Shelby GT500CR Debuts as All-Carbon 1967 Mustang
Classic Recreations unveiled the carbon-fiber GT500CR at SEMA after Velocity Restorations acquired the company out of bankruptcy.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Car Culture
Classic Recreations unveiled an all-carbon-fiber 1967 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500CR at SEMA. The car is the only carbon-fiber Mustang of its kind officially licensed by Shelby.
Why it matters
The unveiling follows Classic Recreations' Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing last July and its acquisition by Velocity Restorations last November, which also secured a new Shelby licensing deal. The reveal signals the company's return to production under new ownership.
The GT500CR is rated at 1,000 horsepower and uses 14.9-inch (380 mm) carbon-ceramic brake discs at both ends. Prior carbon-fiber Mustangs have sold for about $500,000, but the GT500CR's own price was not disclosed.
The players
Classic Recreations
A Mustang restoration and recreation company whose Chapter 11 filing and subsequent sale to Velocity Restorations shaped the revival of its carbon-fiber project.
Velocity Restorations
A Florida-based restoration firm that acquired Classic Recreations last November and negotiated a new licensing agreement with Shelby.
Shelby
The performance brand historically associated with Carroll Shelby's modified Ford Mustangs, which officially licensed the GT500CR.
The details
The car pairs a modified Coyote 5.0-liter V8 and Whipple supercharger with a 9-inch Ford rear end, carbon fiber driveshaft, and 10-speed automatic. It also features new front and rear suspension and Nitron electronically controlled shocks, plus Vintage Air climate control and a Dakota Digital cluster.
Timeline
July (2025): Classic Recreations filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
November (2025): Velocity Restorations acquired Classic Recreations and secured a new Shelby licensing deal.
November 3, 2026: The Shelby GT500CR was unveiled at SEMA.
Car Culture Context
The GT500CR continues the tradition of Shelby-licensed Mustangs that restorers have reinterpreted for enthusiasts, extending a lineage that began with Carroll Shelby's 1967 GT500. Its carbon-fiber body and 1,000-horsepower output place it among the boutique builds that have become a fixture of the SEMA show circuit.
Buyers interested in a bespoke Shelby-licensed Mustang now have a new option from a company that has survived bankruptcy. The lack of disclosed pricing means prospective owners will need to contact Velocity Restorations directly to learn costs and availability.
The takeaway
Ownership changes and licensing deals can revive niche performance vehicles, but buyers should verify pricing, build timelines, and warranty terms directly with the new owner before committing.
Further reading
Explore more Car Culture coverage for context on custom builds and restomods.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Carscoops.
