Ordering a Shelby Code Red: Everything You Need to Know

If you’re a true performance enthusiast, you’ve likely heard the buzz around the Shelby Code Red — a ferocious, twin-turbocharged supercar built to push the limits of what a Mustang can be. This isn’t just another limited-edition vehicle; it’s a handcrafted engineering statement that delivers world-beating power, exclusivity, and heritage. And if you’re wondering how to order one, Kunes Chevrolet Cadillac of Delavan is here to walk you through the entire process.

From understanding what makes the Code Red so unique to what it takes to secure your build slot, this guide covers everything you need to know before ordering your own Shelby masterpiece.

The Shelby GT500 Code Red is one of the most extreme vehicles ever to wear the Shelby nameplate. Originally inspired by a prototype concept from the mid-2000s, Code Red has been resurrected and reimagined for the modern performance era.

Under the hood lies a twin-turbocharged 5.2L V8 capable of producing over 1,300 horsepower on E85 ethanol and around 1,000 horsepower on premium pump gas. It’s an engineering marvel built by Shelby American, a company known for crafting high-performance vehicles that honor Carroll Shelby’s legacy while pushing into the future.

Unlike other Shelby packages, Code Red is not street legal in all jurisdictions—it’s primarily built for the track or private use. Each car is hand-assembled and meticulously tuned, making it one of the rarest and most exclusive Shelby vehicles ever made.

“Code Red” was originally the nickname for an experimental Shelby project nearly two decades ago. The concept was built to test the limits of forced induction and prove what the GT500 platform could handle. The modern revival is a tribute to that legacy, using cutting-edge technology to unleash power levels once thought impossible in a production-based car.

Each Code Red features distinct badging, interior embroidery, and exterior styling cues, including unique wheels, aerodynamic upgrades, and Shelby performance components. It’s not only about brute power—it’s also about unmatched attention to detail and Shelby heritage.

Exclusivity is a big part of the Code Red story. Shelby American announced that only 10 units would be produced for each model year, making this one of the rarest Shelby builds in existence.

Every Code Red carries an official Shelby serial number and is entered into the official Shelby Registry, certifying its authenticity for collectors and enthusiasts alike. This registry ensures that your investment retains long-term value while representing a true piece of Shelby history.

Ordering a Shelby Code Red isn’t as simple as walking into a showroom—it’s a personalized experience reserved for a handful of serious enthusiasts. Here’s how the process works:

1. Start With the Base Vehicle

You’ll begin with a 2020–2022 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, which serves as the foundation for the Code Red transformation. Shelby American does not build these from scratch; they upgrade an existing GT500 to Code Red specifications.
If you don’t already own a qualifying GT500, Kunes Chevrolet Cadillac of Delavan can help you locate one through our trusted dealer network. Our team specializes in sourcing performance vehicles for Shelby upgrades.

2. Submit a Build Application

Prospective buyers submit a Shelby build request through an authorized Shelby dealer or directly through Shelby American. This includes personal details, vehicle information, and a reservation for your build slot.
Our team at Kunes Chevrolet Cadillac of Delavan will assist you through this stage, ensuring your paperwork and eligibility meet Shelby’s strict requirements.

3. Select Your Options

While the Shelby Code Red package has a fixed performance setup, you can still personalize certain aspects—like paint finishes, interior trim, and optional aesthetic details. Shelby works closely with each client to tailor the build while maintaining the integrity of the Code Red’s performance design.

4. Vehicle Transport to Shelby American

Once your GT500 is approved, it’s transported to Shelby American’s facility in Las Vegas, Nevada, where the transformation begins. Every aspect—from the twin-turbo installation to suspension tuning—is completed by master technicians trained in Shelby’s proprietary performance methods.

5. Build Completion and Delivery

After your Code Red is complete, you’ll receive detailed documentation, certification paperwork, and your official Shelby serial number. The car can be shipped directly to you or returned to your preferred dealership—like Kunes Chevrolet Cadillac of Delavan—for delivery and inspection.

While the standard Shelby GT500 is already a 760-horsepower powerhouse, the Code Red is on an entirely different level. Here’s what sets it apart:

• Twin Turbochargers Instead of a Supercharger: The switch to a twin-turbo setup provides smoother, more efficient power delivery and extreme boost potential.
• Upgraded Fuel and Cooling Systems: Engineered to handle ethanol-based fuels and prolonged high-performance use.
• Custom Shelby Tune and Drivetrain Reinforcement: Every system is recalibrated for reliability and control, even at 1,300 horsepower.
• Distinctive Styling: Carbon fiber elements, bespoke wheels, and “Code Red” badging distinguish it visually from other GT500 variants.
• Track-Oriented Setup: Enhanced suspension geometry and braking systems make it a legitimate track contender.

Owning a Code Red means more than just having a supercar—it’s about joining an elite circle of Shelby owners worldwide. Every Code Red comes with:

• Official Shelby Registry Documentation
• Commemorative Build Plaques
• Performance Certification and Dyno Sheets
• Access to Shelby Owner Events
• Dedicated Support from Shelby American

Many owners treat these cars as collectible investments, while others choose to push them to their limits on the track. Either way, Code Red ownership delivers unmatched pride and exclusivity.

As a trusted Shelby performance partner, Kunes Chevrolet Cadillac of Delavan works closely with customers throughout the ordering process. Our team can:

• Help locate a qualifying GT500 base model
• Coordinate your build with Shelby American
• Assist with financing, trade-ins, and transportation logistics
• Handle delivery and inspection of your completed Code Red

We’re here to make your journey to Code Red ownership seamless—from your initial consultation to the moment you take the wheel of one of the most powerful Mustangs ever built.

The Shelby Code Red represents the pinnacle of modern American performance. With its jaw-dropping horsepower figures, extreme rarity, and direct connection to Carroll Shelby’s experimental legacy, it’s more than just a car—it’s an experience.
If you’re ready to learn more or begin your order, reach out to Kunes Chevrolet Cadillac of Delavan today. Our performance experts will help guide you every step of the way so you can secure your spot among the few who will ever own a Shelby Code Red.