The Ford Shelby II GT, produced between 2007 and 2009, represents a continuation of the iconic Shelby Mustang lineage, though distinct from the earlier collaborations with Carroll Shelby. Marketed primarily in Europe and other international markets, the Shelby II GT was not officially sold in the United States. It aimed to deliver a high-performance coupe experience, blending American muscle car aesthetics with European handling characteristics. This model served as a halo vehicle for Ford in regions where the Mustang had limited presence, offering a compelling alternative to established European sports coupes.
Ford Shelby II GT: A Modern Muscle Coupe
The Shelby II GT was conceived as a more refined and technologically advanced iteration of the Mustang GT, offering a unique blend of power, handling, and style. While not directly involved with Carroll Shelby during its production run, the vehicle carries the Shelby name and design cues, paying homage to the legendary tuner’s legacy. It occupied a niche market segment, appealing to enthusiasts seeking a powerful, rear-wheel-drive coupe with a distinctive appearance and a focus on driver engagement.
Engine & Performance
At the heart of the Shelby II GT lies a 4.6-liter V8 engine, producing 324 horsepower at 5750 rpm and 447 Nm (329.69 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4500 rpm. This naturally aspirated powerplant, featuring multi-port fuel injection, delivers robust performance and a classic V8 soundtrack. The engine is longitudinally mounted, contributing to a balanced weight distribution. Power is transmitted to the rear wheels via a five-speed automatic transmission. The vehicle boasts a weight-to-power ratio of 5 kg/Hp and a weight-to-torque ratio of 3.6 kg/Nm, translating to responsive acceleration and a spirited driving experience. Fuel economy figures are rated at 14.7 l/100 km (16 US mpg, 19.2 UK mpg) in urban conditions, 10.2 l/100 km (23.1 US mpg, 27.7 UK mpg) on the extra-urban cycle, and 12.4 l/100 km (19 US mpg, 22.8 UK mpg) combined.
Design & Features
The Shelby II GT is a two-door coupe with seating for four passengers. Its exterior design incorporates aggressive styling cues, including a unique front fascia with a prominent grille, sculpted side skirts, and a rear spoiler. The vehicle’s dimensions are 4765 mm (187.6 in.) in length, 1877 mm (73.9 in.) in width, and 1372 mm (54.02 in.) in height, with a wheelbase of 2720 mm (107.09 in.). The car rides on 18-inch wheels fitted with 235/50 ZR18 tires. Inside, the Shelby II GT features a driver-focused cockpit with supportive seats and a sporty steering wheel. Standard safety features include an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and ventilated front disc brakes, with solid discs at the rear. The steering system utilizes a rack and pinion setup for precise handling. The vehicle’s kerb weight is 1608 kg (3545.03 lbs.), and it has a fuel tank capacity of 60 liters (15.85 US gal, 13.2 UK gal).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Ford |
| Model | Shelby |
| Generation | Shelby II |
| Type (Engine) | GT 4.6 V8 (324 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 2007 |
| End of production | 2009 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Coupe |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban | 14.7 l/100 km (16 US mpg, 19.2 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban | 10.2 l/100 km (23.1 US mpg, 27.7 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 12.4 l/100 km (19 US mpg, 22.8 UK mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 5 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3.6 kg/Nm |
| Power | 324 Hp @ 5750 rpm |
| Power per litre | 70.4 Hp/l |
| Torque | 447 Nm @ 4500 rpm (329.69 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine displacement | 4601 cm3 (280.77 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 8 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 90.2 mm (3.55 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 90 mm (3.54 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.8:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 3 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Kerb Weight | 1608 kg (3545.03 lbs.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 60 l (15.85 US gal | 13.2 UK gal) |
| Length | 4765 mm (187.6 in.) |
| Width | 1877 mm (73.9 in.) |
| Height | 1372 mm (54.02 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2720 mm (107.09 in.) |
| Front track | 1582 mm (62.28 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1587 mm (62.48 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 11.5 m (37.73 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Rear wheel drive. Internal Combustion engine (ICE) |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 235/50 ZR18 |
| Wheel rims size | 18 |
The Ford Shelby II GT, while not a mainstream success in all markets, remains a noteworthy example of Ford’s efforts to expand the appeal of the Mustang brand internationally. It offered a compelling combination of performance, style, and technology, appealing to enthusiasts seeking a unique and engaging driving experience. Its legacy lies in its contribution to the Shelby lineage and its demonstration of Ford’s commitment to delivering high-performance vehicles to a global audience.
