About – FauxShelby

FauxShelby

THE STORY

A Living Tribute to Carroll Shelby

The Spirit of the Snake

Every line, every bolt, and every modification on this machine was chosen with a singular purpose: to honor the legacy of Carroll Shelby. What started as a factory 2005 Mustang GT has been meticulously transformed into “FauxShelby”—a car that captures the aggressive aesthetic and performance-first philosophy of the legendary builder while maintaining its own unique soul.

Built by Phil Westberg. Owned by Tom Tokstad. Loved by All.

"These cars are meant to be driven, so enjoy the hell out of it, not just the look of it when it's all clean."

The 2005 S197

The 2005 Mustang GT marked the return of the retro-futuristic design that defined a new generation. With its modular 4.6L 3V V8, it provided the perfect canvas for a high-performance build. We took that canvas and stripped it of compromise, replacing factory softness with track-ready precision.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

POWERTRAIN

displacement

4.6L 3-VALVE V8

transmission

MANUAL 5-SPEED

exhaust

LONG-TUBE HEADERS

CAMSHAFTS

FORD PERF HOT ROD

CHASSIS

SUSPENSION

COILOVER CONVERSION

SWAY BARS

UPGRADED F/R

BUSHINGS

POLYURETHANE

PLATFORM

2005 S197 GT

AESTHETICS & AERO

LIVERY

SHELBY GT-H BLK/GLD

FRONT AERO

APR SPLITTER

fauxshelby

Built as a tribute to Carroll Shelby, the legendary and iconic builder and enthusiast of so many of our favorite high-performance cars.

Build Journey

The evolution from a daily street driver to a focused track instrument. Documented progression of mechanical upgrades.

Foundation

Suspension overhaul including coilover conversion, upgraded sway bars, and polyurethane bushings to eliminate factory body roll and secure a planted feel on corner entry.

Power & Sound

Installation of Ford Performance Hot Rod Cams, JLT intake, and long-tube headers. The engine now breathes freely, delivering that signature high-compression lope and immediate throttle response.

Aero & Interior

Conversion to the Shelby GT-H black and gold livery, APR front splitters for downforce, and a full interior strip including rear-seat delete, roll cage and Corbeau racing buckets for ultimate driver focus.

Photos