Gary Patterson Talks the New 50th Anniversary Super Snake

The iconic Super Snake turns 50 in 2017. To celebrate, Shelby American announced it will be releasing 500 limited-edition Super Snakes – which has created some serious buzz and excitement. Shelby American partnered with a number of companies including Ford Performance and Michelin to create a 2017 model of the Super Snake. Each model also comes with upgraded Shelby spec dampers, sway bars, springs and bushings.

Gary Patterson, President of Shelby American and an OPTIMA PowerPro Ambassador is leading the company’s charge to reinvent the vehicle. We sat down with him to find out more about his role in this unique launch.

What role did you play with the launch of the Super Snake 50th Anniversary model and in the ideation process?

“My role at Shelby American is now President. In this position it is important to do a lot of listening to current customers, enthusiasts and other team members on what they would like to see in the next generation car. Using this information and my personal knowledge and passion for performance, it’s my job to lead the team to build the best car possible with all factors such as performance, appearance, branding, supply chain, performance parts components and price in mind as we make choices.”

Outside of the incredible customization and wide body kit, what is your favorite aspect of this new model?

“My favorite aspect of the new Super Snake is the balanced performance. This one is clearly about horse power but also how it is put to the ground and how it handles on a road course and on the street during everyday use.”

What is your favorite piece of consumer or media feedback you have received on the new model?

Some of the comments made by people who drive it and or own it...

"I just love this car and the way it makes me feel when I drive it”

“It is like a dream come true”

“This is the most bad ass car I have ever owned”

“I have waited all my life for this car”

In your opinion, what does this launch mean for the future of Shelby American? What goals do you have for Shelby American in the upcoming years?

This car was a very successful launch on many fronts. It sent a great message that we we’re listening to the customers and cared about what they wanted. They responded by buying and that sends a great message both domestic and abroad as we expand our business.

Along those lines, future goals for the company are simple- Carroll Shelby would always say that performance was his business. That is a mantra that we carry forward to this day. In doing so we are expanding our brand and operations globally. We are working well with Ford to help with these objective and we are also working on different lines of vehicles that people are asking for. Trucks are a larger part of our business and we will do more with trucks in the future.

What plans do you have for the car at the 2017 SEMA Show?

We are still working on about how it will be displayed at the 2017 SEMA show, but we’re excited to see the continuing conversation around this new model.

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