Houston94vert
Founding Member
Well I finally broke down and got a Shelby today. The dealer i got it from also had a Parnelli and a bunch of other stangs (Steeda, Roush, other Saleens). The Parnelli is definitely an awesome ride. They also had a Saleen with the glass-back roof, which was pretty nifty, but not for me (that thing gets HOT). I guess the main reason I went with the Shelby over the Parnelli was for the convertible. Ever since the spy photos came out I've been saying "they better make a vert." Throw the convertible factor out and...I dunno...its a tough call at the current prices. The Saleen will definitely be a more unique vehicle, now and in the future, which is a big draw for me. I hate it when people say, "oh, its just another Mustang." Don't get me wrong, the Shelby is unique in its own right, but with 20-30,000 being built you are bound to see one on a regular basis if you live in a populated area. I would think the chances of seeing two Parnellis on the road at the same time are going to be slim to none (unless you're at a car show).
That being said, I didn't buy my Shelby for a collector car. I bought it because once upon a time I had this plan to build a mean Mustang (S197 body, super/turbocharged 5.4 4v, 6-speed, solid axle). Only Ford beat me to it, and threw a warranty on it. Lets face it, when you build a custom car, hot rod, etc you are always going to have something go wrong with it. Personally, I don't care one bit that it has Shelby's name on it (we all know SVT built the car). Yes, I have the utmost respect for Carroll Shelby, and its cool having his name on the car, but his name is the sole reason for the inflated ADMs, and as I stated, I didn't buy it for a collector. Hell, I put 300 miles on it driving home today, and I'll probably put on another 300 tomorrow. Ford built a sweet car and I intend on driving the hell out of it.
Yes, I paid too much. I could have waited till August or September for an 08 for close to sticker, but I wanted it now to enjoy this Spring & Summer. Also, the amount of pressure and abuse my family has taken from me ranting about gross ADMs and crooked dealers over the last few months had finally taken its toll. I couldn't put them or myself through any more torture, and since I don't plan on selling it, the ADM I paid is really irrelevant (except for the immediate "OUCH! Aren't you going to use lube?" factor). I had the means to pay for it, so I did. I'll let my kids fight over it when I head off to the big corral in the sky.
That being said....first impressions! Being used to my 96, the new body is definitely a lot more solid, but the suspension will probably be one of my first upgrades. It floats a lot around corners. It may be because its a vert, i dunno, but I gotta tighten it up. The "off-road" stance leaves much to be desired as well. I only drove highway miles today, but I kicked it a few times and boy does it get the adrenalin pumping. Not to worry, I am taking it easy until I get used to it. Its going to be nice not having to fill a bottle though (for now anyways ).
Anyways, thanks for reading my 2 cents. I've been lurking for a long time and finally had something to say. I'm exhausted...must rest...I have a lot of driving to do tomorrow.
Oh by the way, does anyone know how I can find out what build number my Shelby is? My dealer didn't know. Is it posted on the window sticker anywhere?
Pig
That is awesome, congrats!!
Back to the topic.
I would purcahse the GT500. larger motor, more valves, supercharged, six speed, done.