Shelby Super Snake Review: 800HP Mustang Tested
content:
Driving an 800-horsepower Shelby Super Snake feels like wrestling a demon. After testing this hand-built monster on backroads, we understand why owners willingly pay $170,000 for a Mustang that could snap its rear tires loose in third gear. Unlike factory models, each Super Snake is crafted by certified Shelby technicians—only five shops worldwide hold this privilege.
What Makes the Super Snake Special
Shelby certification transforms ordinary Mustang GTs into automotive legends. Starting with a 460HP premium-pack GT, master builders like Eccentric Auto Sports install:
- A Whipple supercharger boosting output to 800 horsepower
- Ford Performance short-throw shifter (one of 2023’s shortest)
- 6-piston Brembo brakes with cooling ducts
- Borla exhaust system with apocalyptic burbles
- Unique suspension with GT350 components
Each car earns a Carroll Shelby registry plaque and build signature—ours carried "CCD" on the engine bay. This isn’t just tuning; it’s heritage preservation.
Driving Experience: Controlled Chaos
Floor the throttle, and the Super Snake’s supercharger whine precedes tire-shredding violence. We observed three critical traits during testing:
- Power delivery remains deceptively smooth until 3,500 RPM, then torque avalanches toward redline.
- The short-throw shifter provides rifle-bolt precision, making gear changes addictive.
- Steering limitations persist—the vague on-center feel trails the Camaro’s sharpness.
Ride quality prioritizes track readiness. Over broken pavement, the stiff suspension jostles occupants, though massive sway bars eliminate body roll. For daily comfort, opt for the optional Penske dampers.
Super Snake vs. GT500: Key Differences
| Feature | Super Snake | GT500 |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission | 6-speed manual | 7-speed DCT |
| Exclusivity | Hand-built, registry | Factory production |
| Customization | Post-purchase tuning | Fixed spec |
| Base Price (USD) | ~$170,000 | ~$80,000 |
The GT500’s DCT launches harder, but the Super Snake’s manual offers visceral engagement. More crucially, Shelby ownership includes ongoing support—builders retune your car based on driving feedback.
Design and Practicality
Aggressive aesthetics announce its intent:
- 4-inch-wider rear fenders (wide-body option)
- Hood vents and carbon-fiber gauge pod
- 20-inch Niche wheels showing two-piece rotors
- 25+ Shelby badges—including exhaust tips
Inside, Katzkin leather seats and floor mats feature snake embroidery. The factory steering wheel feels disappointingly standard given the price.
Verdict: Who Should Buy It?
Choose the Super Snake if you value:
- Manual transmission purity
- Carroll Shelby’s legacy (verified by registry)
- Bespoke build processes over mass production
Opt for the GT500 if:
- Drag-strip times matter most
- Budget constraints exist
- Daily drivability is essential
Final thought: This isn’t just a car—it’s membership in Team Shelby. For collectors, that provenance justifies the premium. As Thomas warned: "Prepare your buttholes—a next-gen Super Snake is coming."
Key Takeaways
- Demand post-purchase retunes to optimize power delivery
- Wide-body kits enhance stability but cost extra
- Avoid black paint—it shows fingerprints excessively
- Track use requires the $8,000 Penske damper upgrade
- Join Shelby forums for builder recommendations
Which aspect matters most to you—heritage or horsepower? Share your dealbreaker below!
