Unique Performance is the world’s premier small volume manufacturer of vintage and contemporary production American muscle cars. Beginning as a hot rod shop, the juggernaut has evolved into one of the most respected automotive powerhouses in the industry by fulfilling the automotive fantasies of celebrities, athletes and enthusiasts.

Working with automotive icons including Carroll Shelby and Chip Foose, the company builds small volumes of handcrafted, limited production vehicles ranging from vintage Shelbys and Camaros to a custom version of the current Ford Mustang. Future projects being explored include custom versions of MOPAR vehicles and a two seat sports car.

Birth of a Venture
Unique Performance was founded by partners Douglas Hasty, Chris Layne and Richard Kearby. All three have enjoyed a lifelong passion for motorsports and fast cars. From their roots as teenage gear heads to participation in the NHRA Pro Mod racing, each is immersed in the sport and hobby.

The heartbeat of the company is Hasty, president and CEO of Unique Performance. Hasty used his business savvy to expand Unique Performance from restoring and building premium classic vehicles to now offer limited production manufacturing. The first car introduced by the company was based on a 1967 Ford Mustang.

Enter a Legend
One of those impressed with the car was none other than Texan Carroll Shelby. As enthusiasts have eagerly awaited more Mustang-based Shelbys since the assembly line closed in 1970, Carroll Shelby had been searching for the right partner to build them. After he inspected Unique’s G.T.500E, Shelby knew he had found the right group for the project.

In 2002, Mr. Shelby, Carroll Shelby Licensing and Unique Performance agreed to produce continuation Shelbys based on vintage 1960s Ford Mustangs with updated performance and comfort.

The Shelby G.T.500E is similar in appearance to the G.T.500’s Shelby American built in 1967. However, the G.T.500E features cutting-edge technology underneath the classic good looks of the 1960s era Shelby. As authentic Shelbys, G.T.500Es will be listed in the Shelby American World registry.

A New Home
To keep up with the hunger for the Shelbys, Unique found a new home in the Dallas suburb of Farmers Branch. The Shelby cars are now built in a 30,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility that boasts a metal and body shop, twin paint booths, an R&D “skunk works” and five assembly lines.

The production team of experienced craftsmen are adept in all aspects of manufacturing, restoration, fabrication, racing preparation and development, they have created award-winning automobiles for prestigious auto shows and races. Now they are putting that experience to work building small volumes of extremely desirable collector cars.

One for the Purist – the G.T.350SR The second car in the continuation series is based on the 1965 Shelby G.T.350R. While the G.T.500E featured a custom body, the G.T.350SR resembles the legendary G.T.350R. By using the latest technology, the continuation G.T.350SR is an even faster, better handling and more comfortable Shelby for the 21st century.

Award-Winning Designer Arrives The Shelby project attracted the attention of many industry icons, including the extraordinary Chip Foose. In mid 2005, Unique Performance and Foose Design signed an agreement to create limited edition performance cars. The team will transform automobiles into world-class performance machines with stunning designs by Chip Foose and 21st century speed technology.

Chip Foose, famous as the lead designer on TLC’s popular series Overhaulin’, is one of the top designers in the world. He has designed and built signature street rods, customs, studio vehicles and show cars for films such as Blade Runner and RoboCop.

The first American automobile tapped for limited edition transformation was the 1969 Camaro. Vintage Camaros are being rescued and then the team is installing new wheels, engines, suspensions, transmissions and interiors found in current production luxury performance cars, based on Chip’s designs.

The Next Generation
While working on the vintage car program, Chip and Unique simultaneously began work on a limited production version of Ford’s redesigned Mustang. The team was invited to introduce its “Foose Stallion” during the Ford Motor Company display in Birmingham, Mich., during Detroit’s Woodward Dream Cruise in August 2005.

The relationship builds upon the strengths of both companies and introduced a new company to the mix. Chip Foose penned the “Stallion” Mustang’s bold styling. Unique Performance is responsible for development of modifications and all marketing activities. Detroit based Tecstar, a top OEM supplier and development company, will handle the engineering, validation and assembly of the vehicles.

Specialty products from Dupont’s Hot Hues™, Ford Racing, JBA, Baer Brakes and BFGoodrich® will be included into every Foose-designed Stallion. The Stallion is scheduled to be available through select Ford dealers nationwide in early 2006. Production will be capped at only 3,000 per year with an MSRP projected to begin at $38,000.

A Growing Business
Production is in full swing in its Texas facility with five cars rolling off the line each month. The Foose designed cars and Shelbys have been a top attraction at major events throughout North America. Demand is high for their limited edition super cars.

The company has engineered many of its own components, which led Unique Performance to launch a parts business. The company even began offering genuine all aluminum small block 427 c.i.d. Shelby engines to the public, as well as other proprietary components.

By working with Foose and Shelby, Unique Performance is able to deliver very exclusive and exciting vehicles for just about any taste. It’s a wonderful time to be an enthusiast and the team is excited to be able to help so many of them realize their dreams.