Carroll Shelby’s need for speed is legendary, and for those that knew and worked with him, it was genuinely contagious. Ford experienced this firsthand in the 1960s when the automaker partnered with Shelby in its quest to beat Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Shelby answered the call, building his reputation by finetuning Ford’s race car to deliver more performance than imaginable. His contagious penchant for speed lives on even today, giving drivers with the same need more reason to look for the legendary Shelby GT500 for sale.
Shelby’s impact on the American automotive industry continues with models like the Shelby GT500 and at dealerships like ours. At Future Ford of Sacramento, we understand the pursuit of high-performance models like the Mustang and what attracts so many drivers to the Shelby name. We’re here to make those dreams come true and get you behind the wheel of a genuine supercharged performance car inspired by the legendary Carroll Shelby himself.
Future Ford of Sacramento is proud to continue Shelby’s legacy and carry the Ford name, both of which come with significant responsibility. It’s our duty to deliver a customer experience that lives up to these legendary reputations, and that’s a task we don’t take lightly. We’re here to provide the best possible experience, raising the standards of excellence just as Shelby did when he tuned his first Ford for the track. What does that experience look like for customers like you? It involves working with an award-winning team that’s just as passionate about the Shelby GT500 and the Ford brand as you. The question is, “are you ready?”
The Making of the Legend: History of the Shelby GT500
Carroll Shelby helped Ford win the 24 Hours of Le Mans for Ford in 1966 with the design of the Ford GT40. The victory was sweet, but Shelby and Ford weren’t ready to stop there. Instead, they envisioned a powerful street car with a big-block engine that could capitalize on their racing success and put rivals on notice by placing track-ready performance in the hands of every driver. Ford’s 427 big-block V8 that had dominated at Le Mans was the most obvious choice, but fitting it into a Mustang proved challenging.
Shelby and his team were up for the challenge and patchworked a prototype using a heavily-modified Shelby GT350 Competition. The team tested the prototype once at Willow Springs before sending it to Ford’s Michigan plant in Dearborn. Its successful run on the test track earned Ford’s stamp of approval, prompting engineers to design what would be known as the 1967 Shelby GT500.
The GT500 immediately distinguished itself by dropping the Mustang name and doing a better job of blending performance with comfort. Although the prototype featured Ford’s 427 big-block, the engine proved too powerful and aggressive for a production model and prompted Ford to swap it for the 428 that powered its full-size sedans. Even then, Ford called the GT500’s engine “the Cobra Le Mans,” adding appeal and giving the nod to its race-inspired roots.
As expected, the GT500 was an early success and was built in collaboration with Shelby American until 1970, discontinuing the model for nearly four decades before its grand return in 2005. Since then, every generation of the Shelby GT500 has built on its legacy of performance and style, forever securing its position as one of the greatest icons in the American automotive landscape.
New or Used, Your Shelby GT500 Is Here
It’s hard to describe the feeling of getting behind the wheel of a legendary American car like the Shelby GT500. Every model, from 1967 to the latest generation, does an impeccable job of blending performance and style without compromise. They embody Shelby’s vision and his never ending search for more power and capability on the track.
Future Ford of Sacramento welcomes you into that legacy by making it easy to get behind the wheel of the GT500. Our selection of new and used models is unparalleled, giving you plenty of opportunities to find the perfect icon for your speed-chasing needs. Our Mustang shopper’s paradise guarantees an experience you won’t find anywhere else.
We understand the allure of a new Shelby GT500 with the appeal of that new car smell and the latest technology. But we also appreciate the many benefits of shopping for a used model, like spending less and still getting to enjoy the stunning performance of such a legend. This understanding gives us an advantage because it’s at the heart of how we build our inventory. Our goal is to answer the demand for both new and used models so that you don’t have to shop anywhere else. By thoroughly vetting and competitively pricing every model, we set you up for success long before you get in the driver’s seat.
Why Work With Future Ford of Sacramento?
Like Carroll Shelby, we understand the power of perseverance and the importance of following our vision. At Future Ford of Sacramento, that vision is to deliver the best customer experience possible, which means defying the age-old approach to the car-buying and car-owning process and instead prioritizing the customer over the sale. We do things differently by focusing on building relationships and operating with accountability, integrity, and transparency.
Our dedication to changing the customer experience is a source of great pride and is nationally recognized. When you shop with Future Ford of Sacramento, you will work with an award-winning team dedicated to making your experience a success. We are the proud recipients of the President’s Award, Ford’s most prestigious honor for customer satisfaction. It’s proof of our perseverance and our commitment to customers like you, which extends beyond the sale to maintaining and upgrading your performance car so that it keeps its edge for years to come.
Shop for a Shelby GT500 Today!
Getting behind the wheel of a Shelby GT500 means more than satisfying a need for speed. It means joining one of the greatest legacies in the automotive industry. This supercharged sports car is the ultimate Mustang and represents Ford and Shelby’s racing history. Are you ready to join that legacy?
If so, it’s time to visit Future Ford of Sacramento, your Shelby GT500 destination. Our award-winning dealership is proud to deliver an unmatched customer experience that shifts the focus to what genuinely matters: you. Our commitment to integrity and transparency characterizes every aspect of our business and approach, guaranteeing you have the same high-caliber experience throughout our state-of-the-art facility.
From shopping for a new or used Shelby GT500 to overseeing routine maintenance and repairs, we’re here to handle all your automotive needs. Our work starts when you walk through our door and continues long after the sale, reflecting our long-term approach to building meaningful and lasting relationships with our customers. We’re here to help you find the perfect car and ensure you get the most out of your investment every speed-thrilling mile ahead.
Let the Future Ford of Sacramento team help bring your Shelby dreams to life. While we can’t guarantee a victory like Shelby’s at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1966, we can promise an experience like no other and the opportunity to join an incredible legacy. If you ask us, that’s an astonishing victory by every standard.
