FEATURE STORY REFINISHER
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The complete package Already renowned for its quality smash repairs and epic custom builds, Matamata Panelworks is now giving Kiwis access to authentic right-hand-drive Shelby magic!
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hichever way you look at it, the credentials of the 6th generation Ford Mustang GT have made it a modern sports coupe favourite. Packing a 5.0 litre Coyote V8 under the bonnet, pumping out 339kW and 556Nm, it’s an impressive blend of looks, sound and performance. However, for some people it’s just not enough. They crave a package that is more unique, with even higher levels of street cred, and this is where Shelby American comes in. Created in 1962 by designer, racing driver and entrepreneur, Carroll Shelby, the iconic organisation has become intrinsically linked to the legendary Mustang nameplate. Today, Shelby offers a sizzling selection of enhanced Mustang models to cater to almost any taste, from the Shelby GT with 480hp to 700-plus horsepower, to the exhilarating Shelby Super Snake and the ballistic flagship, the Shelby Super Snake Wide Body Edition boasting 825 horsepower.
Until recently, these jealously guarded premium services were only available in the United States and only in a left-hand-drive (LHD) car. However, along with the launch of the 6th generation Mustang in 2015, Shelby American decided to expand its footprint outside of the US by partnering with high calibre businesses to establish a very select group of specialist Mod Shops and Carroll Shelby stores around the globe. For Malcolm Sankey, owner of Matamata Panelworks (located a couple of hours drive south of Auckland), it presented a once in a lifetime opportunity to join this exclusive coalition and build these ultra-desirable machines for Kiwi enthusiasts. “Designing, fabricating and building cars has been a passion of mine since the day I was born so, when the latest Mustang was launched in New Zealand in right-hand-drive and I had customers encouraging me to partner with Shelby, the timing seemed perfect. I already had a contact at Shelby American to start the process but I was very busy running our regular restoration, custom and smash repair work so I really needed someone to push it forward. As fate would have it, I managed to get Ross Prevette onboard and that has worked
