You're quite a big Shelby fan, right? Why?
I like their simplicity, but the most important features for me are the engine, performance and looks. I don't like any other muscle car apart from the Shelby Mustangs — both the GT500 Cobra and Super Snake.
I love their brutal performance and raw sound. That's what makes my ride so enjoyable.
What was your first car?
It was a gift from my father during my first year of university — a 2002 Lexus RX300. I really loved that car and it was great for weekends on the dunes. You wouldn't imagine a Lexus towing other cars out of the sand, but it did! Next I bought a 2006 Jeep Wrangler with a manual gearbox. I still have it and it's a blast to drive in the rough. Then, in 2009, I got married and bought my wife a Mercedes GLK350, which is a practical, family-orientated vehicle. Finally in 2010, I bought the GT500.
Your GT500 is quite a rare and special ride. What's the story behind it?
It all started when I visited Al Tayer showroom in 2009 to see their latest cars, and that's when I came across the GT500 Shelby Cobra. I just fell in love with it.
I wanted to take it for a test drive but was told I could test any other Mustang except the GT500, because it was the most powerful and dangerous car they had. This just made me more curious about the performance of this monster.
But you got your way soon enough…
Yes, in 2010 I had a call from the sales team from the showroom and was finally allowed to take the new model year Shelby for a drive.
I was blown away by the sheer power and I didn't want to return it!
What did you do after that?
I decided to order the 2011 Shelby GT500 with a new colour, Ingot Silver with Red Stripes. I was told that it would be the first one in the UAE and it would be coming by June 2010. I waited anxiously but was informed that it would be delayed until August 2010. This was beginning to test my patience and so I found a website that allowed me to track the ship which my car was on, and follow its progress all the way from Baltimore to Dubai. Every day I would follow the ship as it travelled across the Atlantic and finally into the Gulf where it docked at Jebel Ali port in September 2010.
It was released and handed over to me on September 18 and I was told that it was the very first 2011 Shelby GT500 in Ingot Silver to arrive here. For me, it really didn't matter if it was the first or last — what mattered was that the GT500 was finally in my garage!
I always wanted something unique and powerful, and my dream was always to get the GT40, but I live not too far away from that dream with my GT500.
What's it like to drive?
I must admit that you need to know exactly how far you can push this car. Even with the traction control on, it can get out of control. With the traction control switched off, it is lots of fun on the track.
The aluminium block 5.4-litre supercharged V8 pushes out 550bhp and it is mated toa six-speed manual short shifter. It's got Brembo brakes; just what you need to hold this beast steady.
It hits 0-100kph in 4.2 seconds, which is as quick as some of the most expensive supercars in production today. It handles very well and comes with the SVT package which includes lower springs and electronic steering.
It must get loads of attention, right?
No doubt it is a head-turner on the streets of Dubai, for both kids and adults. There have been many instances where people stop and take photos with the car.
Ford Middle East invited SVT chief engineer, Jamal Hameedi to meet up with Shelby owners at Al Tayer showroom and it was a pleasure to meet him.
He emphasised that the only downside for my Shelby was the difficulty I may face finding spare tyres as the SVT team worked closely with Goodyear to come up with the unique Eagle F1 Supercar G2 tyres that offer exceptional performance.
Your wife doesn't find it very comfortable, does she?
Because of the live rear axle and the stiff suspension, it can sometimes bounce around a bit and this makes her car sick! However, I plan to take very good care of it, as for me it is really a collector's car which I will be passing on to my son in the future.
Your Shelby fascination is taking over the house, isn't it?
I have a dedicated special corner at home with lots of Shelby memorabilia including Shelby portraits, a Shelby clock and photos with chief engineers and other accessories.
But the GT40 is still your dream car?
Yes it is. The closest I have come to owning one was when I saw one at Al Tayer used-car showroom.
I sat in it, started it and took some pictures but that was as far as it got.
Bio
Name Sam Foroutani
Job IT consultant and CEO of family business
From Iran
Wheels 2011 Mustang GT500 Shelby Cobra
In the UAE 27 years
