Las Vegas, Nevada - Probably the only downside to the worldwide release of the all-new Ford Mustang early in 2015 is that it will mean the end of the iconic Shelby GT500 Super Snake - Carroll Shelby's final and, in some ways finest, creation.
While there is no doubt that Shelby American is working on equally outrageous conversions for the new Pony Car, it's unlikely that they will have the same brute presence as the current Super Snake, which was first released in 2007.
So, to honour the memory of the man himself, and as a last hurrah for the GT500 as we know it, Shelby American has put together just 50 Signature Edition packages, to create that number of very special Super Snakes.
This is not a limited-edition special model; you bring them your GT500 - any example, coupé or convertible, built between 2007 and 2014 and in decent condition - before the end of January 2015, plus a cheque for $44 995 (R523 000) and they will transform it into a numbered, one-of-fifty Signature Edition Super Snake.
SO WHAT DO YOU GET FOR $44 995?
To start with, you get a 3.6-litre Kenne Bell supercharger in place of the standard blower, upping the engine's rated power from 488kW to 627kW.
To keep things cool when the going gets hot, you get the Shelby Performance cooling package, which includes a bigger radiator, heat exchanger and aluminium cooling tanks.
And while it's up on the hoist, you get upgraded rear brakes and revised suspension, as well as special Weld Shelby forged-alloy rims with exclusive Signature Edition centre caps, custom-coloured to match the special go-faster stripes, which will be cut to order for your car in your choice of any standard Ford colour.
You get special Signature Edition badges on the front wings, boot lid and steering-wheel boss, numbered plaques on the centre console and the engine airbox cover, and monogrammed floor mats in the foot-wells.
And finally, when you take delivery of your Signature Edition Super Snake in Las Vegas, you get a full day's advanced driving instruction at the same circuit where all Shelbys are tested, to ensure you can handle the extra performance.
Still got some money to spend? As an extra-cost option, you can ask for the factory wide-body kit to be fitted before the stripes and special badges go on.