Autoblog

Classic Recreations working on Shelby GT350CR model

Drew Phillips — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 08:59:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Performance, Ford

Over the past couple years, Oklahoma-based Classic Recreations has made a name for itself with various iterations of the Shelby GT500, starting with licensed Eleanor replicas and moving on to the Shelby GT500CR continuation cars including the most recent Venom version.

It looks like Classic Recreations will be branching out, if you can call it that, with a new model. The company has posted a new rendering of a GT350CR based on the 1965-1966 Mustang Fastback on its web site. Following the same theme as the other Classic Recreation cars, the GT350CR combines classic styling with modern amenities such as rack and pinion steering, coilover suspension and disc brakes. Each car also features a 545-horsepower, 427-cubic-inch V8 and plenty of authentic Shelby Performance Parts. No word on when the cars will be first delivered to customers, but Classic Recreations is currently taking order with a starting asking price of $119,000.

You can see a full list of Shelby GT350CR features and specs after the jump.

Continue reading Classic Recreations working on Shelby GT350CR model

Classic Recreations working on Shelby GT350CR model originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Aug 2011 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Classic Recreations unleashes Shelby GT500CR Venom

Drew Phillips — Thu, 05 May 2011 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Performance, Ford

Fresh off helping the Oklahoma State Legislature to write a new law to help restorers of vintage cars, Classic Recreations has announced the availability of the "Venom" version of its Shelby GT500CR. From the outside, the Venom appears to be identical to the standard GT500CR model, but under the hood lurks a ProCharger F1-R centrifugal supercharger to boost output of the 427-cubic-inch V8 to 780 horsepower.

There are some subtle changes to the rest of the car, as well. Inside is a set of racing-style bucket seats and a 200-mph speedometer, while the suspension has been upgraded and wider Nitto NT555 series tires added to help handle the extra horsepower.

Classic Recreations has released a bevy of photos of the Shelby GT500CR Venom, which you can see in the gallery below, or hit the jump to see a video of the car in action as well as a list of full features and specifications.

Continue reading Classic Recreations unleashes Shelby GT500CR Venom

Classic Recreations unleashes Shelby GT500CR Venom originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 May 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Classic Recreations spurs creation of new law to help restorers of vintage cars

Drew Phillips — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 09:33:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Performance, Government/Legal, Ford

Classic Recreations Shelby GT500CR - Click above for high-res image gallery

Last summer, Classic Recreations, the builder of the Shelby-licensed GT500CR, was accused of VIN fraud and was under investigation by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. Fortunately, unlike a previous company associated with continuation Shelby Mustangs, Classic Recreations was absolved of all wrongdoing, although at the time, the methods of restoring classic cars with new parts were still a gray area.

While Classic Recreations may have had to deal with bad PR and worried customers, the whole fiasco has actually led to something that will benefit many of the restoration shops throughout Oklahoma. A bill unanimously passed in the state legislature earlier this month, SB 38, now clearly sets guidelines for the restoration of classic cars with new or aftermarket parts. A company can now use new body panels if:

Starter car must have a clean title, not a salvage
Replacement panels and/or body must be licensed by the OEM manufacturer
Replacement body must be the same as the original body (year/make/model)
Builder will have to pay "rebody" fee
They will be issued a new title with an asterisk and the word "rebody" on it

The new law seems to be a good compromise that allows for the clearly defined use of new parts while maintaining the spirit (and legality) of the original car.

Gallery: Classic Recreations Shelby G.T.500CR

[Source: Classic Recreations, Oklahoma State Legislature]

Classic Recreations spurs creation of new law to help restorers of vintage cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Mar 2011 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Classic Recreations declared free of wrong doing

Zach Bowman — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Classics, Coupe, Performance, Government/Legal, Ford, Specialty

Classic Recreations Shelby GT500 CR - Click above for high-res image gallery

Classic Recreations and its owner, Jason Engel, are back at work cranking out jaw-dropping interpretations of the Shelby GT500 CR. Early last month, the restoration shop was raided by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. According to Classic Recreations, a former disgruntled employee made false accusations to the OSBI about stolen equipment. Authorities even confiscated multiple vintage Ford Mustangs during the raid, but found no pilfered hardware. Instead, the investigators determined that Engel had not followed proper protocol when replacing rusty sheet metal on the Blue Ovals - specifically where the VIN plate is attached to the vehicle.

The OSBI determined that Classic Recreations couldn't replace rusty metal around the VIN tag without completely retitling the vehicle - something that should concern anyone with an interest in putting an old car back on the road. Engel said that the OSBI's findings will only serve to drive up costs for both his shop and his customers as instead of being able to start with a rusty shell, he will now have to start with higher quality donors. We're guessing the Ford purists out there will be none too happy about that fact, either.

In the meantime, Classic Recreations is carefully inspecting the confiscated cars, detailing them and getting the wild ponies back to their rightful owners. Past that, Engel says that he is working with state legislators to more clearly define what can and cannot be replaced on a vehicle during a restoration. From the sound of things, that's something that parties on both side of the issue can agree upon. Hit the jump for the full press release.

Gallery: Classic Recreations Shelby G.T.500CR

Continue reading Classic Recreations declared free of wrong doing

Classic Recreations declared free of wrong doing originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Aug 2010 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Report: Classic Recreations under investigation for VIN swapping *UPDATE

Zach Bowman — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 13:28:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Classics, Coupe, Performance, Government/Legal, Ford, Specialty

Classic Recreations Ford Mustang GT500CR - Click above for high-res image gallery

The crew from Classic Recreations, LLC is in hot water. The shop has been cranking out amazingly clean reproductions of the Gone in 60 Seconds "Eleanor" Ford Mustang and other sharp ponies for years now, but according to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, the company may also be guilty of VIN fraud. According to the city's KOCO TV station, officials are charging that the shop has been pulling VIN numbers from older cars and then attaching them to new chassis. That process is illegal to begin with, but investigators claim that Classic Recreations then presented the new cars as the original articles - something that amounts to fraud.

The owner of the shop denies all wrong doing. Either way, the OSBI has begun towing certain vehicles from the shop in order to discern which ones are shady. No one has been arrested just yet, but we're guessing it won't be too long before charges, civil or otherwise, are filed against the company.

Classic Recreations has been turning plain fastback Mustangs into updated versions of their most high-strung iterations for a good while and charging heady figures for the work - up to $200,000 in some instances.

UPDATE: Classic Recreations has issued a press release concerning the allegations. Owner Jason Engel said,

"The quote attributed to Jason Engel in a single local Oklahoma news report is second hand information that was misquoted by the local media outlet. Classic Recreations denies any and all wrongdoing. Like thousands of other restoration shops and hobbyists across the country, Classic Recreations builds vintage cars with original and aftermarket parts - the restoration marketplace should pay attention to what is happening here. The shop has built a reputation for building the highest quality vehicles and delivering unrivaled customer satisfaction and will continue to do so in the future."

Click past the jump to see the full text.

Gallery: Classic Recreations Shelby G.T.500CR

[Source: KOCO]

Continue reading Report: Classic Recreations under investigation for VIN swapping *UPDATE

Report: Classic Recreations under investigation for VIN swapping *UPDATE originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Jul 2010 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Classic Recreations Shelby GT500CR shows its face in Las Vegas

Drew Phillips — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Coupe, Performance, Ford

Classic Recreations Shelby G.T.500CR - Click above for high-res image gallery

Last year we reported that Oklahoma-based Classic Recreations had signed a licensing deal with Shelby to produce brand new versions of the 1967 Shelby GT500. At the time we only had a few renderings to show you, but the company has just released a slew of new photos showing off every detail of the just-finished prototype car.

Named the GT500CR, the old-but-new Shelby mixes both modern and classic components for the best of both worlds. Rack and pinion steering, a modern suspension, drilled and slotted Baer brakes and tight-fitting fiberglass body panels are all improvements over the original '67 Shelbys, and the 427ci V8 putting out 545 horsepower ensures it will be quite a bit faster too.

The GT500CR also offers a deluxe 1967 interior with Carroll Shelby signature seats and gauges, 17-inch wheels and tires, nine-inch rear end and a Tremec transmission. Feeling brave? You can also opt for the Venom model that adds a supercharger system good for 780 horsepower. Get all the details in the high-res mega gallery below.

Gallery: Classic Recreations Shelby G.T.500CR

[Source: Classic Recreations]

Continue reading Classic Recreations Shelby GT500CR shows its face in Las Vegas

Classic Recreations Shelby GT500CR shows its face in Las Vegas originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Feb 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Classic Recreations reveals specs of Shelby GT500CR Mustang

Drew Phillips — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Coupe, Performance, Ford

Classic Recreations Shelby GT500CR - Click above for high-res image gallery

Earlier this month during SEMA, Oklahoma-based Classic Recreations announced that it had scored a licensing deal with Carroll Shelby to build a continuation version of the legendary Shelby Mustang GT500. At the time of the announcement, we didn't know much about the car, aptly named the GT500CR, except that each would come with an official Shelby serial number and be included in the Shelby Worldwide Registry.

However, thanks to new information recently released by Classic Recreations, we now have the preliminary details for the GT500CR. Three separate models will be available, starting with an Intro model that comes standard with a 427ci V8, 150-hp nitrous system, upgraded suspension, power rack-and-pinion steering, Tremec five-speed manual transmission, Baer brakes, and more. One step up from that is the Performance package that also gets items like upgraded seats, larger rear wheels, and a coilover suspension system. At the top of the range is the Venom model, featuring an intercooled supercharger system that boosts the V8 to 780 horsepower, along with other performance upgrades. More details about the GT500CR can be found in Classic Recreation's press release posted after the jump, and we've included the original renderings of the car in the gallery below in case you missed them the first time around.

Gallery: Classic Recreations Shelby GT500CR

[Source: Classic Recreations]

Continue reading Classic Recreations reveals specs of Shelby GT500CR Mustang

Classic Recreations reveals specs of Shelby GT500CR Mustang originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Classic Recreations to begin building Shelby GT500CR

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:03:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Classics, Coupe, Performance

Classic Recreations Shelby GT500CR - Click above for high-res image gallery

Yes friends, that Shelby. As in Carroll Shelby. And the racing, muscle car building legend has agreed to permit Classic Recreations to relaunch a continuation version of one of America's most iconic performance cars, the 1967-68 Shelby GT500 Mustang. Before we get too much further, allow us to remind you that Classic Recreations is the shop behind Eleanor, the car that prompted our own Jonathon Ramsey to comment, "Eleanor is the hottest piece of car we've spent a weekend with in quite some time." Trust us, that's high praise.

Details and exact specifications are, well, fuzzy for the time being. But rest easy, as Classic Recreations owner Jason Engal claims, It retains the most iconic Shelby elements everyone loves with modern performance and supercar level horsepower." As Eleanor puts out anywhere between 535 and 770 horsepower, you can expect the GT500CR to do at least that. Maybe more important to Shelby fans is that each car, "[W]ill leave the shop with an official Shelby serial number, badges and will be included in the official Shelby Worldwide Registry." This of course includes Carroll's all-important signature on the rocker panel. More when we know more.

Update: It's official. Release posted after the jump.

Gallery: Classic Recreations Shelby GT500CR

Continue reading Classic Recreations to begin building Shelby GT500CR

Classic Recreations to begin building Shelby GT500CR originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Review: 1967 Classic Recreations Eleanor Mustang is the real movie deal

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 11:56:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Coupe, Performance, Ford, Celebrities, New Car Reviews

1967 "Eleanor" Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 - Click above for high-res image gallery

H. B. Halicki was a used car salesman who wanted to make a movie. With a little money, one big idea, and a 1971 Mustang Mach 1, he made Gone in 60 Seconds. And in that particular way that movies, especially '70s movies, can be, it wasn't all that good, but it was awesome. Fast forward to Michael Bay's remake in 2000, and the Mach 1 was replaced by a 1967 Shelby GT500. When we got a call offering us the actual car from that movie for the weekend, we felt obliged to say yes... and then drive it like we stole it. The verdict: Eleanor is the hottest piece of car we've spent a weekend with in quite some time.

Gallery: Review: 1967 Classic Recreations Eleanor Mustang

Continue reading Review: 1967 Classic Recreations Eleanor Mustang is the real movie deal

Review: 1967 Classic Recreations Eleanor Mustang is the real movie deal originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

'Eleanor' Mustang licenced to Classic Recreations

Noah Joseph — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 08:31:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Trends, Tuners, Ford, Celebrities

Click to view in our 32-image gallery

Honestly, who among us hasn't talked to his car and pretended, just for a moment, that he was Nicholas Cage taking to Eleanor in the 2000 remake of Gone in 60 Seconds? Well, you can stop talking to your Camry, because now you can order your very own licensed Eleanor Mustang... if you've got the six figures to drop on it, that is.

Although the lawsuit presented over two years ago by the film's producer Denice Halicki against Unique Motorcars was ultimately rejected by the courts, Halicki's studio has licensed Classic Recreations to build these special-edition Eleanor Mustangs. Buyers can choose the fuel-injected version with 535hp for $139,900, or the bonkers 770hp supercharged and fuel-injected (SFI) version for $189,900. Built on a "classic muscle-car frame" - which includes available Ford-authorized '67 Mustang underpinnings, but not a Smart ForTwo - Eleanor gets a 410-cubic-inch Keith Craft Racing engine with sequential fuel injection, riding on a coil-over suspension with slotted and cross-drilled Baer brakes and a Tremec TKO manual or (perish the thought) automatic gearbox. Classic Recreations also throws keyless entry, in-dash DVD, Simpson five-point racing harnesses and custom leather interior into the mix, complete with special badging and even a go-baby-go button on the shifter. Delivery takes four months (considerably longer than the advertised sixty seconds) during which time the deposit is put into escrow. Buyers can try to outrun the cops, but will only get away with it if Angelina Jolie is riding shotgun. No exceptions.

Check out the press release after the jump, and the 32 images in the gallery below.

Gallery: Classic Recreations Eleanor Mustang

[Source: Classic Recreations]

Continue reading 'Eleanor' Mustang licenced to Classic Recreations

'Eleanor' Mustang licenced to Classic Recreations originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Feb 2008 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments