Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 and GT350R isn’t blazing PH highways anytime soon

MANILA:  Earlier this month, Autohub announced that they’re now the official distributor of Shelby in the Philippines. With this news, word started to spread that we would finally see Mustang Shelby GT500 and GT350R blazing local highways. Sadly, this is not true, although there is some good news.

Allen Pascual, Head of Autohub Car Care Services (ACCS) and General Manager of Shelby Philippines, cleared up rumors in a recent interview. He reiterated that Autohub would be the exclusive distributor of Shelby aftermarket styling kits, side skirts, and performance parts.

“Regarding the Mustang Shelby GT500 [and GT350R>, unfortunately, that is not part of the distributorship Autohub got,” he said. “These are officially the property of Ford USA, and the exclusive rights belong to them.”

Shelby Mustang was originally a sports car built by Shelby American, Inc. and then by Ford. When Ford introduced the fifth-generation Mustang in 2005, they revived the Shelby line as a high-performance vehicle. Since then, Ford had full control over its design and manufacturing.

This means that Ford Philippines and not Shelby gets to decide whether the 2020 Mustang Shelby GT500 and the 2020 Mustang Shelby GT350R are arriving in the local market.

However, there’s a sliver of hope for Ford Mustang owners and sports car enthusiasts. According to Pascual, Autohub will be the official provider of Shelby aftermarket services.

Existing Mustangs with V8 engines can be upgraded with Shelby GT and Super Snake packages. They will be installing kits and superchargers on V8-powered Mustangs, essentially turning them into Shelby GT or Super Snake. Following the installation, Autohub will provide papers as proof.

“We will be sending our best technicians to Las Vegas for training,” he added.

Shelby kits can also be installed in vehicles with non-V8 engines. Distribution of Shelby parts and aftermarket services will begin on January 2020.

Willy Tee Ten, President of Autohub Group of Companies, said in a previous interview that they would launch a Shelby Showroom in Eastwood, Quezon City. The showroom is expected to open in March 2020.

Recently, Tee Ten also confirmed that they are the official partner of Triumph, maker of iconic British motorcycles. “If there’s anybody planning to buy a Triumph, wait for us. We’re probably going to start selling by December [2019>,” he remarked.

Also Read: Ford Philippines assures to improve aftersales service in the country