Limited-edition model marks 60 years of Trans Am racing heritage
Las Vegas, January 23, 2026 — Shelby American has unveiled the 2026 Shelby GT350/TA, a limited-production, track-focused performance car created in partnership with Trans Am Presented by Pirelli. Revealed during the Barrett-Jackson festivities in Scottsdale, Arizona, the new model commemorates the 60th anniversary of the Trans Am Racing Series, paying tribute to Shelby’s pivotal role in Ford’s motorsport success during the 1960s.
Inspired by Trans Am SGT class specifications, the street-legal Shelby GT350/TA delivers over 830 horsepower and blends race-derived engineering with road usability. The project was developed in collaboration with Turn Key Automotive/Motorsports, incorporating components and design philosophies drawn from Shelby’s upcoming Trans Am–spec race car.
Shelby American CEO Joe Conway highlighted the historical significance behind the model, noting that 1966 marked one of the brand’s most successful years in competition. During that season, Shelby-built Mustangs helped Ford secure the inaugural Trans Am Manufacturers’ Championship, while Shelby GT40s achieved legendary success on the global stage. According to Conway, the new GT350/TA is a modern interpretation of those racing roots and a preview of Shelby’s future involvement in Trans Am competition.
The Trans Am series introduced its Manufacturers’ Championship in 1966, a title Ford won with substantial contributions from Shelby American. Shelby-prepared Group 2 Mustang notchbacks, driven by notable racers such as Jerry Titus and Peter Talbert, played a decisive role in earning championship points and race victories during the series’ first year.
Shelby American President Gary Patterson described the GT350/TA as a natural evolution of the anniversary-focused GT350R launched previously. He emphasized that the car is engineered to perform at a high level both on the street and on the circuit, reinforcing Shelby’s commitment to transferring racing DNA into limited-production road cars.
Designed with serious track-day enthusiasts in mind, the GT350/TA builds on the standard 2026 Shelby GT350 by prioritizing weight reduction, improved cooling, and enhanced handling. Extensive aerodynamic upgrades were a key focus, according to Vince LaViolette, Shelby American’s Vice President of Operations and Senior Designer. Revised front splitters, a new performance hood, an upgraded rear diffuser, and more aggressive suspension components work together to deliver consistent performance at high speeds and during extended track sessions.
Power comes from an 830+ horsepower V8 paired exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission, reinforcing the car’s driver-focused philosophy. Despite its race-ready intent, the GT350/TA remains fully street legal. Key features include a carbon fiber interior tub, integrated roll cage, Trans Am–spec carbon fiber aero package, fully adjustable race suspension with remote reservoirs, Alcon endurance racing brakes, and extensive chassis reinforcements.
For 2026, the Shelby GT350/TA introduces a range of exclusive elements, including new carbon fiber aerodynamic components, a Shelby Performance hood with air extraction, a quad-exit exhaust integrated into the rear diffuser, anniversary graphics, and Trans Am–spec Forgeline wheels wrapped in Pirelli P Zero tires. Buyers can choose from several exterior colors, including Grabber Blue, Race Red, Shadow Black, and Carbonized Gray, each paired with coordinated Shelby graphics.
Production will be strictly limited to 70 units, all assembled in Michigan through Shelby’s partnership with Turn Key Automotive/Motorsports. Turn Key owner Rich Rinke described the collaboration as an opportunity to connect road car enthusiasts with authentic motorsport engineering, drawing on the company’s extensive experience in racing and low-volume performance programs.
Beyond the street-legal GT350/TA, Shelby American and Turn Key are also developing a track-only Trans Am race car, with plans for an official competition entry during the 2026 season. The program is supported by Trans Am officials, who see the project as a meaningful continuation of the series’ long-standing relationship with Shelby and Ford.
All 2026 Shelby GT350/TA models will be sold directly through Shelby American, documented in the official Shelby Registry, with pricing to be announced closer to delivery.
2026 Shelby GT350/TA Specifications*
Performance Features
- Shelby 830+hp Supercharger Package with High Efficiency Intercooler
- Shelby Performance Engine Calibration
- Shelby Extreme Engine Cooling Package
- High Flow Quad Outlet Rear Exhaust (Black Tips)
- Extreme Duty Performance Half Shafts
- Short-Throw Shifter
- Hardened Extended Length Wheel Studs
- Front Strut: Fully Adjustable Trans Am spec Coil Over with Torrington Bearing and Remote Reservoir
- Rear Shock Absorber: Trans Am Spec (Fully Adjustable and Remote Reservoir)
- Chassis Stiffening: Jacking Rails, Rear Subframe Stiffening, Adjustable Tow Links, Billet Aluminum Vertical Links
- Sway Bar: Front Adjustable End Links, Full Floating Trans Am spec
- Sway Bar: Rear Adjustable End Links, Full Floating Trans Am spec
- Rear Differential Trans Am Spec Limited Split Tru Track with Remote Pump and Heat Exchanger
- Wheels: Forgeline VX1S Racing Wheels with Gloss Black Finish and Pirelli P-Zero Performance Tires
- Pro-System Alcon Endurance Brake Package Trans Am spec
- Easy Access Front Tie Downs
Aero Package
- Carbon Fiber Lower Fascia Splitter – Trans AM inspired
- Carbon Fiber Right- and Left-Hand Dive Planes
- Carbon Fiber Upper and Lower Grille Inserts
- Carbon Fiber Fender Ducting with Mesh Grilles
- Carbon Fiber Rockers with Vertical Stabilizer
- Carbon Fiber Trans Am Approved Rear Wing (Adjustable) with Shelby “ghosted” logo
- Shelby Carbon Fiber Ducktail Spoiler
- Carbon Fiber Decklid Vanity panel with painted Trans AM 60th and GT350/TA logos
- Shelby Carbon Fiber Rear Diffuser with Integrated Diff Cooler
Interior Features
- Carbon Fiber Instrument Panel Trim
- Carbon Fiber Door Panel Trim
- Leather Wrapped Console with Carbon Fiber Console Shifter Surround
- Shelby Performance Leather Seats with Shelby Embroidery
- Carbon Fiber Shifter Handle
- GT350/TA badging
- Shelby Serialized Dash Panel
- Shelby Floor Mats
- Shelby Door Sill Plates
- 4130 Chrome Moly Tig Welded 4-Point Cage
Exteriors Features
- Aluminum Vented Shelby Performance Hood with Carbon Fiber Air Extraction (Mesh Grilles)
- Painted Shelby Graphic over Carbon Hood applique
- Shelby Performance Front Fascia with Mesh Grille
- GT350/TA Door Graphic
- Shelby Racing Team quarter panel graphic
- Trans AM 60th and GT350/TA Painted Rear Deck Panel
- Carbon Fiber Radiator Engine Closeout
- Carbon Fiber Exterior Mirror Covers
