Shelby SuperCars Celebrates Anniversary
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In early 2007 SSC began conducting high speed durability and verification tests on the Ultimate Aero. After various sub assemblies and aerodynamic specifications were verified, SSC scheduled September 13, 2007 for the attempt to break the record for the fastest production car. On that day Shelby Supercars were forever placed in automotive history with the likes of McLaren, Lamborghini, and Bugatti by officially becoming the "World's Fastest Production Car". The official average top speed of 256.18 mph was verified by Guinness World Records TM. On September 13th 2008, SSC will be the first production car to hold the speed record for at least one year since the famed McLaren F1, whose title held for six years. The recorded speed during testing was limited by the road and a top speed of approximately 260 would be attainable given optimal test conditions.
On SSC's website, the "250 MPH Club" gives members an inside look into SSC including a monthly newsletter from founder and lead designer Jerod Shelby. But the most exciting part of the 250 MPH Club is the yearly drawing for the chance to win an all expenses paid trip to Shelby Supercars' Headquarters. The day will consist of a tour of SSC's facility, lunch with Jerod Shelby, and a ride in an Ultimate Aero, the fastest, most powerful production car in the world. Shelby says, "Although only a very small percentage of people in the world will be able to own an Ultimate Aero, I wish everyone were able to experience the thrill".
The year anniversary of the record also comes with an unfortunate loss to SSC. Charles Bigelow, the 72 year old driver of the Ultimate Aero during the record breaking runs passed away unexpectedly on August 14th, 2008 while flying his recreational Ultralight airplane. Chuck was an enthusiastic member of the SSC family, his passion and spirit will forever be a part of Shelby SuperCars.
