Limited Edition 25th Anniversary Shelby Series 2 Coupe Is A Thing Of Beauty

Back in the late 90’s, I was visiting Las Vegas and decided to check out the Shelby Museum. As I was making my way down there, I saw this insane car whiz by me in the opposite direction, easily going 140mph or more. Turns out, it was the Shelby Series 1. At the museum, I got to see a few more in the flesh, and let me tell you, it was a real beauty.

Sadly, the car never really caught on, with only 249 cars (of a planned 500 car run) being sold. But now, 25 years after the Shelby Series 1 was introduced, it’s getting a second chance at life, and the successor looks even better than the original in hardtop form.

Feast your eyes on the new Shelby Series 2 Coupe. Built by Wingard Motorsports (WMC) through an agreement with Carroll Shelby Licensing, the new cars will open a new chapter in the car’s illustrious history, with ten of the anniversary edition fastbacks to be built by WMC.

“Our founder, Carroll Shelby was an innovator who constantly pushed the envelope,” said Neil Cummings, CEO Shelby Licensing. “We are pleased that Wingard Motorsports and Custom Coaches is continuing his legacy through their licensed Shelby Series 2 Coupe. The car that Bob Wingard and his team will offer helps fulfill Carroll’s vision for the Shelby Series 1 that we launched 25 years ago.”

Beginning in 2024, ten handcrafted, 25th Anniversary Limited Edition Coupes will be available for purchase from WMC through the agreement with Carroll Shelby Licensing; three all aluminum and seven carbon fiber body versions will be built by WMC. The cars are intended to be sold as rollers by WMC and details of this process are being developed by the companies.

“The Shelby Series 1 holds a unique position in automotive history,” said Gary Patterson, Shelby American President. “Carroll Shelby built many cars in partnerships with several companies based on a chassis or design from those carmakers. Around 1996, he decided to produce a car that was pure Shelby. He named it the Series 1 because he always intended for the innovative chassis to be the first in a line of modern sports cars.”

The Shelby Series 2 Coupe is the evolution of that dream, offering super car performance in a modern two seat fastback coupe. The new Shelby Series 2 Coupe emerged from a licensing agreement between Shelby and Wingard, who continued the vison of the Series 2 and created a handful of Series 2 roadsters in both aluminum and carbon fiber car bodies. The 25th Anniversary Shelby Series 2 Coupe is a product of that agreement and marks the car’s next evolution.

“Several years ago, Wingard Motorsports purchased the remaining Shelby Series 1 chassis and parts,” said Bob Wingard, Founder of Wingard Motorsports and Custom Coaches. “We revised the car to reduce weight by maximizing the integration of billeted aluminum and carbon fiber components. We further refined the suspension, braking, and drivetrain to allow an increase of more than twice the horsepower of the original platform. The bodies are now lighter, and the platform will support over 1,100 horsepower.”

The Shelby Series 2 Coupe is built on the original aluminum honeycomb monocoque frame, which is still one of the stiffest chassis in the world with upgraded next generation hardware and materials.

The car has an almost 50/50 balance front to rear, weighing less than 3200lbs. It features inboard cantilevered suspension, massive 6-piston calipers braking system on all corners, custom 19” mono block performance wheels with the Potenza performance tires.

The roller can be configured for one of three powerplant options for finish by a company of the owner’s choice. Fans of internal combustion engines can mate a V8 through a torque tube to the 6-speed paddle shift sequential transaxle. Choices include a Carroll Shelby Engine Company 427 Windsor V8 or a Supercharged Ford Godzilla motor. WMS also has created a Performance EV package for those seeking a Shelby electrified sports car.

Each Shelby Series 2 anniversary Coupe will be a unique and “one-of-one” vehicle by WMC. The Shelbys will boast concours fit and finish and a custom interior designed to accommodate most drivers with an incredible six inches of peddle adjustment. Aluminum bodies will be available in polished or painted finish with the Shelby signature racing stripes.

The Carbon Fiber component package starts at $385,600, while the all Aluminum component package starts at $498,200. Drivetrain options start at $83,500, including motor, driveline and 6-speed transaxle. That’s some serious coin, but this is arguably one of the sexiest cars on the road, and one with Carroll Shelby’s DNA all over it.

“While the Shelby Series 2 is based on the first-generation car, it’s a significant leap forward,” said Wingard. “The Shelby Series 2 blends old school craftmanship and current technology, pushing the Coupe into super car territory. It is the perfect car for collectors and enthusiasts who want the ultimate in exclusivity & to be completely engaged with the driving experience.”

Each component car is a custom build and bears a Shelby American CSX5500 series serial number that will be recorded in the official Shelby American Registry. For more information and to order a car, visit https://www.wingardmotorsportsandcustomcoaches.com/.