Shelby American Expands With A New Truck Partnership

Evander Long
March 24, 2026

Shelby American is hoping to enter a high-speed era of growth by reuniting a legendary team of automotive visionaries to redefine the high-performance truck market. The company recently signed a strategic agreement with Shelby Performance, a powerhouse based in Bristol, Indiana, to build and distribute an entirely new line of vehicles.

This partnership effectively brings the original dream team back together to manufacture elite versions of the Ford F-150 and F-250 pickups. Manufacturing is slated to begin in the second quarter of 2026 at a state-of-the-art facility specifically dedicated to these iconic machines.

Shelby American New Partnership

The foundation of this alliance dates back over a decade to a desert excursion in Baja. Jeff Burttschell and Mike Graber, the founders of Shelby Performance, previously led the specialty truck programs that set the industry standard for craftsmanship. After selling their former company in 2022, they have now invested millions of dollars into a new operation focused solely on vehicles that deliver the highest levels of performance. Joe Conway, the CEO of Shelby American, noted that demand for these vehicles continues to grow globally, which is why the brand is expanding its production capabilities through strategic relationships.

This isn’t just a simple rebranding of existing Ford trucks. The engineering team in Las Vegas worked closely with the Indiana crew on a comprehensive, ground-up redesign of the entire lineup. Every truck will feature enhanced King Shocks suspension systems for improved handling, significant horsepower increases, and bold styling that commands attention on the road. Burttschell stated that every design detail and every vehicle leaving the Bristol facility is driven by a lifelong passion for the heritage Carroll Shelby established 60 years ago.

Shelby American Expansion

The rollout begins within the next 90 days, starting with the 2026 F-250 Super Baja launch next month. To protect long-term collector value, production volumes will remain strictly limited, and every vehicle will be documented in the official registry. This strategic pivot allows Shelby American to outpace new market entrants by leaning into a 60-year racing legacy that no other modern truck builder can replicate.