Carbon Shelby GT500 Arrives at SEMA 2026 With 1,000 Horsepower Coyote V8
Liam Campbell
2 minutes read
The Carbon Shelby GT500 is one of the most audacious classic builds to reach SEMA 2026. Classic Recreations calls it the world’s only production, officially licensed carbon-fibre-bodied example of the 1967 Shelby. Called the GT500CR, the car debuted at the Concours at Wynn Las Vegas before landing at the FuelTech booth in Central Hall.
Carbon Shelby GT500 Meets Modern Engineering
This is also Classic Recreations’ first SEMA appearance since Velocity Restorations took ownership of the company. On paper, the business case is straightforward. Collectors pay a premium for period-correct silhouettes with modern performance, and this car sits squarely in that lane. Compare it with the custom Lamborghini Urus by Venuum Black, and the appeal of bespoke tuner work becomes obvious.
In the engine bay sits a Gen 4X 5.0-litre Coyote V8 built by Wegner, fed by a massive 3.0-litre Whipple supercharger. The result is 1,000 hp, delivered to the rear wheels through a Suncoast-built 10-speed automatic. Ford’s own Shelby GT500 heritage was built on muscle, but this powertrain is a different league entirely.
| ⚙️Engine / Powertrain | 5.0L Gen 4X Coyote V8 with 3.0L Whipple supercharger |
| 🐎Power Output | 1,000 HP |
| ⚡Peak Torque | Approx. 880 lb-ft (est.) |
| ⏱️0-60 mph (0-100 km/h) | 0-60 mph in 3.2s (est.) |
| 🚀Top Speed | 170 mph (est.) |
| 🔄Drivetrain / Gearbox | 10-Speed Automatic / RWD |
| 💰Starting Price / Est. | $350,000 (est.) |
Where the Business Case Gets Tricky
Still, the chassis deserves as much attention as the engine. Detroit Speed suspension hardware and electronically controlled Nitron shocks manage the load, while Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes handle the stopping. Forgeline Carbon Grudge wheels and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres complete a package that is clearly built for real speed, not just show.
Pricing has not been disclosed, but the market will judge it hard. A one-off, officially licensed carbon build with this hardware realistically sits in the mid-six figures, and that places it against established restomod benchmarks. Ultimately, the Carbon Shelby GT500 will be judged on whether buyers see it as a collectible or a rolling experiment. Our bet is on the former, because genuine low-volume carbon Shelbys rarely stay on the market for long.
For more of our coverage on bespoke builds, visit Auto News Magazine.
Liam Campbell
Industry Intelligence & News Editor at Auto News Magazine. Tracking prototype spy shots, Nürburgring development mules, automaker corporate moves, and breaking global automotive scoops.
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