by New Model Presentation
Shelby has introduced the GT350 convertible for the 2026 model year, with a power output of 810 horsepower. The car offers a choice between a 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine or a supercharged 3.0-liter Whipple unit. Buyers can also choose between a manual or automatic transmission.
Model Launch Context
Mustangs are back in the spotlight this week. This happened right after Ford unveiled the 2026 Mustang Dark Horse SC. In turn, Shelby American revealed its own version of the iconic car.
A year after launching the latest Shelby GT350, the company removed the roof, creating the new GT350 Convertible. This modern muscle car combines Shelby’s performance with the open-air feeling of a convertible and the option of a manual transmission. This combination is not available for the top-tier GTD model or the new Dark Horse SC.
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Engines and Specifications
For those not interested in track records, a base configuration is offered. The GT350 Convertible is available with a 5.0-liter naturally aspirated Coyote V8 engine, producing 480 horsepower.
However, most buyers will likely choose the more powerful version. Thanks to a 3.0-liter Whipple supercharger, power increases to 810 horsepower, which is only 15 less than the GTD model.
Unlike the GTD, this model offers a choice. Buyers can choose a manual or automatic transmission, which is a significant advantage for those who still value three pedals. The price starts at $177,884, making it approximately $6,000 more expensive than the hardtop GT350, but still significantly cheaper than the GTD, which starts at $325,000 and is only available as a coupe.
Chassis and Design Updates
Shelby American has also updated the chassis and exhaust system to match the car’s new form. It received a Borla catback system, lowering springs, updated sway bars, camber/caster plates, and 20-inch forged alloy wheels. For buyers of the manual version, a short-throw shifter is also included.
The design is not as aggressive as, for example, the Shelby Super Snake, but the GT350 Convertible has its own distinctive features. These include: a redesigned hood, updated upper and lower grilles, a three-section front splitter, Shelby badges, a standard ducktail spoiler, and tinted glass. For those wanting a more expressive look, a fixed carbon fiber spoiler is on the options list.
Production and Sales
When Shelby American announced the new GT350 last year, it was stated that production would be limited to 2025 and only 526 units. However, high demand forced the company to extend production into 2026, and “fewer than 1,000” units are expected to be produced this year.
Sales will be conducted through authorized Ford dealerships in the USA, with a small number of cars distributed abroad, including Europe and the Asia-Pacific region.
The arrival of the GT350 Convertible demonstrates that the market for high-performance open-top cars remains viable, even in an era where the focus is often on track performance. Shelby American seems to have accurately identified a niche for drivers seeking a combination of convertible thrills, power, and the ability to control gear shifts manually. This model fills a gap left by Ford, which does not offer such a configuration in its most extreme Mustang versions. The success and continuation of production also indicate that, despite the growing popularity of electric vehicles, demand for special, limited-edition cars with large naturally aspirated or supercharged internal combustion engines remains steady among enthusiasts.
