Shelby American Introduces 2026 Version of Its Flagship Super Snake
Its longest running Ford Mustang model, the latest limited-edition Shelby Super Snake can produce 830-plus horsepower…
Shelby American, a wholly owned subsidiary of Carroll Shelby International Inc., announced the 2026 version of its flagship Shelby Super Snake will debut during the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona. One of the most iconic performance cars in the world, the 830-plus horsepower legend is the longest tenured new vehicle model based on the Ford Mustang in the company’s history, officials stated in a press release.
“The Shelby Super Snake Mustang has continuously evolved and improved since we reintroduced it for the 2007 model year, four decades after the first car became an immediate sensation,” said Shelby American CEO Joe Conway. “Based on Ford’s world-class Mustang sports car, the Shelby Super Snake name is now synonymous with American high performance.”
History of the Super Snake
The first time the “Super Snake” Shelby name appeared was on a big block Cobra roadster in 1966; it was followed by the Super Snake Dragster campaigned by Don Prudhomme in NHRA. The first Shelby Super Snake Mustang was built in 1967 for Goodyear Tire Company high-speed testing. Shelby installed a detuned version of the 427-c.i.d. big block racing engine that beat Ferrari at Le Mans into a new Shelby Mustang. This Super Snake prototype set speed records, but only one was built by Shelby American, noted the release.
“Over the years, the Shelby Super Snake has evolved but kept its fierce competitive personality,” said Gary Patterson, president of Shelby American. “Every aspect of the vehicle is modified and upgraded. The Shelby Super Snake has become our flagship car, as well as the longest-running model based on the Ford Mustang in our history.”
2026 Shelby Super Snake Delivers Supercar Capabilities for Serious Enthusiasts
Built on the latest S650 Ford Mustang platform, the 2026 model Shelby Super Snake is a sophisticated, high achiever, the company said.
The 5.0L-powered Shelby Super Snake is available with either 480 or 830-plus horsepower, giving it elite capabilities with robust reliability. In addition to more horsepower with the optional supercharger, Shelby says it sliced weight with a proprietary aluminum hood and carbon fiber fenders that redirect airflow for superior cooling.
Lightweight magnesium wheels cut rotating mass, and a featherweight carbon fiber tail wing plants the tuned suspension firmly on the road. New styling elements include gunmetal finish wheels and optional Orange Fury exterior color.
According to Vince LaViolette, Shelby American vice president of operations and senior designer, “Our goal was to put supercar capabilities within reach of serious enthusiasts worldwide. We achieved that mission. The 2026 Shelby Super Snake is visually different from European cars, yet it can compete with them at half their price.”
Availability & Pricing
The 2026 model is available with a manual transmission or automatic, as well as in either a fastback or convertible configuration. Only 300 total cars will be available in the U.S., with a small number built by official Mod Shops worldwide. Production of the cars has begun in Las Vegas.
Each vehicle from Shelby American is documented in the official Shelby Registry. The car starts at an MSRP of $175,885 (not including tax, title, transportation or other outside fees), including the base Ford Mustang and a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty; the powertrain warranty from Ford remains intact, officials stated.
