A custom auto shop in Windsor-Essex is about to become one of just three garages in the country to be fully certified to modify the iconic Shelby badge.
The family-run Xcentric Autosports in Oldcastle will become the only shop east of Manitoba licensed to handle the modifications of Ford Mustangs and other vehicles into Shelby Cobras and Super Snakes.
Bill Darmon spoke with Ricardo Veneza on The Afternoon News and says it was something his customers really wanted.
"Sent the request down to Shelby in Las Vegas to see what was involved in becoming a Shelby modifier," he says. "Over a two-year span we've worked towards becoming capable and knowledgeable enough to be able to do that."
Modifications can run upwards of $100,000 and that's why two-years of training are needed to create an elite Shelby muscle car or truck.
"That involves a number of things from brakes to wheels and tires, to interiors, engine modifications, body modifications," says Darmon. "There are some options, but there are some pretty basic line kits that we have to work off of."
Darmon says local Ford dealers and racers helped out, but pitching Windsor-Essex as the first new certified Shelby shop in years wasn't a hard sell.
"We're the motor city capital of Canada and we have these capabilities, they exist here, the technology, the people and the enthusiasm for vehicles," he says. "Why not, why not make Shelby here?"
The company will be heading out to Nevada with members of his team to receive final training as part of the two year process.
Darmon hopes to see the first vehicle into the shop for Shelby-modification by the end of January.
— with files from AM800's Ricardo Veneza