2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 last year of the iconic muscle car

What will the end of production of the 2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 mean for the iconic performance car? Shelby has announced it will end the run for the iconic Shelby GT350 muscle car after this year. That’s the bad news, but the good news is production will continue on all existing models, including the Shelby GTS, GT500 Super Snake and Shelby 1000, Shelby Raptor muscle truck and Shelby Focus ST. But it’s been well-planned out that Shelby will produce the last GT350.

Shelby’s plan all along was to limit production of the GT350 so it would remain a highly valuable and collectible muscle car. John Luft, president of Shelby American said, “The Shelby GT350 is one of the world’s most celebrated, iconic muscle cars. When we unveiled this latest version of the Shelby GT350, we promised it would be built for a limited time to preserve its collectability and value. So we’ve been preparing for this day since 2010. In true Carroll Shelby fashion, we’re planning our next ultimate performance Shelby model.”

Keeping with tradition

Just like Carroll Shelby did in the 1960’s with the 1965, 1966 and 1967 models, Shelby American wanted to build the GT350 in small numbers for 2011, 2012 and 2013. Today, those 60s Shelby Mustangs are the most desirable and collectible muscle cars in the world. Shelby American is hoping the same will hold true for the current generation GT350s.

The first 45th anniversary year GT350 was built in 2011 and were all coupes that came in Competition White with Guardsmen Blue stripes that were designed after the first 1965 Shelby models. They added three more colors in 2012, red, blue and anniversary black/gold celebrating 50 years of Shelby American. The convertible was also offered similar to the options offered by Shelby American in 1966. 2013 saw expanded color options, equipment choices and styling changes, to keep with tradition again.

Shelby American wanted keep with tradition and build the current generation GT350 to be “light, nimble and powerful.” They used the highly competent Ford 5.0-liter small block engine and every aspect of the car was enhanced to create the ultimate high performance muscle car that is true to the Shelby spirit from the 1960’s era cars.

The GT350 will remain exclusive

“The Shelby GT350’s rich history is well-documented,” said Shelby American Vice President of Production Gary Davis. “People value that heritage and tell us that they want this car to equal that exclusivity. We’re staying true to our commitment to deliver a small block car with high performance, unique styling and collectability in a way that honors our heritage.”

With the new 2015 Ford Mustang on its way, Shelby will no doubt have some good things planned for the new-generation Mustang. We’re not sure what the future will hold for the GT350, but we know Shelby is already making plans for the next model. But customers who want the last 2012-2014 Shelby GT350 models will be able to place orders through the end of 2013.