Rockin' red paint, double GT striping and a mean old snake on the grill are just the trace evidence that this car ain't no regular Mustang but the latest street bully to wear the Shelby name. In case you ever forget, the SVT logo is stamped everywhere from the license plate to the door sills to remind you.
The basic shape and stance looks right - I actually went to a Ford showroom to verify and the real deal is also extra-chunky. The ride height may be a little high on the model compared to the ground hugging 1:1 more like the traditional Mustang than the tuned Snake charmer. Such is the price of re-used molds.
The engine has more to look at than most modern cars. The block itself isn't reflective of Aa's best work - the wiring and plumbing doesn't provide an illusion that it's anything other than molded plastic. However, the compartment is dreamy with the louvers looking great in matte black. In fact, there are matte black details throughout this model such as the mesh grille and rocker panels that provide a vivid contrast with the red and white paint. It's so colorful it almost has a rotoscope effect when quickly viewed.
Door, hood and trunk lines snap shut tight and the door handles, of all things, are some of the best I've ever seen on a model in terms of realism. Chassis detail is presentable but not memorable (would real brake lines really just be asking way too much?)
The two-tone interior soft seating is especially well done, though the on the dash the speedometer and tach are mounted so deeply - seeing them is well nigh impossible. But that's true of the real car. Nice chrome beveling makes up for it, almost tricking the eye to see what is not there.
Good lights? Check. Right insignia? Check. Nice to know with AUTO art all the little things are well looked after.
Time will tell if the modern incarnation of the Shelby ranks with the seminal 60's brutes. The AUTO art model? It is a well executed piece of automobilia and Shelby fans will be proud to add it to their collection.
-Rusty Hurley
