Back in the day, there was a Ford Maverick Shelby. About 300 models were produced in 1971 when the Ford Maverick was a muscle car instead of a truck. So, will the Maverick stay true to its racing roots with a new Shelby trim? 

The Ford Maverick Shelby could happen soon 

There is an automotive designer and artist known as Chip Foose who is helping the Ford Maverick Shelby transform from an idea into a concept. To be honest, this hot rod has us wanting to race. 

For a bit of background information, Chip Foose has been around for decades with his business, Foose Design Inc. He is known for building custom cars and his Velocity TV show, “Overhaulin.” So, he does have a lot of automotive street cred. 

Foose shared that most aftermarket companies and builders are focusing on making the Maverick more of an off-road capable truck. He wanted to do something different. So, making the Ford Maverick look like a more aggressive street racer was his solution. 

What to expect with the Maverick Shelby 

It isn’t too crazy to expect the Ford Maverick Shelby to become a reality. Ford hasn’t ruled out a high-performance street-focused Maverick model yet. With the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 and Ford Mustang Mach-E Shelby on the way, the Maverick Shelby could be next. 

Foose’s process of creating the Maverick Shelby involves adding wider fender flares, a bed-mounted rear wing, a hood scoop, and unique lights. The truck would also need to be lowered with larger wheels. 

The hood scoop is necessary for adding cool, fresh air into the motor to gain more horsepower. Air intakes on the front fascia would cool the brakes too. This makes us wonder if the Shelby Maverick would gain upgraded breaks for enhanced stopping power. 

To complete the look, Foose added fog lights and shading to give the Maverick more of a ground-hugging look. The truck wears the classic Shelby look with white paint and blue stripes. It’s complemented with satin black trim to match factory pieces. 

The Maverick Shelby would arrive after the Ford Maverick Rattler. It’s an off-roading model. Spy shots show that the Maverick Rattler has an inch lift and a lower front skid plate bumper with an improved approach angle. 

Is the Ford Maverick fast? 

The Ford Maverick Shelby would need to bring the speed. With the Maverick, you get a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that’s paired with an electric motor to generate 191 hp and 155 lb-ft of torque. 

You can upgrade to the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine for 250 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. With the more powerful engine, the Ford Maverick can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 6.4 seconds. That’s an excellent start for racing. 

It has a smooth transmission and a little body roll-around curves. But the steering is a little vague, and it handles like a truck. Also, the ride quality is a bit bumpy. So the Maverick Shelby will need sportier handling and a smoother ride. 

We will keep an eye out for Maverick updates. This little truck has a lot of potential for off-roading and racing. We hope to see the Rattler and Shelby emerge by the end of 2022.