 3.0-liter Whipple supercharger that cranks the output up to 810 horses.
The GT350R takes power and performance to an even higher level. Built in collaboration with Turn Key Automotive/Motorsports, it gets racing-inspired paint and graphics, carbon fiber trim and aero components, and gold Forgeline wheels. Inside, there’s a carbon fiber tub, a half cage, Sparco four-point harnesses (which can be paired with optional Sparco racing buckets), and an Aim Solo 2 lap timer. Those race car looks are paired with Alcon brakes, a stiffened chassis, and a JRI suspension package. The supercharged 5.0 is standard equipment, but it gets a bump up to 830+ horsepower, which is processed exclusively by a six-speed manual gearbox.
Shelby is not stopping there. It’s working with Turn Key to develop a track-only, Trans Am Series-compliant GT350R. It’s first scheduled race? Sebring in 2026.
In a nod to the GT350’s origins, Shelby will only produce 526 GT350s and 36 GT350Rs for the 2025 model year. Prices start at $109,995 for the manual, supercharged GT350 (which includes the 2025 Mustang GT donor car). Stay tuned to the ClassicCars.com Journal for video coverage from the debut of the 2025 Shelby GT350 and GT350R.
Source: www.classiccars.com