The 2026 SEMA Show has introduced another standout attraction with the debut of a modernized 1967 Shelby Mustang GT500 featuring a full carbon-fiber body and a supercharged engine capable of producing 1,000 horsepower. Built by Classic Recreations, the GT500CR Carbon combines classic Shelby styling with extensive modern performance upgrades.
The build joins several other notable vehicles at the Las Vegas event, including restored Pontiac GTOs, classic Ford F-250 trucks, and aggressive off-road concepts such as the Nissan Jungle Patrol and Jeep Scrambler.
Classic Recreations Unveils Carbon-Fiber Shelby GT500
Classic Recreations says its GT500CR Carbon lineup is the only one in the world with full licensing approval from Shelby American to use ultra-lightweight carbon fiber for its bodywork.
The latest 1967 Shelby GT500 features exposed carbon fiber with a glossy finish instead of traditional paint. Three candy-red racing stripes provide contrast against the dark exterior.
The design takes considerable inspiration from the Shelby GT500 featured in Gone In 60 Seconds, known as Eleanor. Exterior features include a composite front bumper, pronounced ground effects, and an integrated side-exit exhaust.
However, the SEMA build introduces its own styling details. The front fascia incorporates the central driving lights found on early 1967 models rather than Eleanor’s ion-style fog lights. A wide hood scoop with dual openings adds another distinctive element.
Supercharged Coyote V8 Delivers 1,000 Horsepower
Under the hood, the GT500CR Carbon features a Gen IV Coyote V8 equipped with a 3.0-liter Whipple supercharger, a standalone FuelTech ECU, and a Vaporworx fuel controller. Supporting upgrades allow the engine to produce 1,000 horsepower.
The Wegner-built engine sends power through a Suncoast 10R80 10-speed automatic transmission, a reinforced version of the gearbox used in a modern Mustang GT. Power then travels through a carbon-fiber driveshaft to an upgraded Ford 9-inch rear axle.
The Mustang rides on 19-inch Forgeline Carbon Grudge wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires. The front tires measure 275 millimeters wide, while the rear tires measure 325 millimeters.
Braking comes from Brembo CCM-R carbon-ceramic brakes with six-piston front calipers and four-piston rear calipers. Detroit Speed supplies the Aluma-Frame front suspension and QuadraLink rear suspension.
The vehicle’s overall weight has not been disclosed. A vintage Shelby weighs approximately 3,300 pounds, and the extensive lightweight components used in this build could bring the GT500CR Carbon below one and a half tons.
A Second Classic Mustang Joins the SEMA Display
Classic Recreations also brought a 1969 Boss Mustang to Las Vegas, expanding its display beyond the carbon-fiber Shelby. The black-on-black muscle car was commissioned for Canadian bodybuilder Chris Bumstead.
The Mustang originally featured a 429-cubic-inch V8 homologated for NASCAR competition. Its current configuration, however, replaces that engine with a Ford Performance 7.3-liter Megazilla V8 fitted with a 3.0-liter Whipple supercharger.
In its naturally aspirated configuration, the 445-cubic-inch Megazilla produces 612 horsepower and 670 pound-feet of torque. The output of the supercharged engine in Bumstead’s Mustang has not been specified, although it is suspected to deliver 900 horsepower or more.
1969 Boss Mustang Features Upgraded Suspension and Brakes
Like the GT500CR Carbon, the CBUM Mustang receives Detroit Speed Aluma-Frame front suspension and QuadraLink rear suspension.
The braking system features Wilwood disc brakes with six-piston front calipers and four-piston rear calipers. The car also rides on 18-inch Forgeline FL500 wheels at all four corners.
The wheels feature a design inspired by the Magnum 500, complementing the Mustang’s entirely black appearance.
With the 1,000-horsepower GT500CR Carbon and the supercharged 1969 Boss Mustang, Classic Recreations has brought two heavily modified classic Mustangs to the 2026 SEMA Show, showcasing carbon-fiber construction, powerful V8 engines, and modernized performance components.
