This is a 2005 SSC Ultimate Aero SC/8T prototype, the 2nd of just 3 total SC/8T prototypes constructed. This model was the preview to the Ultimate Aero model which was built in limited numbers by SSC North America from 2004-2013. In 1999, an engineer by the name of Jerod Shelby founded Shelby SuperCars with a goal in mind of developing an American-made supercar. The companies name was later changed to become SSC North America in order to differentiate themselves from Carroll Shelby’s iconic Shelby American company, which has no relation to SSC. After much time was spent engineering, designing and developing between Jerod Shelby and his team, SSC North America eventually introduced their first ever prototype in 2004, and it was officially named the SSC Aero SC/8T prototype (001). With things quickly advancing for SSC after developing a total of 3 SC/8T prototypes, by the year 2006, the company would have already built its first ‘production car’, a ‘Cobalt Blue’ car called the Ultimate Aero TT. In 2007, the team achieved an official Guinness World Record for ‘the fastest production car in the world’ with the second production car built 002. The carbon-fiber and titanium constructed Ultimate Aero TT managed to set a speed record of 412.28 km/h (256 mph), the average of two runs in opposite directions in accordance with the FIA Speed Records rules. The prototype SC/8T cars made use of a variety of supercharged V8 engines, while the TT cars were powered by a series of twin-turbocharged V8 engines. The SSC Ultimate Aero cars were continuously enhanced as the years went by, ultimately culminating in the companies final 6.9L twin-turbocharged V8-powered Ultimate Aero XT model in 2013. Particularly, this example was first ever finished in a full silver paint finish with silver wheels and a red interior, and today is shown with black wheels, and black striping.
How many made? 14 across all variants (3 SC/8T prototypes, 10 TTs, and 1 XT)
Engine: 6,300cc supercharged V8
Debut: 2005 Concorso Italiano in Monterey, CA
Top Speed: approximately 257mph
0-60mph: around 2.7 seconds
Photo Credit: @waddle_spots & @johnmarkbreid
Research: @rarecarsonly
2005 SSC Ultimate Aero SC/8T prototype
03.10.2024
SSC North America