Shelby G.T.500E Convertible Fetches World Record $550,800 at Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach Auction

Business Wire, April 28, 2005

DALLAS -- The first 1968 Shelby G.T.500E convertible sold for a world record $550,800 during the 3rd Annual Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach Collector Car Auction on April 2, 2005, at the South Florida Expo Center in Palm Beach, Fla. After a spirited battle, the winning bidder captured the only Shelby G.T.500E convertible in the world with a portion of the sale benefiting the Carroll Shelby Children's Foundation.

"With all of the beautiful and important vehicles at this year's Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach Auction, we were very flattered that the G.T.500E convertible was this popular," said Douglas Hasty, president and CEO of Unique Performance. "Collectors realized that this was an extremely collectible Shelby and started a bidding war. We're also very proud that a portion of the sale of this special convertible will benefit the Carroll Shelby Children's Foundation(TM)."

Built by Unique Performance for Mr. Shelby, the G.T.500E convertible is the latest Shelby continuation car. The Shelby G.T.500E convertible featured a 525 HP aluminum small block with fuel injection, five-speed Tremec transmission and a Unique Performance Parts rear suspension upgrade. This vehicle was the first documented Shelby G.T.500E convertible, giving the new owner a rare opportunity to snag an original piece of automotive history.

"Shelby vehicles continue to attract collectors because they offer spectacular performance, sizzling good looks and exclusivity," commented Craig Jackson, president of the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company. "We've auctioned the first car of a continuation Shelby model three times, and each has attracted record prices. We're excited that another Shelby world record was set at Barrett-Jackson."

Customers can choose between the 1967-1968 Shelby "Eleanor" G.T.500E and 1965-1966 G.T.350SR. The Shelby G.T.500E is available in three performance levels while the G.T.350SR is a modern evolution of the 1965 "R" model. Each car receives a Shelby VIN and will be included in the Shelby American World Registry.

Demand for the car began to skyrocket after it appeared on the First Annual Spike TV "AutoRox Awards" on Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2005. Host Carmen Electra and Funk Master Flex watched as multi-platinum award winning recording artist Kid Rock performed on stage with the G.T.500E convertible during the show.

"There is so much excitement and glamour at the Barrett-Jackson auctions, especially with special cars like the Shelby G.T.500E convertible being offered for the first time," added Mr. Hasty. "This was a once in a lifetime to own a piece of automotive history, and we're pleased that the car has gone to a very satisfied collector who can appreciate this Shelby automobile."

About Unique Performance

Unique Performance was founded to restore and build premium classic cars including the Shelby continuation cars for an exclusive clientele. Adept in all aspects of fabrication, restoration, racing preparation and development, the company's team has created trucks and automobiles for customers worldwide that have capture awards at prestigious auto shows and races. Additional information about Unique Performance, products and services is available at www.uniqueperformance.com.