TULSA, OK (June, 2007) – For 33 years now, Ford enthusiasts have been descending upon Tulsa, Oklahoma, for the annual Mid-America Ford Performance and Shelby Meet, a four-day Mustang extravaganza that's grown to become one of the top performance Ford events in the country. So it's easy to see why Ford Motor Company and Shelby Automobiles chose this year's Tulsa event for the public unveiling of their latest limited-edition Mustang – the 2008 Shelby GT coupe … and convertible!

Because all of the Shelby GTs produced for 2007 (less than 6,000 total) were coupes, you can expect that the new convertible version will take the lion's share of 2008 Shelby GT production, of which 2,300 units are planned, beginning this August. And while '07 Shelby GT coupes were only available in White or Black, the '08 version will come in just one color combination, Vista Blue with Silver stripes.

Originally conceived as a retail version of the Hertz Corporation's rental Shelby GT-H, the 2007 Shelby GT Mustang was born when Ford Division, Carroll Shelby and Ford Racing teamed up to create a true Shelby collectible slotted between the regular production Mustang GT and the flagship Shelby GT500. The 2008 Shelby GT delivers on the same formula of blending a Ford Racing-tweaked powertrain and suspension with an array of Shelby styling touches and enhancements.

"The Shelby GT was engineered for people that put performance first," said Carroll Shelby. "Working with Ford Racing, we created this Shelby to be an everyday driver that’s tuned for fun at the track.  Those who value a well-balanced package will appreciate it.  Those who don’t will be left behind, staring at its tailpipes."

Ford Division has long used the Tulsa meet for the public introductions of many performance Fords over the years – and really caused a stir last summer when the production 2007 Shelby GT500 was shown for the first time. If that wasn't enough, Ford Division Car Marketing Manager Robert Parker also brought along the 2007 Mustang GT/CS "California Special," as well as an Shelby-Hertz GT-H for good measure. With the '08 Shelby GT unveiled this year, the Ford display drew heavy traffic all show long.

"The Mustang convertible is the No.1 selling convertible in the United States," Parker noted. "The Mustang program never stands still, so we'll continue offering consumers what they want – and they told us it was a Ford Mustang Shelby GT convertible."

All Shelby GT models begin as a specially equipped Mustang GT, assembled at the AutoAlliance International assembly plant in Flat Rock, Mich. The cars are then shipped to the Shelby Automobiles facility in Las Vegas for transformation into Shelby GTs before delivery to Ford dealerships nationwide.

"The Ford Shelby GT was so well-received last year, especially by young enthusiasts, that we brought the car back for the 2008 model year," explained Amy Boylan, President of Shelby Automobiles. "And the enormous response to the Shelby GT-H convertible convinced us to offer a drop top Shelby GT. We had so many requests for blue that we decided to make it our signature color in 2008."

Every Shelby GT is built for real performance and is the result of extensive development.  Aerodynamics helped sculpt the front fascia with an integrated lower air dam. The hood scoop comes directly from the famed Shelby Cobra roadster, while unique side scoops are positioned just before the rear wheel arches. The special rear fascia frames dual exhaust tips, and Shelby badging appears on the trunk lid.

"The partnership between Ford Racing and Shelby demonstrates our ability to work together to deliver some of the most exciting Mustangs ever built," said Jamie Allison, manager of the Ford Racing Performance Group. "Ford Racing has a full line of performance parts for Mustang enthusiasts to customize their vehicles. The Shelby GT convertible is another example of how, working together, Shelby and Ford Racing are developing, producing and delivering niche performance Mustangs directly to the customer."

Under the hood, the Mustang 4.6-liter V-8 is upgraded with a Ford Racing Power Pack to increase output to 319 horsepower and 330 foot-pounds of torque. A high-flow exhaust system with X-pipe crossover offers better power delivery and a throaty exhaust note. Shelby GT comes standard with a five-speed manual transmission featuring a Hurst short-throw shifter for precise shift action. A five-speed automatic transmission is optional.

The Shelby GT also includes the Ford Racing Handling Pack with special-tuned dampers, unique sway bars and a 3.55:1 ratio rear-axle assembly for extra off-the-line acceleration. The overall ride height is dropped to reduce body lean, while a front strut-tower brace adds additional strength to the chassis structure. The 2008 models will sport 18-inch polished wheels with high-performance P235/50ZR-18 BFGoodrich g-Force tires to maximize handling upgrades. And to help set them apart from other Mustang convertibles, each Shelby GT drop top gets a stylish overbody Shelby light bar.

"Make no mistake – the Shelby GT is for drivers," said Boylan. "We enhanced the motor, the chassis and other bits to make it a fun, balanced car that is equally at home on the street or track.  It’s easy to drive, very fast and offers great value."

While news of the 2008 Shelby GT took center stage at Tulsa, it only added to the air of excitement that always seems to surround the Mid-America show. The annual meet covers everything from a cruise through Tulsa's historic district to open-track action at the Hallett Motor Racing Circuit, and from drag racing at Tulsa Raceway Park to a popular-vote car show. Like every year, participants and attendees came from all across the nation just to be a part of this celebration of Ford performance.

Although always it's easy to have fun in the sun at the Tulsa show, it was tough to find anything cooler than the 2008 Shelby GT convertible. But you can find one of your own later this summer at your local Ford dealer.