Shelby American is turning up the excitement once again, this time by taking the roof off one of its most celebrated modern muscle cars. Meet the new GT350 Convertible, a car that blends raw Shelby performance with the simple joy of open-air driving.
The move comes just a year after the latest GT350 made its debut, but Shelby clearly felt there was more fun to unlock. By transforming the GT350 into a convertible, the brand has created a machine that keeps its aggressive character intact while adding a whole new layer of driving emotion.
What really sets this car apart is the formula itself. It delivers serious performance, the freedom of top-down cruising, and — something increasingly rare these days — the option of a manual transmission. That combination alone makes it stand out in a world where even hardcore machines like the Mustang GTD and Dark Horse SC skip the third pedal altogether.
Power Choices That Suit Different Drivers
Under the hood, Shelby offers two distinct personalities. The standard GT350 Convertible is powered by a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter Coyote V8, producing 480 horsepower — more than enough for drivers who want strong performance without chasing extreme quarter-mile numbers.
For those who believe there’s no such thing as “too much power,” Shelby also offers an upgraded version equipped with a 3.0-liter Whipple supercharger, pushing output to a staggering 810 horsepower. That figure places it just 15 horsepower shy of the Mustang GTD, which says a lot about how serious this convertible really is.
Unlike the GTD, however, Shelby gives buyers a choice: manual or automatic transmission, keeping enthusiasts with a love for three pedals very much in mind.
Pricing and Positioning
The GT350 Convertible starts at $177,884, making it around $6,000 more expensive than the GT350 Fastback. Still, it looks like a relative bargain when compared to the Mustang GTD, which carries a price tag north of $325,000 and is only available as a coupe.
More Than Just a Roofless GT350
Shelby didn’t simply remove the roof and call it a day. The car benefits from a range of performance upgrades, including a Borla cat-back exhaust, revised suspension with lowering springs, updated sway bars, caster-camber plates, and 20-inch forged wheels. Manual-equipped cars also get a short-throw shifter, enhancing driver engagement even further.
A Familiar Look with Shelby Character
Visually, the GT350 Convertible may not be as wild as the Super Snake, but it still carries unmistakable Shelby DNA. Design highlights include a redesigned hood, new front grille, a three-piece front splitter, Shelby badging throughout, a standard ducktail rear spoiler, and tinted windows. Buyers looking for a more aggressive stance can also opt for a fixed carbon-fiber rear wing.
Originally, Shelby planned to limit GT350 production to 526 units for the 2025 model year, but strong demand has prompted the company to extend production into 2026, with total output expected to remain below 1,000 cars.
Sales will be handled through select Ford dealerships across the United States, with a limited number of cars also heading to international markets, including parts of Asia.
