Until the EV market matures and we get to see tons of heritage nameplates going the way of the battery pack (alas for us gear heads, this is inevitable), people are going to point their finger at the pony part of the Mustang Mach-E’s name. Regardless, the demand for the electric crossover is high, both in America and in Europe. And since aftermarket options have started showing up, Shelby’s name simply had to be on the list.
During last November’s SEMA show, a much-needed breath of custom air after the previous year’s health crisis-canceled edition, Shelby American showcased a concept based on the Mach-E.
And an aftermarket parts distributor claims it has spotted a Shelby Ford Mustang Mach-E in Southern California yesterday. Keystone Automotive Operations, the specialist in question, which does have a location in California, released this pair of images. However, the pics do little else but raise questions.
For starters, Shelby American has yet to mention anything about offering the plethora of performance parts offered on the said show car to customers. Besides, the vehicle we have here doesn’t seem to sport too many bespoke pieces.
To be more precise, the only non-factory bits we could spot in these images are the wheels and the decals.
Now, on the concept car, Shelby showcased 20-inch forged monoblock wheels. However, while those came with a sporty design, we can’t say that about the units seen here, which mostly stand out thanks to the two-tone finish matching that of the vehicle.
And while the silver longitudinal and side stripes do appear to match those on the show car, seeing the late Carroll Shelby’s signature on the latter seems strange.
Here’s what the legend said about battery-powered cars
To answer the obvious question regarding what the man himself thought of EVs, we’ll give you a quote from a Ford Performance interview Shelby did back in 2011, one year before he passed away (this was also mentioned in the press release for the concept).
“[…] we’re getting into so many things that I think are interesting,” Carroll Shelby stated. “Electric cars, different types of fuel. They’re calling them the ‘green years.’ And I’d like to be around to see how this works out. I’d like to be a part of it. But at 88, you’ve got to realize the reality of life. I won’t be around to see it, but until I cross the river, I’m going to be a part of it and interested in what’s happening right now,” the legendary figure stated.
Decals and subjective wheel taste aside, we’re looking forward to seeing the pieces showcased on the Shelby Mustang Mach-E making it into the real world, since they make for solid hardware.
The most important updates include a carbon diet (front end with the functional vented hood, widebody flares) and Shelby-tuned MagneRide dampers and composite carbon springs. The cabin also received attention, being fitted with a pair of Recaro bucket seats, which are also missing from this car. You can check it all out in the TFL YouTube video at the bottom of the story.
There’s been no precise mention of extra power or upgraded brakes, though. And until that happens (the company estimates a 2023 release), we’ll leave our dreams with Ford Performance’s own Mach-E 1400 prototype—yep, that name has the vehicle’s horsepower rating in it.
