Shelby builds ‘Hope Edition’ GT500SE to help battle cancer

Shelby American reveals a one-off 2021 Shelby GT500SE named “Hope Edition” and commissioned by the non-profit Cruise for a Cause. This 800+ horsepower high-performance vehicle will travel around the United States to help raise money supporting cancer research through a sweepstakes campaign.

“Everyone had been touched by cancer, whether personally or through someone they love,” Shelby American president Gary Patterson said in the announcement.

“We were honored to build this one-off car for Cruise for Cause’s fundraising campaign. While every vehicle built at Shelby is special, we really poured our hearts into building a car that would inspire people to open their hearts and wallets to help eradicate this horrible disease.”

This custom Shelby GT500, built with the Carroll Signature Edition (SE) package, has “a host of upgrades ranging from a lighter dry carbon fiber performance hood with functional air vents to high flow cooling, suspension modifications and styling changes,” the news release adds.

“Since a portion of the sale from each SE package benefits the Carroll Shelby Foundation, it seemed the perfect foundation for our one-off car,” said Dan Neve, founder of Cruise for a Cause.

“Collaborating with Gary Patterson, Vince LaViolette and their team we chose the options that people want the most, like the Carbon Fiber Track Pack and stunning Anti-Matter blue color. Then we added bold ‘Hope Edition’ graphics in key places within and on the outside the car, plus an official Shelby badge noting that it is one or one.”

Cruise for a Cause was founded in 2010 after Neve’s mother and wife were diagnosed with breast cancer a one month apart. During that time, Neve bought his dream car, a 2010 Shelby GT500, which was added to the Shelby display at the EAA AirVenture air show in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. It was at that event Neve became friends with Shelby and his team.

“My initial plan was to travel and deliver hope wherever I could for one year,” Neve said. “Now after traveling thousands of miles and attending hundreds of events, Cruise for a Cause is known across the country for our dedication to supporting cancer research. We still continue to meet with survivors, victims and caregivers to offer hope to those who are battling this terrible disease.”

The Hope Edition GT500SE was unveiled on April 24^{at the Shelby facility in Las Vegas by Aaron Shelby, grandson of Carroll Shelby, Patterson and LaViolette.}

The car will make its first public appearance at the Shelbyfest event in Jefferson City, Missouri on May 6.

To donate and participate in the sweepstakes to win this ‘Hope Edition’ GT500SE, visit the Cruise for a Cause campaign.