Over the past couple years, Oklahoma-based Classic Recreations has made a name for itself with various iterations of the Shelby GT500, starting with licensed Eleanor replicas and moving on to the Shelby GT500CR continuation cars including the most recent Venom version.

It looks like Classic Recreations will be branching out, if you can call it that, with a new model. The company has posted a new rendering of a GT350CR based on the 1965-1966 Mustang Fastback on its web site. Following the same theme as the other Classic Recreation cars, the GT350CR combines classic styling with modern amenities such as rack and pinion steering, coilover suspension and disc brakes. Each car also features a 545-horsepower, 427-cubic-inch V8 and plenty of authentic Shelby Performance Parts. No word on when the cars will be first delivered to customers, but Classic Recreations is currently taking order with a starting asking price of 9,000.

You can see a full list of Shelby GT350CR features and specs after the jump.

Continue reading Classic Recreations working on Shelby GT350CR model

Classic Recreations working on Shelby GT350CR model originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Aug 2011 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fresh off helping the Oklahoma State Legislature to write a new law to help restorers of vintage cars, Classic Recreations has announced the availability of the “Venom” version of its Shelby GT500CR. From the outside, the Venom appears to be identical to the standard GT500CR model, but under the hood lurks a ProCharger F1-R centrifugal supercharger to boost output of the 427-cubic-inch V8 to 780 horsepower.

There are some subtle changes to the rest of the car, as well. Inside is a set of racing-style bucket seats and a 200-mph speedometer, while the suspension has been upgraded and wider Nitto NT555 series tires added to help handle the extra horsepower.

Classic Recreations has released a bevy of photos of the Shelby GT500CR Venom, which you can see in the gallery below, or hit the jump to see a video of the car in action as well as a list of full features and specifications.

Continue reading Classic Recreations unleashes Shelby GT500CR Venom

Classic Recreations unleashes Shelby GT500CR Venom originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 May 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Last summer, Classic Recreations, the builder of the Shelby-licensed GT500CR, was accused of VIN fraud and was under investigation by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. Fortunately, unlike a previous company associated with continuation Shelby Mustangs, Classic Recreations was absolved of all wrongdoing, although at the time, the methods of restoring classic cars with new parts were still a gray area.

While Classic Recreations may have had to deal with bad PR and worried customers, the whole fiasco has actually led to something that will benefit many of the restoration shops throughout Oklahoma. A bill unanimously passed in the state legislature earlier this month, SB 38, now clearly sets guidelines for the restoration of classic cars with new or aftermarket parts. A company can now use new body panels if:

• Starter car must have a clean title, not a salvage
• Replacement panels and/or body must be licensed by the OEM manufacturer
• Replacement body must be the same as the original body (year/make/model)
• Builder will have to pay “rebody” fee
• They will be issued a new title with an asterisk and the word “rebody” on it

The new law seems to be a good compromise that allows for the clearly defined use of new parts while maintaining the spirit (and legality) of the original car.

[Source: Classic Recreations, Oklahoma State Legislature]

Classic Recreations spurs creation of new law to help restorers of vintage cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Mar 2011 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Classic Recreations and its owner, Jason Engel, are back at work cranking out jaw-dropping interpretations of the Shelby GT500 CR. Early last month, the restoration shop was raided by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. According to Classic Recreations, a former disgruntled employee made false accusations to the OSBI about stolen equipment. Authorities even confiscated multiple vintage Ford Mustangs during the raid, but found no pilfered hardware. Instead, the investigators determined that Engel had not followed proper protocol when replacing rusty sheet metal on the Blue Ovals – specifically where the VIN plate is attached to the vehicle.

The OSBI determined that Classic Recreations couldn’t replace rusty metal around the VIN tag without completely retitling the vehicle – something that should concern anyone with an interest in putting an old car back on the road. Engel said that the OSBI’s findings will only serve to drive up costs for both his shop and his customers as instead of being able to start with a rusty shell, he will now have to start with higher quality donors. We’re guessing the Ford purists out there will be none too happy about that fact, either.

In the meantime, Classic Recreations is carefully inspecting the confiscated cars, detailing them and getting the wild ponies back to their rightful owners. Past that, Engel says that he is working with state legislators to more clearly define what can and cannot be replaced on a vehicle during a restoration. From the sound of things, that’s something that parties on both side of the issue can agree upon. Hit the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading Classic Recreations declared free of wrong doing

Classic Recreations declared free of wrong doing originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Aug 2010 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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