
Yes, American continues to manufacture and sell new cars today. However, the nature of their production has evolved significantly from the original 1960s operations. The modern Shelby is a high-performance vehicle brand operating under a licensing agreement with Ford Motor Company. They produce a limited number of exclusive, high-horsepower models each year, primarily based on current Ford Mustang platforms, alongside continuing the legacy of their classic models through continuation cars.
The current lineup is split into two main categories: new builds and continuation cars. The new builds are based on modern Ford Mustangs. These aren't just appearance packages; Shelby American performs extensive modifications to the engine, suspension, brakes, and body to create a significantly more powerful and track-focused vehicle. Models like the Shelby GT500 and Super Snake are prime examples, often featuring supercharged V8 engines producing well over 700 horsepower.
The other category consists of continuation cars. These are newly manufactured vehicles that are authentic recreations of classic Shelby models, such as the CSX-series Cobras and the GT350. They are built to original specifications using modern manufacturing techniques for improved quality and reliability, allowing collectors to own a "new" classic Shelby.
It's also important to distinguish Shelby American from "Shelby"-badged models that are built entirely by Ford, like the recent Mustang Shelby GT350 and GT500. While Ford-owned and engineered, these models are created with Shelby's endorsement and input. The table below outlines key models from both Shelby American and Ford's Shelby-branded production.
| Model | Manufacturer | Horsepower (Approx.) | 0-60 mph (Approx.) | Base Price (Est.) | Production Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shelby Super Snake | Shelby American | 825+ | 3.5 sec | $130,000+ | Post-title modification |
| Shelby GT500 (2020+) | Ford Performance | 760 | 3.3 sec | $80,000+ | Factory-built by Ford |
| Shelby Cobra 427 CSX | Shelby American | 485 | 3.9 sec | $200,000+ | Continuation car |
| Shelby GT-H | Shelby American / Ford | 480 | 4.5 sec | N/A (Rental-only) | Limited edition |
| Shelby GT350R (2015-2020) | Ford Performance | 526 | 3.9 sec | $70,000+ | Factory-built by Ford |
Ultimately, Shelby is very much alive, creating a small number of highly specialized, high-performance vehicles for enthusiasts and collectors, blending its historic legacy with modern automotive technology.

















You bet they do. I just saw a brand-new GT500 on the road the other day, and it sounded incredible. They're not pumping out cars like Toyota, though. It's more of a boutique thing now. They take a regular Ford Mustang and turn it into an absolute beast. If you've got the cash and want something seriously exclusive and powerful straight from the folks who carry on Carroll's legacy, they're definitely still in business.

As a current owner, the answer is a definite yes, but you need to understand the process. I special-ordered my GT through Ford, but the final conversion was handled by the Shelby American facility. It's a two-step process. The car is built by Ford, then shipped to Shelby for the performance upgrades. This means you're dealing with both a Ford dealer for the initial purchase and Shelby for the customization. It's not like walking onto a lot and driving one away; it's a bespoke, enthusiast-focused experience.

The brand is stronger than ever, but its business model has adapted. Today, it's a powerful licensing and modification operation. Ford builds the foundational vehicles, like the Mustang, and Shelby American applies its expertise to create ultra-high-performance variants. They also generate significant revenue by licensing the Shelby name for parts, apparel, and continuation cars. So, while they don't manufacture cars from the ground up like a major automaker, they absolutely "make" the cars that bear their name through intensive, performance-defining modifications.

A common misconception is that died with Carroll Shelby in 2012. The reality is the company was strategically integrated with Ford long before that. The modern Shelby vehicles, especially the GT350 and GT500 built directly by Ford Performance, are some of the most capable ever produced. This partnership ensures the Shelby name continues on factory-warranted, engineering-heavy vehicles, while Shelby American itself focuses on ultra-exclusive, post-title modifications. So, the spirit and the products are very much alive.


