Classic Recreations Unveils Carbon-Fiber 1,000HP Shelby GT500
A modern carbon-fiber body meets a 1,000hp supercharged V8 in this licensed Shelby.
1Modernized Classic Icon
Classic Recreations has debuted a 1967 Shelby GT500 featuring a full carbon-fiber body, marking a significant evolution from the original fiberglass components. Officially licensed by Shelby, the vehicle maintains the iconic fastback silhouette while utilizing advanced composite materials to reduce weight by approximately 600 pounds compared to steel-bodied versions.
2Advanced Engineering Process
The carbon-fiber panels were developed alongside SpeedKore Performance Group using blue-light scanning technology to ensure precise surface replication. These panels are cured in an autoclave, a high-pressure oven used in aerospace, and mounted over a steel substructure to maintain structural integrity while achieving the exact lines of the original 1967 model.
3Extreme Powertrain Performance
The reveal car features a Wegner-built Gen 4X Coyote 5.0-liter V8 engine equipped with a Whipple 3.0-liter inverted supercharger. This setup produces 1,000 horsepower, nearly triple the output of the original 1967 GT500. Power is managed by a FuelTech FT700 standalone ECU and delivered through a 10-speed automatic transmission system.
4Chassis and Handling Upgrades
To handle the massive power, the car utilizes a Detroit Speed Aluma-Frame front subframe and QuadraLink rear suspension. It is equipped with Nitron electronic dampers for real-time adjustment and Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes with 15-inch discs. Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires provide the necessary grip for this high-performance track-focused machine.
5Interior and Comfort Features
The cabin retains the classic 1967 dashboard architecture but integrates modern technology, including Dakota Digital instruments and an Alpine audio system with Focal K2 speakers. Safety is addressed through Crow Safety Gear harnesses anchored to a roll bar, while Vintage Air climate control ensures comfort within the vintage-styled, carbon-accented interior environment.
6Pricing and Build Tiers
Pricing for the GT500CR Carbon starts at $549,900 for the 500-horsepower model, with tiered options reaching $724,900 for the 900-horsepower version. The 1,000-horsepower reveal specification remains unpriced. Production is handled at a 135,000-square-foot facility in Pensacola, Florida, following the company's acquisition by Velocity Restorations, with 2026 build slots nearly full.
7Authenticity and Registry
Every vehicle produced by Classic Recreations receives an official Shelby serial number and is entered into the official Shelby registry. This formal documentation distinguishes these carbon-fiber builds from aftermarket kit cars or unauthorized tributes. The inclusion in the registry ensures long-term collector value and confirms the vehicle's status as a genuine Shelby.
8Evolution of Materials
Carroll Shelby originally utilized fiberglass in 1967 to reduce weight and improve performance over standard steel Mustangs. By transitioning to carbon fiber, Classic Recreations continues this legacy of material innovation. This shift represents a broader trend in the restomod industry, where classic aesthetics are increasingly paired with modern, high-performance composite manufacturing techniques.
Original article: Yanko Design — Classic Recreations Unveils Carbon-Fiber 1,000HP Shelby GT500