Shelby Prepares Normally Aspirated, Automatic GT350

After reviving the GT350 45 years later in a supercharged version, in early 2010, Shelby American announced it plans to offer a normally aspirated version aimed at competing in Sports Car Club of America events and allow the street car to be ordered with an automatic transmission.

“The GT350 is a street car that is perfect for track day and solo racing activities,” added John Luft, president of Shelby. “Beginning with the small block Ford Mustang GT, we worked with Ford Racing, Borla, Goodyear and Baer to create a car that should be competitive right out of the box.”

The GT350 is powered by a 5.0 liter V8 engine coupled to a 6 speed transmission. Just like the existing supercharged version, the 2011 Shelby GT350 automatic will also be finished in traditional white with Shelby Guardsman blue Le Mans stripes.

The car also receives a new front fascia, tail light trim, front splitter, rear deck lid filler panel and rear fascia. GT350 badges on the outside and inside include a Shelby serial number.

“We plan to have development finished and begin building normally aspirated versions of the GT350 by late summer,” said Shelby American vice president of production Gary Davis. “This ensures that the car will be fully sorted and ready for fun on the street or track.”

Pricing of the normally aspirated GT350 upfit package is set at $26,995, without the base Ford Mustang GT. The supercharged version of the GT350 post title package by Shelby American has a MSRP of $33,995.