624 REASONS TO REMEMBER: The Story of the 2011 Shelby GT350 Prototype Convertible
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| At first glance, it looks like an echo from another era – red, audacious and unmistakably Shelby. But look closer, and you’ll find one of the most significant modern Shelby Mustangs ever built: the 2011 Shelby GT350 Prototype Convertible, a one-of- one machine Carroll Shelby himself signed off on during his final chapter of rewriting American performance history. Unleashed just a year before his passing, this drop-top GT350 is a piece of Shelby American’s modern-era blueprint. It was the first GT350 convertible since 1970 and the very first of its kind to test Shelby’s wildest idea yet: a 624-horsepower supercharged 5.0-liter Coyote V8 in a soft-top chassis. Built as a proof-of-concept and test mule for the 2012 model year’s most potent “R-Tune” option, this Race Red prototype was Carroll’s bold response to the question: Can a convertible handle that much power? The answer? A resounding, tire-smoking yes. Built at the Shelby American facility in Las Vegas, this once-humble Mustang GT was transformed through Shelby’s post-title program into a full-blown track animal with street manners. A polished supercharger sits atop the hand-tuned Coyote V8, sending 624 horsepower through a six-speed manual transmission, an unusual but deliberate choice, underscoring the experimental nature of the build. The cooling package, Shelby / Ford Racing suspension, six-piston brakes on all four corners and Shelby’s signature engine dress-up kit push this prototype into rarefied air. On the outside, it’s unmistakable: Shelby fascia, functional aero tweaks and iconic striping wrap the body in red and white – colors chosen that teased what would soon be offered on the 2012 production run. Inside, Shelby-specific interior upgrades remind you this isn’t just another Mustang. This is a Shelby and, more importantly, a one-off Shelby that helped shape what came next. This particular prototype toured the nation as a showpiece. It graced the floors of SEMA, the Henry Ford Museum, Barrett-Jackson and the major international auto shows in Detroit, Chicago and New York. It earned ink in Motor Trend, Road & Track and Mustang Monthly and spent time on display at the Shelby Museum in Las Vegas before finding its next caretaker in 2014. At the 2025 Scottsdale Fall Auction, the Race Red prototype will once again be looking for a new home when it crosses the block with No Reserve, Oct. 15-18 at WestWorld. Today, it shows over 12,500 miles, each one a testament to its purpose and pedigree. While it was displayed alongside a convertible blue sibling that tested the lower 525-horsepower tune, this red prototype was the high watermark, the one Carroll used to push the envelope. This convertible is a symbol of what happens when legacy meets ambition, and horsepower gets the final word. Bidder registration is open for the October 15-18, 2025, Scottsdale Fall Auction. Sign up today! |
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Members profile: |
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| Advertised by: | Barrett-Jackson Media Dept. (click here to see full profile) |
| Email: | Email Advertiser |
Ad Details |
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| Property is | For Sale |
| Garage Spaces (put 0 if this does not apply) | 0.00 |
| Price Info | Final Selling Price for this Vehicle will be determined via this Classic Car Auction |
| Type: | Car, Classic Vehicle / Collector Vehicle, Exotic Vehicle |
| New or Used: | Used |
| Year: | 2011 |
| Model: | Shelby GT350 Prototype Convertible |
| Make: | Ford |
| Price: | $0 USD |
| Odometer Miles: | 12,500 |
| Interior Color: | Black with Red Trim |
| Exterior Color: | Red with White Stripes |
For Sale at Auction |
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| Auction Sale? | Yes |
| Type of Auction | Phone Bidding, Internet Bidding, No Reserve Price, Retail Auction Event, On-site Registration, Absolute Auction (sells regardless of high bid) |
| Auction Date | Oct. 15-18, 2025 |
| Location | WestWorld, Scottsdale, Arizona |
| Name of Auction | 2025 Scottsdale Fall Auction |
| Auction Website | https://www.barrett-jackson.com/bidders/scottsdale-fall-2025/packages |
Unique Sale Issues |
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| Type of Sale | Auction Company Sale |
Website |
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| Website | https://www.barrett-jackson.com/bidders/scottsdale-fall-2025/packages |
Location |
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| Address | 16601 N. Pima Rd |
| City | Scottsdale |
| State | AZ |
| Postal Code | 85260 |
| Country | United States |
Call Me! |
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| Phone | 480.421.6694 |
| Ad id: | 50335008 |
| Views: | 40 |