Shelby Super Snakes: Heritage & Evolution

When it comes to American muscle cars, few names carry the prestige, history, and outright performance that the Shelby Super Snake does. A badge born of Carroll Shelby’s relentless pursuit of speed and excellence, the Super Snake has evolved from a rare experimental beast into a high-performance legend—and a symbol of American automotive passion. At Kunes Performance, we celebrate this incredible machine not only for what it represents, but for how it continues to push boundaries with each generation.

The story of the Shelby Super Snake begins in 1967, when Carroll Shelby—the visionary behind the Cobra and GT350—decided to create something extraordinary. Using a Shelby GT500 as the foundation, Shelby installed a 427-cubic-inch race engine—the same engine used in Ford’s GT40 race cars that dominated Le Mans. The result was a one-off prototype built for Goodyear to test their Thunderbolt tires at high speeds. It was called the 1967 Shelby GT500 Super Snake, and it was unlike anything else on the road.

Only one unit of the original Super Snake was produced, making it one of the rarest Mustangs in existence. Capable of speeds over 170 mph and producing nearly 600 horsepower—a remarkable figure for the era—it was a halo car, a demonstration of Shelby’s engineering prowess.

Despite its mind-blowing performance, the original Super Snake didn’t see a production run. The costs were simply too high, and demand for such a vehicle in the late 1960s was limited. The name "Super Snake" faded into legend, remembered fondly by collectors and historians but absent from showrooms.

That would change decades later, when Shelby American decided to resurrect the name—and the legend.

In 2007, on the 40th anniversary of the original, Shelby brought the Super Snake nameplate back in spectacular fashion. Working in collaboration with Ford’s SVT team, the new Super Snake was based on the modern Shelby GT500, but it received massive upgrades in nearly every area.

The 2007 Super Snake came with a supercharged 5.4L V8, producing up to 725 horsepower in its most extreme form. With upgraded brakes, suspension, transmission, and exclusive visual enhancements, it was not only faster—it was also more refined and more exclusive than anything else in Ford’s stable.

This rebirth wasn’t a limited concept. It was a limited production model, built by Shelby American with modern tech and track-bred credibility. The performance world took notice—and the Super Snake was reborn as a modern-day legend.

Since 2007, the Super Snake has continued to evolve with every new generation of the Mustang. Each iteration showcases a blend of heritage-inspired design and cutting-edge performance:

• 2010-2014 Models featured boosted horsepower figures ranging from 750 to over 850 hp, coupled with suspension and brake systems refined for both track and street.
• The 2015-2017 Super Snakes took advantage of the S550 Mustang platform, introducing independent rear suspension, lighter frames, and more aggressive styling. Power outputs climbed over 800 hp, and the car's handling was significantly improved.
• In 2020, the Super Snake reached new heights with over 825 horsepower from a Whipple-supercharged 5.0L Coyote V8, capable of sub-11-second quarter-mile times. Shelby also introduced a widebody package, carbon fiber aero components, and track-tuned enhancements.
• For 2023 and beyond, the Super Snake continues to push boundaries, with rumors and concept builds suggesting 900+ horsepower, all while maintaining full street legality and daily drivability.

What sets the Super Snake apart isn’t just raw power—it’s how Shelby American manages to weave nostalgia, engineering, and exclusivity into every model. With custom badging, serialized plaques, and Shelby’s signature touches throughout, each Super Snake is a rolling piece of art—and history.

From classic Le Mans stripes to carbon fiber hoods, performance-tuned exhausts, and bespoke interiors, the Super Snake is every bit a collector’s car as it is a performance juggernaut.

At Kunes Performance, we understand what makes the Shelby Super Snake special. It’s more than a car—it's a tribute to one man’s dream of building the fastest, most capable street cars in the world. Whether you’re looking to buy, build, or simply admire, we’re here to connect you with the most iconic performance Mustangs ever built.

We also work closely with Shelby-authorized vendors to offer genuine parts, expert installation, and customization options that honor the Super Snake’s legacy while tailoring the experience to your preferences.

From a one-of-one prototype in 1967 to a modern marvel with supercar performance, the Shelby Super Snake has never stopped inspiring enthusiasts. Its evolution mirrors the progression of American performance culture—restless, innovative, and unapologetically bold.

As we look to the future, one thing is clear: the Shelby Super Snake will always hold a place at the pinnacle of muscle car royalty. And at Kunes Performance, we’re proud to help carry that legacy forward—one exhilarating ride at a time.